This method assesses the fastness of the colour of textile fabrics and yarns to dry cleaning solvent. The results of this test have been found to correlate satisfactorily with those obtained in commercial dry cleaning, although the test does not make use of moisture or dry-cleaning soap as generally used in commercial dry cleaning. (To be fully colourfast to commercial dry cleaning, a coloured textile should also be colourfast to water when tested in accordance with CAN/CGSB-4.2 No. 20-M. When staining develops during dry cleaning, it is usually due to one coloured component of a fabric or trim having poor colourfastness to water and thus bleeding or marking off in the presence of moisture dissolved or dispersed in the dry-cleaning soap/solvent mixture.)

This method makes use of tetrachloroethylene since experience has shown that coloured textiles that will withstand cleaning in tetrachloroethylene will also withstand cleaning in other dry cleaning solvents (e.g., Stoddard solvent). The reverse, however, is not necessarily true.

This method does not provide for assessment of staining since, despite the presence of colour in the cleaning solvent, staining of white or light-coloured textiles occurs very seldom in dry cleaning.

This method is not intended for use in evaluating the fastness of colours to pressing or to stain-removal procedures used by the dry cleaner.

This method may require the use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This document does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this method has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish appropriate health and safety practices in conjunction with any existing applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.