ASTM D2960-98
(Test Method)Standard Test Method of Controlled Laundering Test Using Naturally Soiled Fabrics and Household Appliances
Standard Test Method of Controlled Laundering Test Using Naturally Soiled Fabrics and Household Appliances
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a testing technique which may be used for comparing the cleaning and whitening or brightening performance of any pair of home laundering products or home laundering procedures. This testing is done on naturally soiled family items in home laundering equipment in a laboratory under controlled conditions on a paired comparison basis.
1.2 There is no single assessment that will give the overall performance of a laundry product. A single test can only predict how products compare under the particular conditions chosen for evaluation and cannot be expected to reflect their comparative 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. While there are laboratory methods for measuring individual aspects of performance (for example redeposition, solubility), it is necessary to conduct confirming tests under controlled but practical home laundering conditions to simulate consumer experience more closely.
1.2.1 Among the variables that can affect the performance of home laundering products or procedures and that must be considered in designing tests for their evaluation are: type of fiber, fabric construction, fabric finish, types of items to be washed, load size, kind and level of soils or stains, water hardness, water temperature, pretreatments, the presence of various laundering aids, the concentration of products in the laundering solution, sequence of addition of products, water, laundry, wash time, rate and type of agitation, spin speed, drying or ironing methods, and conditions under which the items are judged.
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems 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:D2960–98
Standard Test Method for
Controlled Laundering Test Using Naturally Soiled Fabrics
and Household Appliances
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2960; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 This test method covers a testing technique that may be
used for comparing the cleaning and whitening or brightening
2. Referenced Documents
performance of home laundering products or home laundering
2.1 ASTM Standards:
procedures. This testing is done on naturally soiled family
D 1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color
items in home laundering equipment in a laboratory under
Differences of Diffusely Illuminated Opaque Materials
controlledconditionsonapairedcomparisonbasis.Asmanyas
D 3050 GuideforMeasuringSoilRemovalfromArtificially
four detergents have been put into order by evaluating the set
Soiled Fabrics (Not Suitable for Detergent Ranking)
of matched garments two at a time.
E 97 Test Method for Directional Reflectance Factor, 45-
1.2 There is no single assessment that will give the overall
deg, 0-deg, of Opaque Specimens by Broad-Band Filter
performance of laundry product.Asingle test can only predict
Reflectometry
how products compare under the particular conditions chosen
E 179 Guide for Selection of Geometric Conditions for
for evaluation and cannot be expected to reflect their compara-
Measurements of Reflection and Transmission Properties
tive performance under the many other possible conditions of
of Materials
use. A series of assessments is always necessary in order to
E 284 Terminology of Appearance
evaluatethemanyaspectsofproductperformance.Whilethere
E 313 Practice for Calculating Yellowness and Whiteness
are laboratory methods of measuring individual aspects of
Indices from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
performance (for example, redeposition, solubility), it is nec-
2.2 ANSI Standards:
essary to conduct confirming tests under controlled but prac-
L14.175 Reflectance, Blue and Whiteness of Bleached Fab-
tical home laundering conditions to simulate consumer expe-
ric
rience more closely.
Z224.1 (AHAM HLW-1) AHAM Household Washer Per-
1.2.1 Among the variables that can affect the performance
formance Evaluation Procedure
of home laundering products or procedures and that shall be
considered in designing tests for their evaluation are: type of
3. Summary of Test Method
fiber, fabric construction, fabric finish, types of items to be
3.1 This test method consists of comparing matched loads
washed, load size, kind and level of soils or stains, water
of laundry through a series of soiling and washing cycles. The
hardness, water temperature, pretreatments, the presence of
washingsareperformedbyusingpredeterminedconcentrations
various laundering aids, the concentration of products in the
ofthetwoormoredetergentsortwoormorelaundryadditives,
laundering solution, sequence of addition of products, water,
or both, and predetermined but identical water temperatures
laundry, wash time, rate and type of agitation, spin speed,
and water hardness conditions in the same machine or in
drying or ironing methods, and conditions under which the
matched machines. If more than one machine is used, it is
items are judged.
recommended that the loads and machines be rotated. The
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
laundry bundle from each family is separated into two or more
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
matched loads. All loads are to have been soiled in the same
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
time period by each family. A judgment of relative perfor-
mance is made at the end of each laundering cycle. It is
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-12 on Soap
and Other Detergents and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D12.25 on Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01.
Consumer Standards. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.04.
