AATCC 61 Accelerated Laundering: Fast Answers for Colour Fastness
Accelerated laundering compresses multiple home washes into one short test, which makes it ideal for fast colour fastness screening.
This article sets out what the requirement involves, how to specify it and how to verify it before bulk production.
Test principle
Samples are laundered in a steel container with steel balls at a defined temperature for a short cycle.
In practice the goal is predictability: the same result on the first order and on the fifth reorder.
Equivalent washes
Different test conditions correspond to approximately five, ten or more home launderings.
Where a standard exists, name the standard number, since a value without a method cannot be verified by a third party.
- Ask for a separate price line for the requirement
- Confirm minimum quantities before committing the colourway
- Build one extra approval round into the calendar
Grading approach
Colour change and staining are graded against grey scales, as in conventional washing fastness testing.
Consider the interaction with other processes, because improving one stage on its own often shifts the problem elsewhere.
Where it is used
US programmes frequently specify AATCC 61, while European buyers often prefer ISO 105 C06.
Verify with an accredited test on production fabric rather than a development sample, and repeat the test after laundering.
- Confirm the numeric range and the test method in the specification
- Keep an approved physical standard at the machine
- Retest after the agreed care regime before shipping
Limitations
Accelerated mechanical action does not replicate shrinkage or elastane fatigue, so dimensional tests remain separate.
Compare quotations on the same specification, otherwise the cheapest offer usually reflects a lower requirement.
Summary
A clear specification, a trained operator and a documented test together remove most of the risk from this part of the programme.
