ASTM D4265-98(2007)e1
(Guide)Standard Guide for Evaluating Stain Removal Performance in Home Laundering
Standard Guide for Evaluating Stain Removal Performance in Home Laundering
SCOPE
1.1 This is a guide for evaluating stain removal performance of home laundry products or home laundering conditions. It provides guidance for the selection, preparation, application, and examination of various types of stains on test fabrics that are subjected to controlled but practical stain removal treatment conditions.
1.2 There is no single type of stain that will predict the overall performance of a product or treatment method. A single test, even with a variety of stains, can only predict how products or treatment methods compare under the particular conditions chosen for evaluation. A series of assessments is necessary to evaluate the many aspects of stain removal performance and to simulate consumer experience more closely.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: D4265 − 98 (Reapproved2007)
Standard Guide for
Evaluating Stain Removal Performance in Home
Laundering
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4265; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
´ NOTE—The superscript 2 was added to the “a” terms in Eq 1 and in Note 2, opm was replaced with spm.
1. Scope 3.1.1 home laundering—thecleaningandrestoringoftextile
materials to a serviceable condition, using the washing and
1.1 Thisisaguideforevaluatingstainremovalperformance
drying equipment commonly found in the home.
of home laundry products or home laundering conditions. It
provides guidance for the selection, preparation, application, 3.1.2 stain—a local area of undesired foreign matter on a
and examination of various types of stains on test fabrics that textile material, differing in appearance from the textile sub-
are subjected to controlled but practical stain removal treat- strate.
ment conditions.
4. Summary of Guide
1.2 There is no single type of stain that will predict the
overallperformanceofaproductortreatmentmethod.Asingle
4.1 Stains are artificially applied in a standardized manner
test, even with a variety of stains, can only predict how
tospecifiedfabricsubstrates.Afteraprescribedtimeforsetting
products or treatment methods compare under the particular
the stains, the test swatches are treated with the products or
conditions chosen for evaluation. A series of assessments is
procedures being compared or both, and the relative degree of
necessary to evaluate the many aspects of stain removal
removal is assessed.
performance and to simulate consumer experience more
closely.
5. Significance and Use
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 Thisguidesuggestsanumberofstainingagentsthatare
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
representative of stains commonly encountered in household
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
laundry. The assessment need not be limited to this suggested
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
listofstains,especiallyifspecialproducttypesorendusesare
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
being evaluated. However, even when the assessment incorpo-
rates a wide variety of stains, an overall performance ranking
2. Referenced Documents
of products or treatment methods cannot be presumed since
2.1 ASTM Standards:
there is no confirmed basis for correlation of this controlled
D1729Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color
laboratorytechniquewithconsumers’rankingofstainremoval
Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
performance.
D2960Guide for Controlled Laundering Test Using Natu-
5.2 The evaluations generated by this guide should be
rally Soiled Fabrics and Household Appliances
regarded as diagnostic screening tests that are useful in
formulation studies, quality control, and ingredient raw mate-
3. Terminology
rial qualification. This guide provides considerable flexibility
3.1 Definitions:
in choosing specific stains, washing conditions, and laboratory
equipment appropriate to the objective of the evaluation. This
procedural latitude may result in a reduced level of interlabo-
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D12 on Soaps and
ratory precision and such comparison of results must be
Other Detergents and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D12.15 on
Physical Testing.
evaluated with caution.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2007. Published January 2007. Originally
5.3 Theprocedureisapplicabletoalltypesofhomelaundry
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as D4265–98. DOI:
10.1520/D4265-98R07E01.
productsincludingdetergents,presoakandprespotterproducts,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
bleaches, and detergent boosters. It is not intended for the
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
evaluation of products or conditions normally associated with
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. commercial laundering or dry cleaning establishments.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D4265 − 98 (2007)
6. Selection and Preparation of Fabric Swatches specimens in the same test series are stained and graded with
the same fabric orientation.
6.1 Therelativeeffectivenessofvariouslaundryproductsor
6.4.2 Size of the test swatch is not critical, though swatches
procedures for removing different types of stains will be
2 2
of about 15 to 30 in. (100 to 200 cm ) in area are suitable for
influenced by the nature of the fabric substrate. Testing should
all phases of the testing procedure. To maintain orientation
encompass more than one type of fabric, with results tabulated
consistency, use rectangular rather than square swatches.
separately for each fabric type.The fabric types most common
in U. S. laundry are polyester/cotton blends with permanent
7. Stain Materials
press finish, all cotton, all polyester, and nylon.
