Curtains test

BS 5867 specifies that for a fabric to carry the claim that it can be cleaned by washing and dry cleaning, it will meet the requirements for colour fastness and dimensional stability.

Labels on the roll of fabric purchased should state the British Standard i.e. BS 5867. It should also give any precautions regarding the cleaning, especially if it is unsuitable for cleansing.

Testing in industry

Colour fastness

The agencies that could cause colour fastness problems for curtains and drapes are light, washing and dry cleaning. The fabric tested is either brought into contact with light or sandwiched between two white cloths.

The fabric is subjected to the above agencies and observations made. Has the fabric changed colour? Has the white cloth absorbed colour from the test piece?

Dimensional stability

A fabric sample is washed or dry cleaned and measurements taken. The mean dimensional change in width and length of the fabric should not exceed 3%.

Testing in School

Colour fastness

Although daylight testing is a slow method of testing, it does work. A piece of fabric is left hanging in the window in direct sunlight over a length of time. Checks are made regularly to see if there has been any colour change.

Fastness when washing should be done in a similar way to industry. A sample of fabric should be sewn to two pieces of white fabric and washed. It could be placed in a beaker of soap solution and kept at a temperature of 40°C for 30 mins. This should be stirred at intervals. The sample should be rinsed for 10 minutes in cold water, separated from the white cloth and then hung to dry. The staining of the white cloth and the change in colour of the sample should be checked.

Dimension stability

After the washing test the sample should be measured and checked for any changes.

Your results should be recorded, a conclusion drawn and a decision made regarding the material.