ASTM D5433-12(2019)

Standard Performance Specification for Towel Products for Institutional and Household Use

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Upon mutual agreement between the purchaser and the supplier, woven or knitted products intended for this end use should meet all of the requirements listed in Table 1 of this specification for terry products and Table 2 for non terry products.  
5.2 It is recognized that for purposes of fashion or aesthetics the ultimate consumer of articles made from these fabrics may find acceptable products that do not conform to all of the requirements in Table 1 or Table 2. Therefore, one or more of the requirements listed in Table 1 or Table 2 may be modified by mutual agreement between the purchaser and the seller.  
5.2.1 In such cases, any references to the specification shall specify that: This product meets ASTM Specification 63-707 except for the following characteristic(s).  
5.3 Where no prepurchase agreement has been reached between the purchaser and the supplier, and in case of controversy, the requirements listed in Table 1 or Table 2 are intended to be used as a guide only. As noted in 5.2, ultimate consumer demands dictate varying performance parameters for any particular style.  
5.4 The significance and use of particular properties and test methods are discussed in the appropriate sections of the specified test methods.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the evaluation of specific performance characteristics of importance in woven and knitted kitchen towel, dishcloth, crash towel, huck towel, washcloth, hand towel, bath towel, and bath sheet products for use in institutional and household environments.  
1.2 This specification may be used by mutual agreement between the purchaser and the supplier to establish purchasing specification requirements.  
1.3 The requirements in Tables 1 and 2 apply to the length and width directions for those properties where fabric direction is pertinent.    
1.4 This specification is not applicable for coated and laminated products, nonwoven products, or terry fabrics used for apparel.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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 D5433-12 - Standard Performance Specification for Towel Products for Institutional and Household Use
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2024) - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D7023-06(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2017)e1 - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2017) - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• 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 D6797-15 - Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Fabrics Constant-Rate-of-Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4772-14 - Standard Test Method for Surface Water Absorption of Terry Fabrics (Water Flow)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1424-09(2013) - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4772-09(2013) - Standard Test Method for Surface Water Absorption of Terry Fabrics (Water Flow)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1424-09(2013)e1 - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013

Overview

ASTM D5433-12(2019) is the internationally recognized standard performance specification for towel products used in both institutional and household settings. Developed by ASTM International, this standard establishes benchmarks for evaluating essential performance characteristics such as strength, absorbency, colorfastness, and dimensional change in woven and knitted towels, washcloths, dishcloths, and similar products. The specification ensures product consistency and reliability across a full range of environments, from commercial laundries and hotels to residential kitchens and bathrooms.

ASTM D5433-12(2019) sets performance requirements for a variety of towel types, including terry and non-terry fabrics, and aligns with global standardization principles from the World Trade Organization’s TBT Committee. Its use fosters clear communication between purchasers and suppliers, helping guarantee quality and performance suited to diverse consumer and institutional needs.

Key Topics

• Product Scope: Covers woven and knitted kitchen towels, dishcloths, crash towels, huck towels, washcloths, hand towels, bath towels, and bath sheets intended for non-apparel use.

• Performance Criteria:

  • Breaking strength: Ensures the towel’s fabric resists tearing and stretching under normal use.
  • Bursting strength: Evaluates the ability of knitted towels to withstand multidirectional forces.
  • Colorfastness: Assesses resistance to fading and staining from laundering, light, and contact with other materials.
  • Dimensional stability: Limits acceptable shrinkage or distortion after laundering in both length and width.
  • Absorbency: Measures water uptake efficiency, crucial for effective cleaning and drying.
  • Appearance after laundering: Maintains aesthetics and integrity after wash cycles.

• Flexibility in Requirements: The specification allows for modifications to certain criteria by mutual agreement between purchaser and supplier, recognizing the influence of fashion or aesthetics.

• Sampling and Testing: Specifies procedures for sample selection and the use of established ASTM and AATCC test methods for reliable, repeatable results.

• Applications Not Covered: Excludes coated, laminated, nonwoven products, and terry fabrics intended for apparel.

