Firsthand Experience on Washing Fastness Test Method ISO 105 C06

Colorfastness to domestic and Commercial laundering (ISO 105 C06) is to check the resistance of the textile or garment’s color change and staining to other textile components of the same item. In this article, you will read about a frontline technician’s firsthand experience with the Washing Fastness Test Method ISO 105 C06 (2010).

Why We Need To Test Colorfastness to Washing?

The clothing items we use daily must be washed several times before we throw them in the dustbin or recycle bin. So, the items may fade or self-stain after washing if their fastness property is not up to the mark. That’s why all the manufacturers try to maintain the wash fastness criteria provided by the retailers before exporting the goods.

Application Area of ISO 105 C06

1. This test method applies to textile materials, clothing items, trims, and accessories like buttons, bows, embroidery, applique, belts, etc.
2. Technical textile items like medical or geotextiles need special laundering procedures and are not covered in this method.
3. Unique all-over printed fabrics like glitter or foil prints covering the whole base fabric are also excluded from this test method.

List of Apparatus and Equipment for ISO 105 C06

1. A suitable wash fastness tester or a launder ometer like DaRong SW-12G model.
2. Stainless steel balls have a diameter of 6 mm +/- 0.1 mm.
3. Laboratory electric balance accurate to 0.001g for weighing detergents.
4. Laboratory wash glass.
5. Suitable size beakers up to 2 liters to make a solution.
6. The calibrated thermometer ranges from -10 to 110°C to verify the water bath temperature.
7. Sewing machine.
8. Large beakers/containers for rinsing tested specimens.
9. Drying oven or racks below 60°C for drying tested specimens.
10. Color matching cabinet and grey scales for rating.

Reagents and Consumables for ISO 105 C06

1. Distilled water or Grade 3 water.
2. Standard ECE ‘B’ phosphate-based detergent.
3. Multifibre adjacent fabrics (DW, LW & TV) or single fiber adjacent fabrics like cotton or wool.
4. Polypropylene fabric (non-dyeable) is used to test yarn, buttons, dyed fiber, and other similar small items.
5. White polyester core spun sewing thread for sewing.
6. OBA-free card and stapler for tested sample mounting.

Preparation of Test Specimen

There are different options for test specimen preparation

Solid-colored fabric or Garment

We will cut the specimen, which will be 100 mm in length and 40 mm in width. It is noted that the specimen should be taken at least 100 mm from the edge of a fabric. In the case of a garment, it should be taken at least 25 mm from the garment seam if possible.

For narrow fabrics like twill tape, ribbon, and drawcord that are less than 40 mm in width, we will cut several strips of specimens 100 mm in length. Then, we will place them side by side to cover the width of the multifibre fabric.

Printed Fabrics and Color-Blocked Garment

We will prepare the specimens following the measurement 100 ± 2 mm x 40 ± 2, but we will ensure that all colors in the product are tested.

Yarn & Dyed Fibre

If we get yarn or dyed fiber to test, we will take samples of yarn or loose fiber equal in mass to 50% of the mass of the multifibre fabric. Then, we will sandwich the sample between the multifibre fabric and a 100 mm X 40 mm piece of non-dyeable polypropylene fabric and sew along all 4 sides.

Trims and Accessories

If we get trims or accessories like buttons, we will take samples of around 50% of the mass of the multifibre fabric. Then, we will sandwich the buttons between the multifibre and non-dyeable polypropylene fabric and sew them along every side.

Colorfastness to Washing Test Conditions Table (Common Programs)

The most common programs of colorfastness to washing (ISO 105 X C06) are given in the table:

Notes:

1. S: Stands for Single Wash
2. M: Stands for Multiple Wash
3. Up to 50⁰C we will use multifibre fabric DW/LW.
4. For 60⁰C and above, we will use a multifibre fabric TV.
5. 1 in the codes means No Sodium Perborate needs to be added to the solution.
6. 2 in the codes means 1g/l Sodium Perborate needs to be added to the solution.
7. Fibers like wool, silk, or their blends, as well as steel balls, are not recommended.