7.1 The spectrum of selected staining materials can greatly
NOTE 1—When ordering pre–cut swatches, the vendor must be alerted
influence the relative performance assessment of the stain
that identification of the face side and grain (thread direction) of the
removal products. The stain types most appropriate for a
swatches is an important testing criterion. These factors must also be
specific test series are usually dictated by experience. Staining
considered when bulk yardage is purchased from any source by the
materials most often recommended for stain removal assess-
experimenter for eventual cutting into test specimen swatches.
ments are tea, coffee, wine, grape juice, mustard, spaghetti
6.2 All fabric test swatches should be washed prior to
sauce, beef gravy, blueberry puree or jam, chocolate syrup,
application of stains. This is done to eliminate residues of mill
grass, human or beef blood, ball–point pen ink, facial makeup
finishing agents which might influence stain removal results
base, dirty motor oil, artificial sebum/particulate soil, and clay.
and also to better simulate the fabric condition when staining
See Annex A1, Annex A2, and Annex A3 for more detailed
incidents occur in household use.
descriptions and preparation information for these staining
6.2.1 Sufficient yardage of test fabric is pre-washed to
materials.
coverthe needs of the test series. The washing is more
7.2 A minimum of at least six stain types is suggested for
efficientlydonebeforetheclothiscutintoindividualswatches,
characterizing the performance profile of a stain removal
butcanbeaccomplishedwiththepre-cutswatchesifthisisthe
product, especially if more than one functional ingredient (for
fabric form that has been purchased.
example, oxidizing agent, enzyme, solvent, etc.) is present in
6.2.2 Minimum pre-washing conditions would be two wash
the tested formulations.
cycles in a household automatic washer (see Note 2) with 140
6 5°F (less than 3 grains) water and ambient (less than 3
8. Stain Application on Swatches
grains) than water rinses. The first cycle should include a
8.1 General Techniques for Spotting:
recommended usage level of detergent (AATCC Standard
8.1.1 The intent is to have the fabric swatch suspended
Detergent or the detergent being used in the test) and 1 cup
horizontally in air with the center of the swatch relatively taut
(240 mL) liquid hypochlorite bleach. The second wash cycle
when the staining material is applied. Any mounting device
would include 60 g of a complex phosphate water conditioner
thatwillachievethesecriteriaisacceptable.Suggesteddevices
and no detergent or bleach.
includewoodenorcardboardpinningframes,glassbeakers(>2
NOTE 2—Any brand of household automatic washer is acceptable as a
in. diameter) with the swatch secured over the top by rubber
standard washing machine if it has the following operating characteristics
bands, and glass bottles with the swatch secured within the top
on the normal setting: water fill, 16 to 19 gal; agitator speed, 70 6 5 spm;
opening by a plastic retaining ring.
spin speed, 500 to 510 r/min; washing time, 12 to 15 min.
8.1.2 The size of the circular stain pattern should be a
6.2.3 Dry the test cloth 35 to 40 min at 150 6 10°F in a
minimum of 2 in. in diameter to accommodate instrument
home dryer after the last wash cycle (see Note 3).
grading. Many staining agents will wick beyond the original
applicationarea.A4by5in.testswatchissuggestedifwicking
NOTE3—Anybrandofhouseholdautomaticelectricdryerisacceptable
as a standard electric tumble dryer if it has the following operating to the edges of the fabric is not desired. Wide variations in
characteristics: controlled exhaust temperature, ranging between 50 and
wicking patterns across test swatches can increase judgement
71°C (140 and 160°F); and a cooling period of at least 5 min while
variability when the treated swatches are graded visually.
tumbling at the end of the drying circle.
8.1.3 Using a capillary pipet, medicine dropper, metal
6.2.4 Wash carrier towels or ballast fabrics to be used with
spatula or 2-in die cut polyurethane sponge (depending on
the stained test swatches in accordance with 6.2.2, but sepa-
viscosityofthestainingmaterial),placeanappropriateamount
rately from the test fabrics.
of staining material in the center of the suspended test swatch.