Applications

• Institutional Use: Hotels, hospitals, resorts, laundries, and restaurants benefit from towels that meet strict standards for durability, absorbency, and appearance after repeated commercial laundering.
• Household Use: Ensures consumers receive reliable kitchen towels, bath towels, and washcloths with consistent performance and appearance.
• Quality Assurance: Aids manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in defining clear quality requirements and resolving disputes, thus enhancing product confidence and supply chain transparency.
• Purchasing Specifications: Enables procurement teams and suppliers to establish contractual performance benchmarks for bulk and private-label towel programs.
• Product Development and Testing: Supports R&D teams aiming to innovate or improve towel products while ensuring compliance with recognized industry performance standards.

Related Standards

• ASTM D5034: Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
• ASTM D3786, D6797: Test Methods for Bursting Strength of Fabrics
• AATCC TM61, TM16.3, TM8, TM116, TM135, TM96, TM179: Test methods for colorfastness, laundering, light exposure, and dimensional changes
• ASTM D123, D7023: Terminology and classification for home furnishings textiles

Adherence to ASTM D5433-12(2019) promotes consistent performance, durability, and appearance for towel products in demanding institutional and everyday household applications. For the textile industry, product evaluators, and procurement professionals, this standard provides a comprehensive framework for specifying and verifying towel 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:D5433 −12 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Performance Specification for
Towel Products for Institutional and Household Use
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5433; 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 D2261 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the
Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-
1.1 This specification covers the evaluation of specific
Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
performance characteristics of importance in woven and knit-
D2905 Practice for Statements on Number of Specimens for
ted kitchen towel, dishcloth, crash towel, huck towel,
Textiles (Withdrawn 2008)
washcloth, hand towel, bath towel, and bath sheet products for
D3786 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile
use in institutional and household environments.
Fabrics—Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester Method
1.2 This specification may be used by mutual agreement
D4772 Test Method for Surface Water Absorption of Terry
between the purchaser and the supplier to establish purchasing
Fabrics (Water Flow)
specification requirements.
D5034 TestMethodforBreakingStrengthandElongationof
1.3 The requirements in Tables 1 and 2 apply to the length Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
D6797 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Fabrics
and width directions for those properties where fabric direction
is pertinent. Constant-Rate-of-Extension (CRE) Ball Burst Test
D7023 Terminology Relating to Home Furnishings
1.4 This specification is not applicable for coated and
2.2 AATCC Standards:
laminated products, nonwoven products, or terry fabrics used
TM8 Colorfastness to Crocking: Crockmeter Method
for apparel.
TM16.3 Colorfastness to Light: Xenon-Arc Lamp, Continu-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ous Light
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
TM61 Colorfastness to Laundering: Accelerated
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.
TM96 Dimensional Changes in Commericial Laundering of
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
Woven and Knitted Fabrics Except Wool
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
TM116 Colorfastness to Crocking: Rotary Vertical Crock-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
meter Method
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
TM179 Skew Change in Fabrics after Home Laundering
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
EP1 Gray Scale for Color Change
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
EP2 Gray Scale for Staining
EP8 AATCC 9-Step Chromatic Transference Scale
2. Referenced Documents
NOTE 1—Reference to documents in this specification give only the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
pertinent part of the designation ofASTM,AATCC, or other test methods
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
or standards. The current edition of each test method shall prevail.
