ASTM D4721-12(2019)

Standard Practice for Evaluation of the Performance of Machine Washable and Drycleanable Bedcoverings and Accessories

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice may be used to evaluate pertinent performance characteristics of machine washable or drycleanable bedcoverings.  
4.2 The characteristics to be evaluated and the acceptance criteria assigned to these areas shall be set by mutual agreement between purchaser and supplier.  
4.3 The significance and use of specific properties are discussed in the appropriate test methods and performance standards.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice may be used to evaluate specific characteristics of importance in the performance of bedcoverings and accessories (machine washable or drycleanable, woven and knit) including bedspreads, comforters, quilts, pillowshams, dust ruffles, and blankets, hereinafter referred to collectively as bedcoverings.  
1.2 This practice is not to be used to evaluate bedcoverings that are refurbished by handwashing.  
1.3 This practice shall not be construed to be a standard of performance for bedcoverings.  
1.4 This practice shall not be used to evaluate sheets.  
1.5 This practice may be used by mutual agreement between purchaser and supplier to set purchasing specifications.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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: 14-Jan-2019
• ICS: 97.160 - Home textiles. Linen
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.63 - Home Furnishings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4721-12 - Standard Practice for Evaluation of the Performance of Machine Washable and Drycleanable Bedcoverings and Accessories
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4037-02(2019) - Standard Performance Specification for Woven, Knitted, or Flocked Bedspread Fabrics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D7023-06(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3136-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel, Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products
• Effective Date: 15-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4037-02(2013) - Standard Performance Specification for Woven, Knitted, or Flocked Bedspread Fabrics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3136-13e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel, Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3136-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel, Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D7023-06(2012) - Standard Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012

Overview

ASTM D4721-12(2019) is an international standard practice developed by ASTM for the evaluation of the performance of machine washable and drycleanable bedcoverings and accessories. This standard outlines methods to assess key characteristics that impact the quality, durability, and usability of a range of bedcoverings including bedspreads, comforters, quilts, pillow shams, dust ruffles, and blankets. It applies to both woven and knit textile products intended for home or institutional use.

The standard is designed for use by both purchasers and suppliers as a basis for mutual agreement when setting purchasing specifications, but it is not a prescriptive performance standard or suitable for hand-wash evaluation. It is also not intended for evaluating sheets.

Key Topics

• Scope of Evaluation

  • Assessment covers machine washable or drycleanable bedcoverings and accessories.
  • Excludes handwashed items and sheets.

• Characteristic Evaluation

  • Key properties like dimensional stability, seam performance, shade consistency, and visible defects are assessed.
  • Acceptance criteria are set by mutual agreement of the purchaser and supplier.

• Testing Procedures

  • Specific methods for sampling, measurement, laundering, and drycleaning are referenced.
  • Dimensional changes are calculated using percent change from origin measurements.
  • Evaluation incorporates care label instructions and appropriate industrial or domestic laundering/drycleaning techniques.

• Performance Before and After Refurbishing

  • Items are measured and examined for defects both as made and after repeated washing/drycleaning cycles.

• Safety and Compliance

  • Standard requires users to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and to determine regulatory applicability.

Applications

This practice is valuable for a range of practical settings:

• Purchasing and Quality Assurance

  • Manufacturers, brands, and retailers can use ASTM D4721 as a consistent basis for product evaluation before procurement.
  • Enables clear communication and agreement between suppliers and buyers regarding product performance expectations.

• Product Development and Testing

  • Used by textile laboratories and product designers to benchmark new or existing bedcoverings against mutually established criteria.

• Institutional and Commercial Laundering

  • Facilities using machine washable or drycleanable bedcoverings can use this standard to ensure their products will withstand typical maintenance cycles without excessive degradation or failure.

• Consumer Protection and Satisfaction

  • Provides documented evaluation protocols to reassure end users that bedcoverings meet established quality standards.

Related Standards

ASTM D4721-12(2019) references and relates to a range of other recognized standards, including:

• ASTM D123 - Terminology Relating to Textiles
• ASTM D1683 - Test Method for Failure in Sewn Seams of Woven Fabrics
• ASTM D1776 - Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• ASTM D3136 - Terminology Relating to Care Labeling
• ASTM D3773 - Test Methods for Length of Woven Fabric
• ASTM D4037 - Performance Specification for Bedspread Fabrics
• AATCC EP1, TM88B, TM96, TM135, TM143, TM158 - A series of American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists test methods for evaluating color change, seam smoothness, laundering, dimensional change, and appearance.

These referenced documents provide detailed guidance on test protocols for evaluating textiles’ physical and visual properties.

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Keywords: ASTM D4721, bedcovering performance evaluation, machine washable, drycleanable, textile standards, bedding accessories, laundering standards, dimensional stability, consumer textiles, ASTM textile testing.

