Reliable testing requires standard testing equipment and materials. This includes detergent, washing machines, and ballast designed specifically for consistency.
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.
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.
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.
Powder
OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT certified and ZDHC Level 1 certified.
NOT for use in high efficiency (HE) washing machines (see AATCC Standard Liquid Detergent).
Available with or without optical brightener.
No phosphates, enzymes, added colors, or added scents.
Sold in buckets and drums.
AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent (with OR without brightener)
AATCC provides only the SDS version(s) listed above. Customers are responsible for any necessary translation or reformatting to comply with local regulations.
AATCC TM61 (with or without brightener)
AATCC LP1 (standard conditions)
AATCC TM61 (with or without brightener)
AATCC LP1 (alternate conditions)
Liquid
For use in high efficiency (HE) washing machines OR traditional washing machines.
Available without optical brightener.
No phosphates, added colors, or added scents.
Sold in buckets.
Use 50 mL per 1.8-kg (4-lb) load.
HE vs. Regular Detergent (published by American Cleaning institute)
AATCC Standard Reference High Efficiency Detergent (WOB)
AATCC provides only the SDS version(s) listed above. Customers are responsible for any necessary translation or reformatting to comply with local regulations
AATCC LP1 (alternate conditions)
Used in AATCC TM171 Test Method for Carpets, Cleaning of: Hot Water Extraction, and AATCC TM137 Rug Back Staining on Vinyl Tile
Powder
For hot-water extraction cleaning of carpets
AATCC Carpet Detergent 171
AATCC provides only the SDS version(s) listed above. Customers are responsible for any necessary translation or reformatting to comply with local regulations.
Standard laundering conditions, detergent, and washing machine specifications have long been included in AATCC test methods.
They were historically updated by the relevant 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 laundering conditions. There was no clear correlation among the prescribed machines or detergents.
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, with considerable additional information.
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.
The manufacturers report that the following machines meet the parameters listed in the noted tables of AATCC LP1, Home Laundering: Machine Washing.
*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.”
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.
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