D1424 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by
3. Terminology
Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
3.1 For definitions of terms relating to Home Furnishings,
D13.63, refer to Terminology D7023.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on 3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard: bath
Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.63 on Home
sheet, bath towel, crash towel, fingertip towel, huck towel,
Furnishings.
terry towel, towel.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2019. Published February 2019. Originally
approved as D5433–93. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5433–12. DOI:
10.1520/D5433-12R19.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM www.astm.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
the ASTM website. (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
D5433−12 (2019)
TABLE 1 Woven or Knitted Terry Fabric Specification Requirements
Terry Requirements
Kitchen Bath, Hand, Washcloths,
Dishcloths Section
Towels Bath Sheets
Breaking Strength (CRE) 7.1
Length 178 N (40 lbf) min 220 N (50 lbf) min 178 N (40 lbf) min
Width 133 N (30 lbf) min 178 N (40 lbf) min 133 N (30 lbf) min
Bursting Strength (knits only)
Diaphragm 222 N (50 lbf) min 222 N (50 lbf) min 222 N (50 lbf) min 7.1.3
Dimensional Change: 7.1.4
Length ±10 % max ±10 % max ±10 % max
Width ±5 % max ±5 % max ±4 % max
Skew ±5 % max ±5 % max ±5 % max 7.1.5
A
Colorfastness:
Laundering: 7.1.6.1
B B B
Shade Change Grade 4 min Grade 4 min Grade 4 min
C C C
Staining Grade 3 min Grade 3 min Grade 3 min
Crocking: 7.1.6.2
C,D C,D C,D
Dry Grade 4 min Grade 4 min Grade 4 min
C,D C,D C,D
Wet Grade 3 min Grade 3 min Grade 3 min
B B B
Light (20 AFU) Grade 4 min Grade 4 min Grade 4 min 7.1.6.3
Absorbency Pass Pass Pass 7.1.7
Laundered Appearance Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable 7.2.1
A
Class for color change and color transfer is based on a numerical scale of 5 for negligible or no color change or color transfer to 1 for severe color change or color transfer.
The numerical rating in Table 1 or higher is acceptable.
B
AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change.
C
AATCC Gray Scale for Staining.
D
AATCC 9-Step Chromatic Transference Scale.
TABLE 2 Non Terry Fabric Requirements
Dishcloths Huck & Crash Towels Section
Breaking Strength (CRE) 7.1
Length 220 N (50 lbf) min 178 N (40 lbf) min
Width 178 N (40 lbf) min 133 N (30 lbf) min
Bursting Strength (knits only)
Diaphragm 222 N (50 lbf) min 222 N (50 lbf) min 7.1.3
Dimensional Change: 7.1.4
Length ±10 % max ±10 % max
Width ±5 % max ±5 % max
Skew ±5 % Acceptable ±5 % Acceptable 7.1.5
A
Colorfastness:
Laundering: 7.1.6.1
B B
Shade Change Grade 4 min Grade 4 min
C C
Staining Grade 3 min Grade 3 min
Crocking: 7.1.6.2
C,D C,D
Dry Grade 4 min Grade 4 min
C,D C,D
Wet Grade 3 min Grade 3 min
B B
Light (20 AFU) Step 4 min Step 4 min 7.1.6.3
Absorbency Pass Pass 7.1.7
Laundered Appearance Acceptable Acceptable 7.2.1
A
Class for color change and color transfer is based on a numerical scale of 5 for negligible or no color change or color transfer to 1 for severe color change or color transfer.
The numerical rating in Table 1 or higher is acceptable.
B
AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change.
C
AATCC Gray Scale for Staining.
D
AATCC 9-Step Chromatic Transference Scale.
3.2 For all other terminology related to textiles, refer to 4.2 Fabrics—The properties of fabrics for institutional and
Terminology D123. household kitchen towels, dishcloths, huck towels, crash
towels, washcloths, hand towels, bath towels, and bath sheets
4. Specification Requirements
shall conform to the specification requirements in Tables 1 and
4.1 Product—The properties to be evaluated and the accep-
2.
tance criteria assigned to these areas shall be set by mutual
agreement between the purchaser and the supplier.
D5433−12 (2019)
5. Significance and Use 7.1.1 Breaking Strength—Determine the breaking strength
as directed in Test Method D5034, using a constant-rate-of
5.1 Upon mutual agreement between the purchaser and the
extension (CRE) tensile testing machine.
supplier, woven or knitted products intended for this end use
should meet all of the requirements listed in Table 1 of this NOTE 2—If preferred, the use of a constant-rate-of-traverse (CRT)
tensile testing machine may be used. There may be no overall correlation
specification for terry products and Table 2 for non terry
between the results obtained with the CRT machine and with the CRE
products.
machine.Consequently,thesetwobreakingstrengthtesterscannotbeused
interchangeably. In case
...