5.1 This test method may be used to test the surface water absorption of terry fabrics for bath towels, bath sheets, hand towels, kitchen towels, dishcloths, washcloths, beachwear, bathrobes, and the like. Different specifications may be needed for each of these fabrics because of different applications. ⁵

5.2 It is recognized that surface water absorption is only one of the characteristics that the ultimate consumer may use in determining which terry fabric is acceptable. Consult Specification D5433 for other characteristics that may be applicable to terry fabrics.

5.3 This test method is recommended for quality control testing of terry fabrics during manufacturing and product comparisons of different terry fabrics by manufacturers, retailers, and users.

5.4 This test method may be used for the acceptance testing of commercial shipments of terry fabrics, but caution is advised since interlaboratory precision is known to be poor. Comparative tests as directed in 5.4.1 may be advisable.

1.1 This test method determines the ability of a terry fabric to rapidly absorb and retain liquid water from surfaces such as human skin, dishes, and furniture.

1.2 This test method is not applicable to non-terry fabrics such as huck towels, waffle-weave towels, crash towels, flour-sack towels, and nonwoven wipes. The steep angle of the specimen on the apparatus may cause a large amount of water to runoff these non-pile fabrics, or the lightweight/open structure of these fabrics may allow a large amount of water to completely pass through the specimen; thus the test result may not be a valid measure of a non-terry fabric's ability to absorb water.

1.3 This test method is not applicable to decorative terry fabrics that will not be used to absorb water from surfaces.

1.4 This test method is written in SI units. The inch-pound units that are provided are not necessarily exact equivalents of the SI units. Either system of units may be used in this test method. In case of referee decisions the SI units will prevail.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.