The amount of stain material that will adequately cover the
6.3 Ironthefabriconpermanentpresssettingifnecessaryto
intended spot area will vary by fabric substrate and with
obtain a flat, smooth surface.
different batches of stain material. Some experimentation will
6.4 Cut washed test fabric into desired size swatches.
beneededonthefirstfewswatches;thesetrialswatchesshould
6.4.1 Orientation of the test swatch can influence the ob- then be discarded. See Annex A3 for further tips on stain
servedstaining/wickingcharacteristicsoftheteststainandalso application techniques.
the stain removal perceived by either visual grading or instru- 8.1.4 Keep each freshly stained swatch suspended in its
mental reflectance. It is therefore important to identify the pinning frame or place it face–side–up on a disposable plastic
fabric grain (direction of the threads relative to the selvage cup until stain is dry (usually 2 to 3 h). Do not allow stained
edge) and the face side of the fabric when the test specimens specimenstocontacteachotherinamannerthatwouldtransfer
are made. Devise a swatch marking system to assure that all stains.
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D4265 − 98 (2007)
8.2 Aging of Stains: 9.3 The number of unstained swatches to be included in
eachtesttreatmentforreflectanceblanksshouldbeappropriate
8.2.1 When the aqueous-based stains have thoroughly air
for the test design (see 11.2).
dried (feel dry to the touch), set individual swatches in a dark
placeatroomtemperature(70 65°F)foraminimumof1day.
9.4 Fixed Test Conditions—All test conditions not under
The aging time for oil–based stains may need to be shortened
study should be fixed within the range of normal household
due to excessive wicking on some substrates.Aminimum of 4
practice. If only one test is being run, the following conditions
h aging is recommended for oily stains. If wicking to the
are suggested as representative of many households:
swatch edge still occurs in this shortened period, use a larger
9.4.1 Matched Washing Machines—All washings must be
swatch for oily stains or reduce the amount applied.
performed in the same machine or in mechanically matched
8.2.2 Wrap swatches intentionally held for more than one
units of the same model machine.
day’s aging in aluminum foil and store in 35–40°F controlled
9.4.2 Washer Settings—Regularcycle;appropriatewaterfill
temperature. Swatches with dry aqueous–based stains can be
for clothes load size; 12 min wash period; regular spin speed.
stacked in bundles for storage, but store oily stains separately
9.4.3 Water Characteristics; Wash and Rinse:
to avoid cross–wicking between test specimens.
9.4.3.1 Temperature—90 6 2°F wash cycle; ambient water
8.2.3 Even when stored as prescribed in 8.2.2, many stains
rinses.
willcontinuetosetandbecomeincreasinglylessresponsiveto
9.4.3.2 Hardness—35 ppm (2 grains/gal); 100 ppm (6
thetestremovaltreatments.Theexperimentermaydeliberately
grains/gal); 150 ppm (9 grains/gal) (see Note 4); and 260 ppm
choosetoagethestainsmorethan1daybeforeconductingthe
(15 grains/gal).
testwashings.Itisimportant,however,thatallstainspecimens
in a test series have the same aging history and that this aging
NOTE 4—Suggested hardness if only one level is tested.
time be one of the recorded fixed variables of the test design.
9.4.3.3 The calcium/magnesium ratio of the hardness min-
Experience has shown that stained swatches should be dis-
erals (expressed as CaCO ) should be adjusted for different
carded if more than several weeks old.
water hardnesses as follows:
8.2.4 Visually inspect stained swatches selected for a par-
Water Hardness Range Ca/Mg Ratio
ticulartestingseriesforcomparableappearance.Anythatshow
0to60ppm 4:1
atypicalapplicationorwickingpatternsshouldnotbeselected.
61 to 120 ppm 3:1
121 and over 2:1
8.2.5 Place identifying code markings on the face side of
each swatch (same side as stain application) to ensure compa-
9.4.4 Fabric Load—Minimum of 4 lb. Supplement test
rable orientation of the swatches when they are graded. Use a swatches with ballast fabrics, such as pillow cases, terry
solvent–and–wash–resistant marking ink for coding.
towels, or commercially available yard goods cut in pieces no
largerthan1yd perpiece.Whenrunningsuccessivetestloads,
9. Procedure
use fresh ballast or rewash ballast for each load. Natural or
artificially soiled ballast will add realism to the testing
9.1 Design the test protocol to generate at least three
conditions, but a high level of testing variability will be
replicatedvaluesforeachtypeoftestspecimensubjectedtothe
introduced unless this factor is rigorously standardized.
individual variable (product or procedure) under study. For
9.4.5 Product Concentrations—Use products according to
example, in one test run of a washing condition using six
manufacturer’s label recommendations. Reduce recommended
different stains on three fabric types, there would be a
level of detergent added to the wash by the amount used in
minimum of 54 stained swatches (6 stains×3 types of fab-
pretreating (see 9.4.6).
ric×
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