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 1998. Published June 1998. Originally Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
e1
published as D 2960 – 71 T. Last previous edition D 2960 – 89 . Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D2960
generally necessary to continue for at least ten cycles to 6.2 Use new, moderately priced national brand garments
ascertain whether or not a significant difference exists. and household items typical of the washable items found in the
3.2 This multicycle test may minimize or exaggerate the home. Assembling matched sets of items is extremely impor-
true relationship of the several detergents. Repeat tests shall be tant. Use only items that match visually (and instrumentally if
made to confirm or deny results that are questionable for any desired). The weight and composition of the bundles shall be
reason whatsoever. maintained.Ifthereisalossofanyitemforanyreason,replace
3.3 Gross inconsistencies in soiling and staining by panel- the matched pair.
ists, dye transfer from one item to others during the wash,
6.3 Select the loads to fit the needs of the panel so that each
inconsistencies in washing due to machine failure, and other
matched set is used during each use cycle with the objective of
such aberrations shall be watched for and reported. If they
obtaining approximately equal soiling.
occur, they may necessitate removal of the garments or repeat
6.4 Include primarily white items to maximize sensitivity to
tests.
cleaning and redeposition effects.Any colored items should be
colorfast under conditions chosen for laundering. Dye transfer
4. Significance and Use
will interfere with evaluation of deposition, redeposition, or
detergent colorant staining effects.
4.1 This test method defines a minimum combination of
6.5 The test load should represent typical items found in a
conditions to provide a reasonable basis for the visual evalu-
ation of cleaning and whitening or brightening performance of currentfamilywash.Makeanefforttobalancethefibercontent
between cotton, polyester/cotton blends and man-made fibers
home laundering products or procedures. To provide a more
predictive and broader scope of evaluation or to assess special (for example, 100 % nylon and 100 % polyester). This may
change depending on test objective. Fluctuations in fiber
product types or end uses, testing should be augmented by
extending specific variables. availability and changing textile trends make it difficult to
4.2 This test method is suited to the evaluation of the specify precise fiber contents and fabric constructions for
cleaning, whitening or brightening properties of laundry prod- specific items. In interlaboratory work a standard load should
ucts. This test method does not address the evaluation of some be agreed upon by the participating laboratories. Record and
other important performance aspects of products such as: the report the actual fiber composition of the items in the test load.
effectonfabriclifeorhomelaundryappliances,orthephysical A typical test load for each product that would allow use of
properties such as pourability, dustiness, or solubility. How- some items by each person in a four member family might
ever, the effect on color, feel, or odor of fabrics may be include:
evaluated by appropriate and relatively minor changes in
1 twin-size bottom sheet (polyester/cotton)
4 pillow cases (polyester/cotton)
procedure.
4 terry face cloths (cotton)
4 terry hand towels (cotton)
5. Laundry Panel 3 T-shirts (polyester/cotton)
2 man-made fiber slips, nightgowns, or pajamas
5.1 The laundry panel shall be composed of family units
2 men’s dress shirts (polyester/cotton)
consisting of an adult male, an adult female, and two or more
6.5.1 Add extra new items if needed to bring the load up to
children, with the family units being adjusted based on the
the desired weight. For this two to four product test as
number of products. The more family units involved, the
described here, provide each family with two to four identical
greater the statistical validity is likely to be and the smaller the
loads of the items listed in 6.5 or similar items.
difference that can be distinguished. Experience suggests that
ten family units can be reasonably predictive. Extra family
7. Apparatus
units should be included to provide for attrition during the test
period, for example, if the base is to be ten families, the test
7.1 Household Automatic Washer in Good Working
should be started with twelve families.
Condition—Test the physical performance characteristics of
5.2 The families chosen for the panel should live close
any machine used in a test program to be sure the machine is
enough to the testing laboratory so that the soiled laundry can
operating properly. This should include an examination of
be brought to the testing laboratory and returned to the
water volume (fill level), timer control, rate of agitation, and
families’ homes preferably during the same day.
spin.This is particularly important if more than one machine is
5.3 Such demographic factors as age of family members,
involved as in interlaboratory testing. Any malfunction of a
occupations, local, and type of dwelling should be recorded.
machine or any difference between machines of the same
This information could be important to evaluate the reproduc-
model could completely alter the results of a laundry treatment
ibility of the test or to correlate this test with others.
comparison. A separate test is necessary to obtain valid
evaluation of product performance in other types of washers.
