ASTM D5548-13(2020)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Evaluating Color Transfer or Color Loss of Dyed Fabrics in Laundering (Not Suitable for Detergent or Washing Machine Rankings)
Standard Guide for Evaluating Color Transfer or Color Loss of Dyed Fabrics in Laundering (Not Suitable for Detergent or Washing Machine Rankings)
ABSTRACT
This guide covers the evaluation of the effect of dyestuff color transfer or color loss from dyed fabrics. It is designed as a laboratory screening test to aid in the formulation of detergent products or the comparison of two or more detergents, it is not suitable for detergent or washing machine rankings. The apparatus and materials use in evaluating color transfer or color loss of dyed fabrics are presented in details. The procedure for color transfer in one wash, and color loss in three washes are presented in details.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the evaluation of the effect of dyestuff color transfer or color loss from dyed fabrics. It is designed as a laboratory screening test to aid in the formulation of detergent products or the comparison of two or more detergents.
1.2 There is no single assessment that will give the overall performance of a laundry product. A single test can only suggest how a formulation performs under the particular conditions chosen for the evaluation and cannot be expected to reflect comparative product performance under the many other possible conditions of use. A series of assessments is always necessary in order to evaluate the many aspects of product performance. It is necessary to conduct confirming tests under controlled but practical home-laundering conditions to simulate consumer experience.
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2020
- Technical Committee
- D12 - Soaps and Other Detergents
- Drafting Committee
- D12.15 - Physical Testing
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2011
- Refers
ASTM D459-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soaps and Other Detergents <a href="#fn00002"></a> - Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2009
- Refers
ASTM D459-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Soaps and Other Detergents <a href="#fn00002"></a> - Effective Date
- 15-Oct-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2008
- Refers
ASTM D459-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soaps and Other Detergents <a href="#fn00002"></a> - Effective Date
- 15-Jul-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-Jul-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Jan-2003
Overview
ASTM D5548-13(2020) provides a standardized laboratory guide for evaluating color transfer and color loss of dyed fabrics during laundering. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is intended to support detergent formulation and comparative screening of different detergent products. While it serves as an important tool for laboratory analysis, it is not designed for ranking detergents or washing machines for consumer use. The procedures outlined help identify the impact of laundering on fabric colorfastness, supporting quality assurance and product development in the textile and detergent industries.
Key Topics
- Color Transfer Evaluation: Guidance to evaluate how much color migrates from dyed to undyed fabrics after a single wash.
- Color Loss Assessment: Procedures for determining the loss of color from dyed fabrics after multiple washes.
- Standard Laboratory Conditions: Use of laboratory washers, controlled water hardness, and temperature for consistent results.
- Instrumental Color Measurement: Utilization of photoelectric colorimeters for objective measurement of fabric reflectance and color changes.
- Selection of Test Fabrics: Use of specific fabric swatches dyed with standard colors (e.g., red nylon, blue cotton) to establish varying color loss or transfer profiles.
- Reporting Guidelines: Recommendations on reporting all variables, including test method used, fabric types, washing parameters, and calculated color change values (∆E*).
Applications
ASTM D5548-13(2020) is widely applicable in multiple sectors involved in textiles and detergents:
- Detergent Formulation: Allows manufacturers to pre-screen potential detergent compositions for their impact on fabric color retention and dye transfer.
- Product Comparison: Enables side-by-side laboratory comparison of two or more detergent products under controlled laundering conditions.
- Quality Assurance: Provides textile manufacturers with a means to evaluate the colorfastness of their dyed fabrics before products reach consumers.
- Research & Development: Supports the optimization of laundry additives or processes to minimize dye fading and color bleeding.
- Regulatory Compliance: Assists companies in meeting internal or external quality and safety requirements related to colorfastness of fabrics.
The standard underscores that results from a single screening test cannot fully predict overall detergent performance under home laundering conditions, and confirms the necessity of conducting comprehensive and confirmatory tests to better simulate real-world scenarios.
Related Standards
Several standards and test methods are referenced or related to ASTM D5548-13(2020) to ensure thorough evaluation and consistent methodology:
- ASTM D459: Terminology Relating to Soaps and Other Detergents
- ASTM D1776: Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
- ASTM E179: Guide for Selection of Geometric Conditions for Measurement of Reflection and Transmission Properties of Materials
- ASTM E1347: Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
- AATCC Evaluation Procedures 6 & 7: Instrumental methods for measuring and assessing color change in textiles
By adhering to these internationally recognized standards, stakeholders ensure greater reliability and reproducibility in their evaluation of colorfastness and dye transfer properties.
