ISO-ACCEPTED QUALITY INSPECTION METHODS:
A consistent leading-edge testing program is one of the key components in the production of quality cleaning products. OB&HS conducts pioneering quality-control washing-tests in an inhouse state-of-the-art laboratory, performing reliable quality checks according to well-defined standards and methods established by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). A respectable association founded by Dr. Louis Olney of the Lowell Textile School in 1921.
AATCC is an internationally recognized association by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for its methods of fiber analysis and testing dye-treated fabrics to measure and evaluate such performance as colorfastness to washing, smoothness, appearance, soil release, shrinkage, water resistance, and the many other characteristics and conditions to which textiles may be subjected.
Evaluation of Detergents for Washing Fabrics
Various methods are used to check the washing effect of detergents. They differ mainly in whether the cleaning assessment is determined by the use of artificially soiled test fabrics, anonymous naturally soiled laundry in a single wash test, or new family bundles in multiple use and wash test series.
Correlation of the information based on the actual field behavior of the different methods. Applicability of the different systems depend on the special conditions which call for abbreviated procedures. Multiple use and wash tests are very close to practical use, producing data about cumulative effects and thereby allow the detection of small differences.
Classification of tested products depends on the kinds of textiles in the family bundles which are used in the detergency evaluation. This factor is important in the detection of correlations between the two methods. For product evaluation and especially for overall quality ratings, the use of test fabrics is satisfactory when a carefully selected combination of these is chosen. Taking into consideration empirical data obtained with standard formulations, one can obtain satisfactory results corresponding to consumers’ appraisals. Stain removal and soil redeposition have to be given the same weight as soil removal. -- Download an evaluation abstract by H. Krüssmann, Wäschereiforschung Krefeld, Adlerstrasse 42, D-4150 Krefeld, Germany.
