AATCC Washer and Dryers

Hi Everyone

Based on the new Home Laundering monogram published in June of 2011 by AATCC, there has been a big misconception in the market that AATCC test methods are all being emended to do away with the current use of Top Loading washers and replace them with HE Front loaders.

I have done my home work by contacting reliable sources in AATCC and can inform as follows

1. HE Front loaders have been included in the new HL only to start the process of including them in test methods in the future, this future is not yet determined.

2.None of the Test methods that currently use top loaders are being amended to include HE front loaders as a washing conditions.

3. So there will be no change to washing conditions in the 2011 manual in any of these test methods.

4.For now and for the forseeable fututre, front loaders will be the option to use.

I would like to add that changing the washing conditions to HE Front loaders is not as simple as amending AATCC test methods alone.
FTC has to amend its 16CFR 423 ( Care labeling regulation) to include front loaders, only then can these machines be used for testing.

So dont add HE front loaders into your shopping list.
Of course , as a lab, you may be confronted with retailers who may ask you for results from HE front loaders, that is their prerogative , and your business.