Keywords: color transfer, color loss, dyed fabrics, laundering, detergent evaluation, laboratory screening, colorfastness, ASTM D5548, textile testing, dye fading, dye transfer, washing test, photoelectric colorimeter, detergent formulation, laundry additives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D5548-13(2020) is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Evaluating Color Transfer or Color Loss of Dyed Fabrics in Laundering (Not Suitable for Detergent or Washing Machine Rankings)". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This guide covers the evaluation of the effect of dyestuff color transfer or color loss from dyed fabrics. It is designed as a laboratory screening test to aid in the formulation of detergent products or the comparison of two or more detergents, it is not suitable for detergent or washing machine rankings. The apparatus and materials use in evaluating color transfer or color loss of dyed fabrics are presented in details. The procedure for color transfer in one wash, and color loss in three washes are presented in details. SCOPE 1.1 This guide covers the evaluation of the effect of dyestuff color transfer or color loss from dyed fabrics. It is designed as a laboratory screening test to aid in the formulation of detergent products or the comparison of two or more detergents. 1.2 There is no single assessment that will give the overall performance of a laundry product. A single test can only suggest how a formulation performs under the particular conditions chosen for the evaluation and cannot be expected to reflect comparative product performance under the many other possible conditions of use. A series of assessments is always necessary in order to evaluate the many aspects of product performance. It is necessary to conduct confirming tests under controlled but practical home-laundering conditions to simulate consumer experience. 1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This guide covers the evaluation of the effect of dyestuff color transfer or color loss from dyed fabrics. It is designed as a laboratory screening test to aid in the formulation of detergent products or the comparison of two or more detergents, it is not suitable for detergent or washing machine rankings. The apparatus and materials use in evaluating color transfer or color loss of dyed fabrics are presented in details. The procedure for color transfer in one wash, and color loss in three washes are presented in details. SCOPE 1.1 This guide covers the evaluation of the effect of dyestuff color transfer or color loss from dyed fabrics. It is designed as a laboratory screening test to aid in the formulation of detergent products or the comparison of two or more detergents. 1.2 There is no single assessment that will give the overall performance of a laundry product. A single test can only suggest how a formulation performs under the particular conditions chosen for the evaluation and cannot be expected to reflect comparative product performance under the many other possible conditions of use. A series of assessments is always necessary in order to evaluate the many aspects of product performance. It is necessary to conduct confirming tests under controlled but practical home-laundering conditions to simulate consumer experience. 1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D5548-13(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 59.080.01 - Textiles in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D5548-13(2020) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E1347-06(2020), ASTM D459-16, ASTM E1347-06(2015), ASTM E179-12, ASTM E1347-06(2011), ASTM D459-09, ASTM D459-08a, ASTM D1776-08e1, ASTM D1776-08, ASTM D459-08, ASTM D459-00(2007), ASTM E1347-06, ASTM D1776-04, ASTM E1347-03, ASTM E179-96(2003). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D5548-13(2020) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5548 − 13 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Guide for
Evaluating Color Transfer or Color Loss of Dyed Fabrics in
Laundering (Not Suitable for Detergent or Washing Machine
Rankings)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5548; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This guide covers the evaluation of the effect of dyestuff 2.1 ASTM Standards:
color transfer or color loss from dyed fabrics. It is designed as D459 Terminology Relating to Soaps and Other Detergents
a laboratory screening test to aid in the formulation of D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
detergent products or the comparison of two or more deter- E179 Guide for Selection of Geometric Conditions for
gents. Measurement of Reflection and Transmission Properties
of Materials
1.2 There is no single assessment that will give the overall
E1347 Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Mea-
performance of a laundry product. A single test can only
surement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
suggest how a formulation performs under the particular
2.2 AATCC Methods:
conditions chosen for the evaluation and cannot be expected to
Evaluation Procedure 6 Instrumental Color Measurement
reflect comparative product performance under the many other
Evaluation Procedure 7 Instrumental Assessment of the
possible conditions of use. A series of assessments is always
Change in Color of a Test Specimen
necessary in order to evaluate the many aspects of product
performance. It is necessary to conduct confirming tests under
3. Terminology
controlled but practical home-laundering conditions to simu-
3.1 Definitions:
late consumer experience.
3.1.1 See Terminology D459.
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to
3.1.2 laundering, n—a process intended to remove soils or
be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in
stains, or both, by treatment (washing) with an aqueous
parentheses are for information only.
detergent solution and normally including subsequent rinsing,
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
extraction, and drying.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.3 rinse, v or n—a process or treatment in an aqueous
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
medium for the purpose of removing extraneous matter from
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
textile materials.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4. Summary of Guide
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1 Three fabrics are chosen that exhibit varying degrees of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
color loss or transfer. A nylon fabric is dyed with a heavy
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
concentration of a red dye that will exhibit the greatest amount
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of color loss or transfer. Two cotton fabrics are dyed with blue
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
dyes, which provide a light and intermediate level of color loss
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D12 on Soaps and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Other Detergents and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D12.15 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Physical Testing. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5548 – 13. DOI: Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
10.1520/D5548-13R20. (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5548 − 13 (2020)
and transfer. A bleached undyed cotton fabric is washed in the 7.3 Measure the reflectance of the undyed fabric with a
same bucket as the dyed fabrics to act as a receptacle for the photoelectric colorimeter. (See Practice D1776, Test Method
fugitive dyestuff. E1347, Guide E179, and AATCC Procedures 6 and 7.)
4.2 The evaluation is performed in a laboratory washer 7.4 Measure the reflectance of the dyed fabrics with a
under standardized conditions. It is possible to rank one or
photoelectric colorimeter. (See Practice D1776, Test Method
more detergents using instrumental readings and determining E1347, Guide E179, and AATCC Procedures 6 and 7.)
the ∆E* values.
8. Procedure for Color Transfer in One Wash
5. Apparatus
8.1 Wash swatches in laboratory washer.
5.1 Laboratory Washer—A laboratory-scale, agitator-type
8.1.1 Water—1000 mL water hardened to 110 ppm with a
washing machine.
3:1 mixture of Ca:Mg.
5.2 Photoelectric Colorimeter. 8.1.2 Water Temperature—32°C (61°C).
8.1.3 Detergent—0.2 %concentrationormanufacturer’suse
5.3 Fabrics:
level.
5.3.1 Spun nylon 6.6 fabric dyed with Acid Red 1
...
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