Overview
ISO 10528:1995 specifies a repeatable commercial laundering procedure for textile fabrics prior to flammability testing. The standard defines laboratory washing methods that simulate repeated commercial laundry using soft water and horizontal drum machines (automatic drum or small-scale wash wheel). It ensures consistent pre‑conditioning of specimens so that subsequent flammability tests reflect the effects of realistic commercial washing.
Key topics and requirements
- Purpose: Assess the possible effect of repeated commercial laundering on fabric flammability.
- Machine types: Automatic horizontal rotating drum (Type A) and small-scale wash wheel (Type W) with reversing action (see ISO 6330 and ISO 675 references).
- Water quality: Soft water with maximum hardness 20 mg/L CaCO3.
- Liquor/load ratios: Specified nominal wash ratio of 5:1 and a rinse ratio of 9:1 (noting final ratios may change due to steam condensation).
- Temperatures and cycles:
- Standard wash: (75 ± 3) °C; total agitation (heating + washing) specified as (30 ± 3) min; 12 complete wash/rinse cycles.
- Reduced wash: (40 ± 3) °C option for temperature‑sensitive fabrics.
- Load, detergent and volumes: Test load mass, low/high dip volumes and detergent quantity are calculated from drum volume using the equations given in clause 5; low‑foaming detergent with sodium perborate is specified.
- Specimen composition: At least half the load shall be material under test (remaining ballast polyester or cotton pieces as specified).
- Drying and finishing: Dry according to ISO 6330 drying procedures and press if material allows.
- Reporting: Test reports must state “Tested after washing in accordance with ISO 10528” and record the washing machine type and drum volume, detergent used, procedure (standard or reduced), drying method and any deviations.
Applications and users
ISO 10528 is used by:
- Textile testing laboratories and independent flammability test houses
- Manufacturers of textiles and flame‑retardant finishes assessing wash durability
- Quality assurance and product compliance teams preparing samples for flammability certification
- Regulatory and conformity assessment bodies that require standardized pre‑conditioning
Practical benefits include reproducible pre‑treatment, the ability to compare finish durability across labs, and clearer interpretation of flammability performance after realistic commercial laundering.
Related standards
- ISO 6330 - domestic washing and drying procedures (referenced)
- ISO 675 - wash wheel specification (referenced)
- ISO 6941 - vertical flame spread test used to assess flammability after washing
- ISO references to domestic laundering procedures (see clause references in ISO 10528)
Keywords: ISO 10528, textiles, commercial laundering procedure, flammability testing, wash cycles, soft water, liquor/load ratio, detergent, test specimen preparation.
Open preview (PDF)Textiles — Commercial laundering procedure for textile fabrics prior to flammability testing