The Use of Washtec, Durawash, Wascator and Opti-Dry in Fabric Washing and Drying Tests

Washing and drying are fundamental processes that directly affect the colour, dimensions, surface appearance and performance of a fabric. To predict how a textile product will behave under real-life conditions before it reaches the consumer, these effects must be evaluated under controlled and repeatable laboratory conditions.

However, each instrument serves a different testing requirement. Washtec focuses on colour fastness to washing; Durawash on accelerated wash durability; Electrolux Wascator FOM71 CLS on standard reference washing; and Opti-Dry on controlled reference drying.

Selecting the correct instrument is essential for ensuring reliable test results and compliance with customer requirements.

Why are fabric washing and drying tests performed?

Throughout their service life, fabrics and garments are exposed to water, detergent, temperature, mechanical action and drying. These factors can affect both the original appearance and the physical properties of the product.

Washing and drying tests performed under laboratory conditions can be used to evaluate:

• Colour change after washing

• Staining of adjacent fabrics

• Dimensional change and shrinkage

• Print and coating durability

• Changes in fabric surface appearance

• Seam and shape stability

• Pleat retention

• Product performance after repeated washing

• The effect of controlled drying on the fabric

The correct instrument cannot be selected without first determining the purpose of the test, the specimen structure, the applicable standard and the customer’s requirements. Therefore, the functions of Washtec, Durawash, Wascator and Opti-Dry must be clearly distinguished.

Washtec: Colour fastness to washing

Washtec is used to determine the colour fastness of textile specimens to washing under controlled laboratory conditions. Small fabric specimens are placed in stainless-steel test pots together with a reference detergent and the required test materials.

The instrument applies the temperature, duration and mechanical action specified by the relevant standard under controlled conditions. Following the test, both the change in the fabric’s original colour and any staining of the adjacent fabric are assessed.

The principal applications of Washtec include:

• Colour fastness to washing tests

• Assessment of colour change in fabrics

• Determination of staining on adjacent fabrics

• Comparison of different dyeing and finishing processes

• Pre-production quality control

• Application of ISO and AATCC test methods

Washtec is not a washing machine designed for full garments or standard laundry loads. Its primary function is to perform accurate and repeatable colour fastness tests on small textile specimens.

Durawash: Accelerated wash durability

The performance of a textile product should be assessed not only after its first wash but also following the repeated laundering it will experience throughout its service life.

Durawash has been developed to test the resistance of fabrics, prints, garments and product components to repeated washing under accelerated conditions.

Performing numerous consecutive cycles in a conventional washing machine can increase testing time as well as water and energy consumption. Durawash’s accelerated operating principle allows the effects of multiple washes to be produced within a shorter period. Under certain test methods, a single cycle lasting 10–15 minutes can generate an effect comparable to approximately five standard domestic washes.

The principal applications of Durawash include:

• Assessment of print durability

• Evaluation of garment and fabric appearance

• Testing of surface embellishments and product components

• Evaluation of pleat retention after washing

• Durability testing of waddings and quilted constructions

• Accelerated simulation of repeated washing

• Comparison of different fabrics, chemical treatments and production recipes

Durawash is used for important retailer test methods such as M&S C15, M&S P5, P6, P7 and NEXT TM8. It provides a valuable solution particularly for printing companies, garment manufacturers, brands and R&D laboratories.

Electrolux Wascator: Standard reference washing

Electrolux Wascator FOM71 CLS is a professional reference washing machine used for textile testing. Unlike domestic washing machines, it has been developed to apply standard programmes with a high level of accuracy, traceability and repeatability.

Controlled speed, bath temperature and water filling help ensure that the same test can be repeated under comparable conditions at different times. This is particularly important for laboratories operating in accordance with international standards and customer-specific test methods.

The principal applications of Wascator include:

• Dimensional change testing after washing

• Shrinkage control of fabrics and garments

• Shape and appearance assessments

• Evaluation of seam performance

• Repeated standard washing cycles

• Reference washing of fabrics and garments

Wascator is not an accelerated durability tester. It applies the actual washing programmes specified by the relevant standard under controlled and repeatable conditions. It is therefore used as a reference system by accredited laboratories, textile manufacturers, major retail brands and independent testing organisations.

Opti-Dry: Controlled reference drying

The reliability of a washing test does not depend solely on the washing conditions. Drying temperature, duration, drum action and the cooling phase can also directly influence fabric shrinkage, surface appearance and dimensional stability.

Opti-Dry is a precision reference tumble dryer developed to dry textile specimens under standardised and repeatable conditions.

The principal applications of Opti-Dry include:

• Standard tumble drying after washing

• Shrinkage and dimensional change testing

• Appearance assessment of fabrics and garments

• Repeated washing and drying cycles

• Durability assessment of prints, coatings and surface treatments

• Application of controlled heating and cooling stages

Through precise time and temperature control, automatic drum action and traceable heating and cooling stages, the system supports the repeatability of drying conditions.

Opti-Dry is not a washing machine. It is a laboratory solution that completes the drying stage of tests performed particularly with Wascator and Durawash.

Key differences between the four systems

The applications of Washtec, Durawash, Electrolux Wascator and Opti-Dry are presented in detail in the comparison table below.

Which system should be used for each testing requirement?

If the primary purpose is to determine colour fastness to washing, Washtec should be selected. It assesses both the change in the fabric’s colour and staining of the adjacent fabric under controlled conditions.

If the objective is to evaluate the resistance of prints or garments to repeated washing within a shorter period, Durawash is the appropriate solution.

When fabrics or garments must undergo standard reference washing programmes followed by assessments of shrinkage, dimensional change or appearance, Electrolux Wascator should be used.

The controlled drying stage following washing should be completed using Opti-Dry. This enables drying time, temperature and drum action to be controlled, improving the repeatability of the results.

In brief:

• Washtec: Does the colour change or stain another fabric during washing?

• Durawash: How well do the print and product construction withstand repeated washing?

• Electrolux Wascator: How much does the product shrink and how well does it retain its shape after standard washing?

• Opti-Dry: How does the washed product change after controlled drying?

Reliable results require more than the correct instrument

For washing and drying tests to produce reliable results, all test parameters must be controlled in addition to selecting the correct instrument.

Water temperature, detergent type, specimen load, ballast quantity, mechanical action, washing duration, extraction speed, drying temperature and conditioning conditions can all directly affect the test result.

Therefore, the applicable standard or customer method must be correctly identified before testing, the instruments must be regularly maintained and all results must be reported under controlled conditions.

Washtec, Durawash, Electrolux Wascator and Opti-Dry do not perform the same function. They are laboratory solutions that complement different stages of textile washing and drying tests.

Washtec focuses on colour fastness to washing, Durawash on accelerated wash durability, Wascator on standard reference washing and Opti-Dry on controlled reference drying.

Using the correct systems together with the appropriate test methods enables colour change, print durability, shrinkage, dimensional stability and appearance performance to be evaluated reliably.

ColorCo Global provides end-to-end solutions by analysing the requirements of textile manufacturers and supporting them throughout instrument selection, physical testing laboratory installation, commissioning, application training and technical support.