Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between colorfastness to washing and colorfastness to rubbing?
A: Wash fastness measures how much dye bleeds when the fabric is laundered, rated 1–5 (5 = no change). Rub fastness measures dye transfer to a dry or wet white cloth under friction. Both are tested separately — a fabric can score well on one and poorly on the other. We test both at M.R. Garment Industries using AATCC and ISO standards before shipment.
Q: What rating should I require from my supplier for knitted garments?
A: Minimum 4 on wash, light, and rub fastness for export-quality garments. Premium or certified products (OEKO-TEX) should score 4–5. Anything below 3 is commercially unacceptable — colours will fade noticeably within 5–10 washes.
Q: Why do dark colours (black, navy) fail colorfastness more often than light ones?
A: Dark shades require more dye to achieve depth, leaving more unfixed dye in the fabric. Even small lapses in fixation result in visible bleeding. Achieving a 4–5 rating on dark shades demands precise dye chemistry and rigorous washing-off after dyeing — steps we apply at every batch.
Q: Does OEKO-TEX certification guarantee colorfastness?
A: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 primarily tests for harmful substances — not colorfastness performance. However, certified products use approved dye systems that tend to be more stable. For colorfastness guarantees, ask your supplier for ISO 105 or AATCC test certificates separately.
Q: Can I request colorfastness certificates before placing a bulk order?
A: Yes, and you should. At Al Madni Textiles we provide lab dip approval and test certificates before bulk dyeing begins, and again with the finished bulk sample. Contact us at sales@almadnitextiles.com to discuss certification requirements for your order.
Q: How do I test colorfastness on received samples before placing a bulk order?
A: Simple home test: wet a white cotton cloth, rub firmly on the sample (wet rub fastness). Then machine wash the sample at 40°C with a white cloth, compare both before and after. For commercial buying decisions, always request the supplier’s certified lab results rather than relying on informal tests.