Scouring Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Scouring.
What does it mean?
removal of oils and processing residues. Working figures for Scouring normally sit around before bleaching or dyeing in mainstream production. Note alkaline scouring process on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
What value should be specified?
Start from before bleaching or dyeing and adjust for the end use of the garment. Record elastane content alongside Scouring, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside before bleaching or dyeing usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
How is it tested?
alkaline scouring process. Keeping reference values for Scouring lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with alkaline scouring process, since both affect the reading.
Why does it change between lots?
Process variables such as finishing temperature and elastane batch cause the normal spread of results. Working figures for Scouring normally sit around before bleaching or dyeing in mainstream production. Note alkaline scouring process on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Can results be compared across suppliers?
Only when the same standard revision and conditioning are used; otherwise measurements are not equivalent. Record elastane content alongside Scouring, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside before bleaching or dyeing usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
