Overview
ISO 26082-1:2019 - "Leather - Physical and mechanical test methods for the determination of soiling - Part 1: Rubbing (Martindale) method" specifies a laboratory method to assess the resistance of leather to visible soiling caused by repeated contact with soiled objects. The standard defines the use of a Martindale abrasion apparatus with a standard soiling cloth (impregnated with carbon black and olive oil), a prescribed specimen preparation and optional pretreatment to simulate wear, and procedures to evaluate residual soiling and cleaning efficacy.
Key topics and requirements
- Test principle: Rubbing-type soiling using a Martindale machine; evaluate change in colour between soiled specimen and unsoiled reference.
- Apparatus: Martindale abrasion apparatus (ISO 12947-1), specific holder heads (abrasion and pilling holders), foam/wool underlays, circular cutters and rub fastness tester (ISO 11640) for automated cleaning.
- Machine settings: Lissajous stroke of (60 ± 1) mm; defined loading pieces so total mass equals (795 ± 10) g for abrasion holder (≈12 kPa) or (1 010 ± 15) g for pilling holder (≈1.6 kPa).
- Soiling procedure: Fit standard soiling cloth to holder and perform a default of 250 abrasion rubs (client can specify different counts).
- Assessment: Visual grey-scale comparison (ISO 105‑A02) or instrumental colour measurement (ISO 105‑A05); note that perceived soiling varies with leather colour.
- Pretreatment & after-treatment: Options to apply simulated wear (flexing, abrasion) before soiling; optional cleaning tests - manual cleaning with 0.5% sodium lauryl ether sulfate solution (Texapon NSO®) or automated cleaning on a rub fastness tester - followed by re-evaluation of colour change.
- Sampling & conditioning: Specimen cutting and conditioning in accordance with ISO 2419 and sampling location guidance from ISO 2418.
Applications and users
ISO 26082-1:2019 is practical for:
- Leather manufacturers and tanners validating surface finishes and soiling resistance.
- Materials and quality laboratories performing routine QC and comparative assessments.
- Product designers and specifiers in footwear, upholstery, automotive interiors and leather goods who need objective soiling data.
- Suppliers and procurement teams verifying performance claims before purchase.
- R&D teams developing coatings, protective finishes or cleaning protocols.
The standard supports decisions on material selection, finishing formulation, and cleaning recommendations by providing repeatable, comparable soiling and cleaning data.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 26082-1:2019, leather soiling test, Martindale method, soiling resistance, standard soiling cloth, leather cleaning test, rubbing (Martindale).
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