Overview
EN ISO 3175-6:2019 / ISO 3175-6:2019 defines a standardized procedure for testing cleaning and finishing performance of textiles using decamethylpentacyclosiloxane (D5) as the drycleaning solvent. Prepared by ISO/TC 38 and adopted by CEN (EN ISO 3175-6:2019), the document covers procedures for both normal and sensitive materials, detailing machine, reagent and finishing requirements so that cleaned specimens can be assessed consistently (in line with ISO 3175-1).
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Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & principle: Procedure for drycleaning textile specimens in commercial machines with D5, followed by restorative finishing; specimens are then evaluated per ISO 3175-1.
- Reagents:
- Decamethylpentacyclosiloxane (D5) - listed properties include flashpoint 77 °C and boiling point 210 °C.
- Model detergent: cocofattyaciddiethanolamide (used as an emulsifier for controlled water addition).
- Machine and apparatus:
- Commercial drycleaning machine with reversible rotating cage (diameter 600–1 080 mm, depth ≥300 mm) and 3–4 lifters.
- Specified g-factor ranges for cleaning (0.5–0.8) and extraction (100–300) with formula provided for calculation.
- Controls required: solvent and air temperature, solvent temperature measurement, incoming/outgoing air temp to ±2 °C, dosing apparatus for gradual emulsion addition, and automatic solvent dryness control.
- Finishing equipment:
- Iron (~1.5 kg, sole area 150–200 cm²) and steam press with bucks (~0.35 m² each) and steam pressure ≈500 kPa.
- Materials classification: Definitions and different procedures for normal materials (tolerant of standard process) and sensitive materials (require restricted mechanical action, drying temperature or water addition).
- Practical test parameters: Conditioning, specimen preparation, number of cycles and reporting requirements are specified; note that 3–5 cycles often reveal progressive property changes.
Applications and users
This standard is intended for:
- Textile testing laboratories and quality assurance teams evaluating drycleanability and finish durability.
- Garment and textile manufacturers assessing material compatibility with D5 solvent.
- Drycleaning equipment manufacturers validating machine performance and controls.
- Certification bodies and standards committees harmonizing professional care methods.
Practical uses include comparative performance testing, product development decisions (fabric and trim selection), and establishing care-label recommendations for professional cleaning with D5.
Related standards
- ISO 3175-1 - Assessment of performance after cleaning and finishing (referenced for evaluation methods).
- ISO 3175 series - Other parts covering procedures and classifications for professional care of textiles.
- ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing.
Safety note: observe standard safety precautions when operating drycleaning equipment and handling solvents.