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: D4721 − 12 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Practice for
Evaluation of the Performance of Machine Washable and
Drycleanable Bedcoverings and Accessories
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4721; 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 D3136 Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel,
Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products
1.1 This practice may be used to evaluate specific charac-
D3773 Test Methods for Length of Woven Fabric
teristics of importance in the performance of bedcoverings and
D3940 Test Method for Bursting Strength (Load) and Elon-
accessories (machine washable or drycleanable, woven and
gation of Sewn Seams of Knit or Woven Stretch Textile
knit) including bedspreads, comforters, quilts, pillowshams,
Fabrics (Withdrawn 1995)
dust ruffles, and blankets, hereinafter referred to collectively as
D3993 Performance Specification for Woven, Thermal,
bedcoverings.
Flocked, Nonwoven, and Knitted Household Blanket
1.2 This practice is not to be used to evaluate bedcoverings 3
Fabrics (Withdrawn 1994)
that are refurbished by handwashing.
D4037 Performance Specification for Woven, Knitted, or
1.3 This practice shall not be construed to be a standard of Flocked Bedspread Fabrics
D7023 Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
performance for bedcoverings.
2.2 AATCC Standards:
1.4 This practice shall not be used to evaluate sheets.
EP1 Gray Scale for Color Change
1.5 Thispracticemaybeusedbymutualagreementbetween
TM88B Seam Smoothness in Fabrics after Home Launder-
purchaser and supplier to set purchasing specifications.
ing
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
TM96 Dimensional Changes in Commercial Laundering of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Woven and Knitted Fabrics Except Wool
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
TM135 Dimensional Changes of Fabrics after Home Laun-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
dering
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
TM143 Appearance ofApparel and Other Textile End Prod-
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
ucts After Home Laundering
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
TM158 Dimensional Changes on Drycleaning in Perchloro-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ethylene: Machine Method
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
NOTE 1—Reference to documents in this specification give only the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
permanentpartofthedesignationofASTM,AATCCorothertestmethods
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
or standards. The current edition of each standard prevails.
2. Referenced Documents
3. Terminology
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1 For all terminology related to Home Furnishings see
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
Terminology D7023.
D1683 Test Method for Failure in Sewn Seams of Woven
3.2 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
Fabrics
bedcovering, bedspread, blanket, comforter, drop, dust ruffle,
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
flounce, quilt, sham.
3.3 For definitions of all other textile terms see Terminolo-
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD13onTextilesand
gies D123 and D3136.
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.63 on Home Furnishings.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2019. Published February 2019. Originally
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D4721-12. DOI:
10.1520/D4721-12R19. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or www.astm.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2215, http://
the ASTM website. www.aatcc.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4721 − 12 (2019)
4. Significance and Use 8.4 Examine bedcoverings for all obvious defects.
4.1 This practice may be used to evaluate pertinent perfor-
9. Procedure for Measuring Bedcoverings
mance characteristics of machine washable or drycleanable
9.1 Condition the bedcoverings, laid flat in the standard
bedcoverings.
atmosphere for testing textiles as directed in Practice D1776
4.2 The characteristics to be evaluated and the acceptance
for at least 4 h.
criteria assigned to these areas shall be set by mutual agree-
9.2 When necessary, mark the dimension to be measured
ment between purchaser and supplier.
with a suitable marking device.
4.3 The significance and use of specific properties are
9.3 Unless otherwise stipulated by mutual agreement be-
discussed in the appropriate test methods and performance
tween purchaser and supplier, make original measurement
standards.
marks at the locations shown in Fig. 1.
9.3.1 Measure the total length of the bedcovering 250 mm
5. Sampling, Selection, and Number of Specimens
(10 in.) in from each selvage or hem and in the middle of the
5.1 Division into Lots—For acceptance testing, divide the
covering,includingallruffles,flounces,andtrims(A-A,Fig.1)
product into lots as agreed upon by the purchaser and the
in a relaxed state, taking care that all wrinkles have been
supplier.
removed.
5.2 LotSample—Asalotsampleforacceptancetesting,take
9.3.2 Measure the total width of bedcovering 250 mm (10
at random the number of shipping cartons directed in an
in.) from each selvage or hem and in the middle including all
applicable material specification or other agreement between
ruffles, flounces, and trims (B-B, Fig. 1) in a relaxed state,
the purchaser and the supplier. Consider shipping cartons of
taking care that all wrinkles have been removed.
bedcoverings or accessories to be the primary sampling units.
9.3.3 Mark the inner edge of ruffle or flounce where
attached to item with 250-mm (10-in.) or 1-m (36-in.) gauge
NOTE 2—A realistic specification or other agreement between the
marks(D-D,Fig.1).Permittingallfullnesstoremain,markthe
purchaser and the supplier requires taking into account the variability
between shipping cartons, between items within a carton, and between
outer edge of the ruffle or flounce with corresponding gauge
specimens within an item so as to provide a sampling plan which has a
marks (E, Fig. 1). Measure full dimensions between second set
meaningful producer’s risk, consumer’s risk, acceptable quality level, and
of gauge marks (E-E, Fig. 1).
limiting quality level.
NOTE 3—Ruffle and flounce fullness are standard dimensions which are
5.3 Laboratory Sample—As a laboratory sample for accep-
based on 250-mm (10-in.) or 1-m (36-in.) measurements. It is therefore
tance testing, take two items from each shipping carton in the
recommended that these measurements be used.
lot sample.
9.3.4 Theruffleandflouncewidthsedgetoedge(C-B1,
...