Standard reference detergent is a necessity for reliable, reproducible textile testing. Beginning with the 2011 AATCC Technical Manual, four additional test methods will include the option to use standard liquid detergent.

AATCC Research Committee RA60, Colorfastness to Washing Test Methods, has approved the addition of 2003 AATCC Standard Liquid Detergent as an alternative to 1993 AATCC Standard Reference Detergent powder in the following methods:

Test Method 61 Colorfastness to Laundering: Accelerated (with or without optical brightener)
Test Method 172 Colorfastness to Powdered Non-Chlorine Bleach in Home Laundering (without optical brightener)
Test Method 188 Colorfastness to Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach in Home Laundering (without optical brightener)
Test Method 190 Colorfastness to Home Laundering with Activated Oxygen Bleach Detergent: Accelerated (without optical brightener)

Methods previously incorporating the liquid detergent option:

Test Method 88B Smoothness of Seams in Fabrics after Repeated Home Laundering
Test Method 88C Retention of Creases in Fabrics after Repeated Home Laundering
Test Method 124 Smoothness Appearance of Fabrics after Repeated Home Laundering
Test Method 143 Appearance of Apparel and Other Textile End Products after Repeated Home Laundering

Why Does Detergent Matter?
Different detergents produce different results in colorfastness, dimensional change, and other important quality characteristics. To compare fabric performance, all samples must be laundered with the same detergent.

Commercial detergent products are constantly changing; the detergent bought today may not be available tomorrow. Even the same formula may vary from lot to lot.

AATCC Standard Reference Detergent ensures the same chemistry and strict tolerances no matter when or where testing is performed. Now, the confidence of using Standard Reference Detergent and the convenience of a liquid formulation for more test methods are available.

source:AATCC