Laundering

For many years, laundering conditions and washing machine specifications were included in various AATCC test methods. They were updated by the test method committees as needed.

In 1984, machine parameters were moved to AATCC M6 and maintained by AATCC Research Committee RA88, Home Laundering Technology. From 1984 to 2017, M6 was gradually expanded to include parameters for a wide range of home washing machines. There was no clear correlation among these machines. As technology changed, it became difficult for labs to obtain washers meeting the published specifications.

In 2018, several research committees approved revised test methods with aligned, standard laundering conditions that are not expected to change for some time. Also in 2018, two new Laboratory Procedures were published with standard and alternate laundering conditions. AATCC LP1 and AATCC LP2 are complete laundering protocols that may be used in coordination with appearance evaluation, flammability preparation, or other procedures. AATCC LP1 replaces AATCC M6, but provides considerable additional information.

Standard Conditions

The manufacturers report that the following machines meet the parameters listed in the current versions of AATCC TM88B, TM88C, TM124, TM130, TM135, TM143, TM150, TM179, and TM207. These parameters are also listed in AATCC LP1, Home Laundering: Machine Washing, Table I. AATCC does not verify the parameters of washing machines or dryers.

SDL Atlas Vortex M6
Labtex LBT-M6

Alternate Conditions

The manufacturers report that the following machines meet the parameters listed in the noted tables of AATCC LP1, Home Laundering: Machine Washing.

Labtex LBT-M6 (Tables I, IIC, IID, IIIA, IIIB)
Labtex LBT-M6T (Tables IIA 1.8-kg load only, IIB 1.8-kg load only)
SDL Atlas Vortex M6 (Tables I, IIC, IID, IIIA, IIIB)
Whirlpool 3LWTW4840YW (Table IIC 3.6-kg load only)*
Whirlpool 3LWTW4815FW (Table IIIB 3.6-kg load only)*
Whirlpool 4KWTW4815FW (Table IIIB 3.6-kg load only)*
Whirlpool WTW5000DW (Table IIIC 3.6-kg load only, revised Delicate water level)*

*On October 15, 2018, Whirlpool issued the following statement: “Due to the complexity of using a residential washer designed to calibrate the water levels based on load size and fabric types, we do not feel that our Whirlpool Residential Washers & Dryers will meet the needs of a standardized lab test unit in the future. Once the listed units are phased out, we will no longer pursue offering AATCC test machines.”

Whirlpool Washer Details 

The manufacturers report that these machines meet the parameters listed in the current versions of AATCC test methods. These parameters are also listed in AATCC LP1, Home Laundering: Machine Washing, Table VI. AATCC does not verify the parameters of washing machines or dryers.

James Heal Accudry
Labtex LBT-M6D
Roaches Opti-Dry
SDL Atlas M223/1/2 Precision Tumble Dryer
SDL Atlas Vortex M6D
Whirlpool 3LWED4900YW
Whirlpool 3LWED4815FW (220 V/50 Hz/Single Phase)
Whirlpool 4KWED4815FW (220 V/60 Hz/Single Phase)
Whirlpool WED5000DW (220 V/60 Hz/Dual Phase)

Representative Formula

AATCC standard reference detergents are formulated to have the performance of an “average” consumer detergent. This means the results you see in the lab are likely to match the results an end-product consumer sees at home. No false passes from using a high-end detergent in the lab. AATCC and comparable mid-level consumer detergents are compared for performance in dimensional change, color change, color staining, stain release, and general appearance tests.

Consistent Production

The recipes for AATCC detergents are the same lot-to-lot. Using standard detergent throughout your supply chain means one less variable to consider when comparing test data. You can count on closely-monitored consistency—every season, in every location. No need to worry about the impact of new formulas, scents, or additives on your results.

Optical Brightener Options

For colorfastness testing, the optical brighteners present in most detergents can interfere with specimen evaluation. AATCC standard reference detergents without optical brightener (WOB) let you assess color change due to the test procedure, without the added influence of brighteners. This makes it easier to determine whether a particular dye or process is suitable for your product. AATCC detergents are also available with brighteners for general appearance evaluations or other tests where it may be important to replicate the end-product consumer’s laundering experience.

Detergent Details

• AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent (powder)
• AATCC High Efficiency Liquid Standard Reference Detergent
• Activated Oxygen Bleach (SNOBS) & Activator
• Carpet Detergent

HE Washers & Detergent

M1 AATCC Standard Reference Detergents & Laundry Detergents in General

RA88 Home Laundering Technology Committee