This method determines the dimensional change and colourfastness of textile fabrics or garments in domestic laundering procedures. The fabric specimen or garment is subjected to an appropriate combination of specified washing, drying and restoration procedures (Experience has shown that most relaxation shrinkage occurs in the first wash, two additional washes usually being sufficient to effect complete relaxation shrinkage.).

Washing Procedures (Any other combination of temperature, mechanical action and detergent may be used but must be reported as such.)

Procedure I Low temperature (40°C), low mechanical action, synthetic detergent

Procedure II Medium temperature (50°C), low mechanical action, synthetic detergent

Procedure III Medium temperature (50°C), moderate mechanical action, synthetic detergent.

Procedure IV High temperature (70°C), moderate mechanical action, synthetic detergent

Procedure V Cold temperature (20°C), low mechanical action, detergent (It is recommended that a cold water or liquid detergent be used.)

Procedure VI Cool temperature (30°C), low mechanical action, detergent

Procedure VII Medium-high temperature (60°C), moderate mechanical action, synthetic detergent.

Drying Procedures

A -- Drip-dry

B -- Flat-bed press

C -- Flat dry

D -- Line dry

E -- Tumble dry

F -- Tumble dry without heat.

Restoration Procedures

1 -- Tension presser

2 -- Knit shrinkage gauge

3 -- Hand iron.

Before using this method, the combination of procedures suitable for the particular item to be tested must be selected to arrive at the appropriate test. A complete test consists of a washing, drying and, if necessary, a restoration procedure. For example, Test II.B.1 means that the textile material has been washed at 50°C with low mechanical action and synthetic detergent, dried by flat-bed press and restored by tension pressing. The final result obtained will, of course, depend upon the choice of test conditions used.

The seven washing tests specified vary in severity of operating conditions and correspond in their essentials to procedures commonly used in home laundering. The six drying procedures specified provide appropriate methods for drying different materials. Three procedures are specified for determining the dimensional restorability of materials after washing and drying for those textiles that may be restored by ironing or wearing.

This method is suitable for use with woven or knitted fabrics and also with garments and other made-up textile articles (Although this method is not primarily intended to measure shrinkage of seams, it may be applied to this property. An accurately measured distance should be marked along the seam whose dimensional change is to be measured.). This method is also applicable to certain nonwoven fabrics. For nonwovens, the principal directions of measurement shall be machine direction and cross direction (perpendicular to the machine direction). Nonwoven fabrics are not usually subjected to restoration procedures. This method may not be suitable for use with certain types of fabrics such as those of open construction or delicate nature (Although this method is not primarily intended to measure the laundry performance of buttons or zippers, it may be applied to this property. The appearance of the fastener before laundering should be noted, and any colour change, chipping, cracking, loss of surface decoration, rusting distortion, or melting of the buttons after laundering should be reported. Any excessive abrasion of the fabric adjacent to the buttons should also be reported. Note any loss of enamel or differential shrinkage of a zipper.). Mechanical action is the factor most responsible for fabric distortion during washing and this must be considered when choosing the procedure to be used. Where the amount of mechanical action is required to be minimal (e.g., as in hand washing), CAN/CGSB-4.2 No. 25.1-M should be used for dimensional change and CAN/CGSB-4.2 No.19.1-M, Test No. 1, for colourfastness.

This method may require the use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This document does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this method has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish appropriate health and safety practices in conjunction with any existing applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.