Ever pull an old T-shirt from the back of your closet, only to realize it’s way lighter than when you first bought it? That’s the slow fade of a fabric losing its color over time, and it’s often caused by exposure to light, washing, and even the wrong cleaning methods. This is what happens when a fabric isn’t colorfast—it can’t hold up against external factors like water, cleaning products, or even air.
Now, imagine that happening to a client’s expensive upholstery. One wrong cleaning product or technique, and suddenly their favorite chair looks more like your faded T-shirt. That’s why testing for colorfastness is an essential for any professional cleaner. It helps you predict how fabrics will react, and ensures that the fabric’s colors won’t bleed, fade, or weaken when exposed to cleaning products or water, so you can adjust your approach and prevent irreversible damage before it happens.