AATCC Recommended Washers & Dryers
Current Revision: July 30, 2007
Washers & dryers are used in the following AATCC test methods: 88B,
88C, 124, 130, 135, 142, 150, 159, & 172
AATCC is temporarily unable to provide specific washer and dryer model numbers for textile testing purposes. In the interim, AATCC recommends that you refer to the specifications listed in Tables I, IIA, IIB, IIC, IID, and IV which appear in the AATCC monograph 'Standardization of Home Laundry Test Condition'. This monograph can be found in the latest edition of the AATCC Technical Manual, on our website at http://www.aatcc.org/testing/mono/msds-mono.htm, or as shown below.
Table I—Machine Wash Conditions
Designation Wash Temperature Rinse Temperature
I Very Cold: 16 ± 3°C (60 ± 5°F) <18°C (65°F)
II Cold: 27 ± 3°C (80 ± 5°F) <29°C (85°F)
III Warm: 41 ± 3°C (105 ± 5°F) <29°C (85°F)
IV Hot: 49 ± 3°C (120 ± 5°F) <29°C (85°F)
V Very Hot: 60 ± 3°C (140 ± 5°F) <29°C (85°F)
Table IIA—Washing Machine Setting Conditions without Load 20005
Cycle1 Normal1 Permanent Press1 Delicate1
Water Level Medium2 18 ± 1 gal 18 ± 1 gal 18 ± 1 gal
Agitation Speed 179 ± 2 spm3 179 ± 2 spm 119 ± 2 spm
Washing Time 12 min 10 min 8 min
Spin Speed 645 ± 15 rpm4 430 ± 15 rpm 430 ± 15 rpm
Final Spin Time 6 min 4 min 6 min
Table IIB—Washing Machine Setting Conditions without Load 1992–1999
Cycle1 Normal1 Permanent Press1 Delicate1
Water Level Medium2 18 ± 1 gal 18 ± 1 gal 18 ± 1 gal
Agitation Speed 179 ± 2 spm3 179 ± 2 spm 119 ± 2 spm
Washing Time 12 min 10 min 8 min
Spin Speed 645 ± 15 rpm4 430 ± 15 rpm 430 ± 15 rpm
Final Spin Time 6 min 4 min 6 min
Table IIC—Washing Machine Setting Conditions without Load 1989–1991
Cycle1 Normal1 Permanent Press1 Delicate1
Water Level Medium2 18 ± 1 gal 18 ± 1 gal 18 ± 1 gal
Agitation Speed 179 ± 2 spm3 179 ± 2 spm 119 ± 2 spm
Washing Time 12 min 10 min 8 min
Spin Speed 645 ± 15 rpm4 430 ± 15 rpm 430 ± 15 rpm
Final Spin Speed 6 min 4 min 4 min
Table IID—Washing Machine Setting Conditions without Load before 1989
Cycle1 Normal1 Permanent Press1 Delicate1
Water Level Medium2 18 ± 1 gal 18 ± 1 gal 18 ± 1 gal
Agitation Speed 68 ± 2 spm3 68 ± 2 spm 45 ± 2 spm
Washing Time 12 min 10 min 8 min
Spin Speed 510 ± 15 rpm4 340 ± 15 rpm 340 ± 15 rpm
Final Spin Time 6 min 4 min 4 min
1 Cycle names vary with machine brand and model. “Normal Cycle” generally corresponds to the cycle that has the highest agitation and spin speed and it is also frequently designated as “Heavy Duty” or “Ultra Clean.” “Permanent Press Cycle” generally corresponds to the cycle with the shortest final spin time to minimize wrinkle formation and it is also frequently designated as “Easy Care.” “Delicate Cycle” generally corresponds to the cycle with the shortest washing time and it is also frequently designated as “Gentle.”
2 A water volume of 18 ± 1 gallons is equivalent to 68.1372 ± 3.7854 L. Since 1989, a water volume of 18 gallons is designated for washing medium size loads and it is frequently referred as “medium water level.” A volume of 21-22 gallons (equivalent to 79.4934-83.2788 L) is designated for washing large size loads and it is frequently referred as “high water level.”
3 spm = strokes per minute.
4 rpm = revolutions per minute.
5 The washers and dryers specifications listed are based upon models that are available in the U.S., specifically, the models at 60 Hz. Many models available outside of the U.S., specifically models at 50 Hz, may have some variations in these conditions. In many models, the wash time is shorter than listed. If this is the case, report the actual time.
Table IV—Tumble Drying Conditions1
Drying Designation Cycle
Maximum Exhaust Stack
Temperature with Loaded Dryer1
a Normal or Permanent Press 65 ± 6°C (150 ± 10°F)
[67± 6°C (154 ± 10°F) after 1983]
b Delicate, Synthetic, Low <60°C (140°F)
[<62°C (144°F) after 1983]
Cool Down Time Normal and Delicate 5 min
Permanent Press 10 min
[All 10 min after 1983]
Table V—Federal Trade Commission—Wash Temperature
Cold Initial water temperature setting same as cold water tap up to 29°C (85°F)
Warm Initial warm temperature setting 32-43°C (90-110°F)
Hot Water up to 66°C (150°F)
Note: It is recommended that washing machines used for performing standard testing be calibrated before running a
test or at minimum once a year to confirm they are performing as specified. This is particularly important for older
models and machines that are three or more years old. Simple procedures can be used to calibrate the machines as
follows:
a) Water Level: Manually, using a graduated metal pail, fill machine with room temperature water until it totals the
specified volume (e.g. 18 gal). Vertically, submerge into the water (perpendicularly to its surface), an 18 inch or
longer metal ruler until it touches the bottom of the machine drum. Using a permanent ink marker, draw a line on
the ruler at the point of contact with the surface of the water. In the future, use the marked ruler to check the
volume of water in-taken by the machine (the ruler needs to be submerged at exactly the same point where it
was submerged during the initial calibration).
b) Agitation Speed (spm): To facilitate the counting of the spm during agitation in the wash cycle, tape (use duct
tape) one end of a 6 inch metal ruler or rod to the center point on the top of the agitating post of the machine.
Tape a small piece of the duct tape at the free end of the metal ruler. Start machine and count the number of
strokes per minute in the wash cycle by focusing your eyes on the marked free end of the ruler.
c) Spin Speed (rpm): Use a tachometer to measure the speed (rpm) of the machine during the spinning process.
Follow the operating instructions for the tachometer that is used.