Preparation of Solution for Colorfastness to Washing

We need to be very careful when we prepare the test solution. Here, for example, we will show how to make a solution for the A2S (400C) test program. If you can understand one program, you can find solutions for any program according to the table.

1. At first, we will take weight 4 +/- 0.01 g of ECE ‘B’ phosphate reference detergent without OBA into a wash glass with the help of an electric balance.
2. Then, we will take weight 1 +/- 0.01g of Sodium Perborate Tetrahydrate into a separate wash glass.
3. We will transfer both chemicals from the wash glasses into a 2000 ml beaker. We will use a small quantity of distilled water from a wash bottle to rinse the residual chemical powder.
4. Then, we will take 1000 ml G-3 water (pre-heated at 40⁰C) into the beaker.
5. Now, we will stir the solution properly to dissolve both chemicals. Sodium Perborate Tetrahydrate takes some extra time to dissolve. So, we have to be careful while stirring the solution.
6. We will immediately use the solution to conduct the test.

Testing Procedure of Colorfastness to Washing (ISO 105 C06)

Conducting the test is also an essential part of this test method. Here, we will guide you step by step:

1. At first, we will place the 550 ml specimen pots in the wash wheel and pre-heat the water bath at the required temperature. We will check the water bath temperature with a calibrated thermometer. The temperature must be within +/-2°C with the specified temperature in the test program.
2. Then, according to the specific program, we will open the pot lids and put the required number of stainless-steel balls into the pots.
3. We will place one prepared sample with multifibre fabric in each pot.
4. After that, we will add the required amount of prepared testing solution according to the test program with the help of a measuring cylinder.
5. Then, we will close the lids of the pots properly. After closing the machine’s lid, we will start it and run it for the specific time stated in the washing program.
6. At the end of the test, we will open the machine lid and remove the pots from the water bath.
7. We must wear proper hand gloves and take extra care when handling the test temperature of 60°C or above.
8. Then, we will remove the tested specimens from the pots and rinse them twice with grade 3 water at room temperature.
9. We will wash the specimens for one minute each time. Then, squeeze the specimens, separate the multifibre fabric, and dry an oven under 60°C.
10. Clean and dry the used pots and lids properly before re-use.

Rating or Color Assessment of Colorfastness to Washing

We will conduct the rating process under a color-matching cabinet supplied by Verivide, Gretag Macbeth, Datacolor, or Estel. We will use grey scale ISO 105 A02 for color change and ISO 105 A03 for color staining. Digital grading equipment like Digieye from Verivde can also be used if possible.

At least two properly trained personnel will rate the tested specimens. If the rating is between two whole grades, we will report it as being between two, like 2-3, not 2.5.

Conclusion

Colorfastness in washing tests is essential for both manufacturers and retailers. If they fail the washing test, it becomes very difficult for the manufacturers to get commercial approval to export the goods. Also, it becomes a brand value issue for the retailers if the consumers notice fading or staining in the products. So, we should conduct and rate this test very carefully.

FAQs

What is the latest version of ISO 105 C06?

The latest version of ISO 105 C06 is 2010.

What is color fastness to washing?

Colorfastness to washing is the capacity to retain color and resistance of bleeding to other parts of the same textile products during commercial or home laundering.

What is the colorfastness to washing rating?

The colorfastness to washing rating is to rate the tested samples. At first, we will rate the color change of the tested sample compared to the original with a grey scale ISO 105 A02. Then, we will rate the staining of multifibre fabric compared to the original with a grey scale ISO 105 A03.

Related Resource

Washing Fastness Tester

Washing Fastness Test Method ISO 105

AATCC 61/ISO 105 Automatic Textile Washing Tester SW-24AC

A Guide to ColorFastness in Textile Dyeing: What You Need to Know for Long-Lasting Vibrance