ASTM D4494-95(2020)

Standard Test Method for Detecting Residual Odor of Drycleaning Grade Perchloroethylene

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Normally clothes cleaned with perchloroethylene will have a clean cloth odor. If a foreign odor is present, it may be objectionable.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the detection of a residual odor in drycleaning-grade perchloroethylene.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.  
1.4 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: 31-Dec-2019
• ICS: 71.080.20 - Halogenated hydrocarbons
• Technical Committee: D26 - Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents
• Drafting Committee: D26.04 - Test Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4494-95(2015) - Standard Test Method for Detecting Residual Odor of Drycleaning Grade Perchloroethylene
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D3844-02(2008) - Standard Guide for Labeling Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Solvent Containers (Withdrawn 2013)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2008
• Refers: ASTM D3844-02 - Standard Guide for Labeling Halogenated Hydrocarbon Solvent Containers
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002
• Refers: ASTM D3844-96 - Standard Guide for Labeling Halogenated Hydrocarbon Solvent Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1996

Overview

ASTM D4494-95(2020), Standard Test Method for Detecting Residual Odor of Drycleaning Grade Perchloroethylene, establishes the procedure for determining the presence of residual odor in drycleaning-grade perchloroethylene. Perchloroethylene, commonly used as a solvent in the drycleaning industry, is expected to leave textiles with a neutral, clean cloth odor. The primary purpose of this standard is to identify any foreign or objectionable odors that may remain after processing, ensuring that fabric quality meets consumer expectations and industry requirements.

This method outlines specific preparatory, testing, and comparison procedures to provide a practical benchmark for odor assessment. It is recognized internationally and developed in accordance with principles set by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade Committee, ensuring global relevance and consistency.

Key Topics

• Drycleaning Quality Assurance: Ensuring that perchloroethylene used in textile care does not impart undesirable residual odors.
• Odor Detection Methodology: Step-by-step directions for processing cotton fabric swatches with perchloroethylene and evaluating them against untreated controls.
• Standard Units of Measurement: Use of SI units for compatibility and clarity in reporting results.
• Health, Safety, and Environmental Considerations: Guidance for safe handling of perchloroethylene, including ventilation and regulatory compliance.
• Reporting Criteria: Determining and documenting whether foreign odors are present or absent in treated samples.

Applications

• Textile Testing Laboratories: Quality control and compliance verification for perchloroethylene residues in drycleaned fabrics.
• Drycleaning Facilities: Monitoring solvent quality to assure odor-neutral textile output for customers.
• Chemical Manufacturers and Suppliers: Ensuring products marketed as drycleaning-grade perchloroethylene meet residual odor criteria.
• Regulatory and Certification Bodies: Reference point for inspection, certification, or quality assurance processes involving solvent odors.

By following ASTM D4494-95(2020), organizations can:

• Guarantee customer satisfaction by delivering fabrics free of unwanted odors.
• Demonstrate conformance to strict industry and international quality standards.
• Address health and safety concerns associated with solvent use.
• Manage brand reputation by preventing odor-related complaints.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards relate to the handling, performance, and labeling of halogenated solvents and associated processes:

• ASTM D3844 – Guide for Labeling Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Solvent Containers: Provides labeling guidelines for safe handling and communication (withdrawn, but referenced for safety guidance).
• ASTM D26 – Collection of standards from the Committee on Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents, offering further procedures and safety considerations relevant to perchloroethylene.
• ISO and International Standards – Many countries and organizations refer to ASTM standards or have harmonized procedures for assessing residual odors in drycleaning operations.

Practical Value

Adopting ASTM D4494-95(2020) provides measurable benefits, including enhanced consumer confidence, consistent product quality, and compliance with both industry and safety regulations. This standard is a crucial quality assurance tool for any organization involved in drycleaning textiles using perchloroethylene, ensuring end products are pleasant, professionally finished, and free from objectionable residual odors.

Keywords: ASTM D4494, perchloroethylene, drycleaning solvents, residual odor, textile testing, solvent quality, odor detection, garment care quality.

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: D4494 − 95 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Detecting Residual Odor of Drycleaning Grade
Perchloroethylene
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4494; 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 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method covers the detection of a residual odor 4.1 Normally clothes cleaned with perchloroethylene will
in drycleaning-grade perchloroethylene. have a clean cloth odor. If a foreign odor is present, it may be
objectionable.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
5. Apparatus
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
5.1 Two-Glass Beakers,1L.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.2 Oven, forced convection model.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
6. Material
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6.1 De-sized and bleached cotton fabric weighing from 120
Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.
2 2 2 2
g/m to 135 g/m (3.6 oz/yd to 4.0 oz/yd ). The fabric shall be
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
clean, dry, and free from foreign odor.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
7. Safe Handling Precautions
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 7.1 Handle perchloroethylene only in a well-ventilated hood
for conducting the test. See Guide D3844 for the label
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
information.
2. Referenced Documents
8. Procedure
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3844 Guide for Labeling Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Sol- 8.1 Condition a swatch, 300 mm by 300 mm (12 in. by 12
vent Containers (Withdrawn 2013) in.) size, of test fabric at 60 6 10 % relative humidity for at
least 8 h.
3. Summary of Test Method
8.2 Soak the test swatch in a beaker with 100 mL of
3.1 A swatch of conditioned cotton fabric is treated by perchloroethylene for 5 min.
soaking in drycleaning perchloroethylene, then drained, dried,
8.3 Remove it from the beaker and allow to drain and dry at
and steamed. The odor is compared with an untreated swatch.
room temperature for 4 h.
The treated swatch should be no different from the untreated.
8.4 Dry the treated swatch in a fresh air oven at 60 °C
(140 °F)
...