6. Laundry Load
7.1.1 The “regular” or “normal” cycle with a 12-min wash
is suggested as typical. Monitor the fill, volume, temperature,
6.1 Theloadweightshallbecompatiblewiththecapacityof
and time for each wash.
the test washer(s). For most top-loading automatic washers, a
5 to 7-lb (2.3 to 3.2-kg) load is satisfactory. (The U.S. median 7.2 Household Automatic Clothes Dryer in Good Working
weight of all loads washed in top-loading automatics is about Condition—As with washers, the physical performance char-
6 lb.). For more than two products, extra care in recruiting acteristics of the dryer (inlet and outlet temperatures and timer
panelists is needed because of the large number of articles. operation) should be tested to be sure of proper operation. It is
D2960
important that both test loads be dried equally. Clean the lint 9.3) to provide a uniform composition for all test planned for
screen of the dryer before each use. the given material.The composition of the test products should
7.3 Use either the same or matched washer(s) and clothes be obtained and recorded together with the manufacturer’s
dryer(s) for the separate comparison loads. product code.
7.4 Rotate washers and loads if more than one washer is
9.1.1 Test products may be experimental formulation.
used.
9.2 Laundering Aids—Any laundering aid designed to be
used in the laundering procedure, for example, liquid and dry
8. Recommended Conditions
bleaches, presoaks, detergent boosters, pre-spotters, fabric
8.1 Water Hardness—The water hardness shall be the same
softeners,waterconditioners,maybeevaluatedusingthesetest
in the wash and in the rinse. If only one test is to be made, hard
procedures. The manufacturer’s instructions should be fol-
water (150 ppm, about 9 grains/gal (gpg) is suggested. To
lowed for usage level and for addition to the washing machine.
produceamorecompletepictureofproductperformancetestat
9.3 Test Product Concentration—If only one test is to be
twoorthreeadditionalhardnesslevels,usesoftwater(35ppm,
made, it is suggested that the recommended use level for the
2 gpg), moderately hard water (100 ppm, 6 gpg), or very hard
test product (the amount stated on the package for the type of
water (260 ppm, 15 gpg).
machine and water level) be used.
8.1.1 Calcium/Magnesium Ratio (as CaCO )—It is sug-
9.3.1 Testingattwoadditionaluselevels,forexample,20 %
gested that this ratio be adjusted for different water hardnesses
above and below the recommended amount, will provide a
as follows:
more complete picture of the performance of the specific
Water Hardness Range, ppm (gpg) Calcium/Magnesium Ratio
detergent.
9.3.2 Recommended use levels are given by volume, for
0–60 (0–3.5) 4:1
61–120 (3.6–7.0) 3:1 example, cups. Because this measurement is imprecise, the
121 and over (7.1 and over) 2:1
average weight of a poured unit volume (cup, cap, etc.) should
be determined for the specific product to be used. The testing
These ratios are based on calculations derived from date
weight for each wash should be calculated from the use level
included in Public Water Supplies of 100 Largest Cities in The
volume desired and the determined average weight. That
United States.
weight should then be used for each wash cycle.
8.2 Water Temperature—If only one test is to be made,
9.3.3 When no recommended use level is given on the
water at 90 6 2 °F (32 6 1 °C) is suggested for the wash
package,theaverageoftheuselevelsextantinthemarketplace
temperature. Testing at two additional wash temperatures,
on producers of similar bulk density should be use.
water at 120 6 2 °F (49 6 1 °C) and water at 60 6 2 °F (16
6 1 ° C) will provide a more complete picture of performance
10. Procedure
pertheProcter&GambleConsumerSurvey.Allrinsingshould
be done at the “cold” setting. Measure and record the wash and
10.1 Make a preliminary comparative evaluation of all new,
rinse temperatures after one minute of agitation for each run.
unwashed items to be included in the test. It is exceedingly
8.3 Water Fill Level—Use the water fill level appropriate to
importantthatallmatcheditemsbeidenticalwithrespecttothe
the size of the load and machine model. For example, a 17-gal
fabric, construction, and appearance. Often items in the same
(64-L) fill is suitable for the load recommended in6.5in a
boxorgrosslotswillvary.Itisadvisabletosaveonecomplete,
top-loading agitator automatic washer.
unused set for reference (see 10.4).
8.4 Ironing/Pressing—Wheneverpossibleitisbesttoelimi-
10.2 Assemble matched sets of items (see 6.2).Arrange into
nate ironing variability. If ironing is done, care shall be taken
sets of wash loads. Permanently code each item for identifica-
to establish a standard procedure.
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