Overview
EN ISO 3175-3:2018 (identical to ISO 3175-3:2017) defines standardized procedures for laboratory testing of drycleaning and finishing performance of textiles when using hydrocarbon solvents. Published by CEN/ISO, the standard specifies how to run cleaning cycles in commercial drycleaning machines and how to finish specimens (steam treatment / hot pressing) so that results are comparable and reproducible. The document covers both normal and sensitive materials; localized staining and stain removal are explicitly out of scope.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope and purpose: Procedures for assessing performance of fabrics and garments cleaned and finished with hydrocarbon solvents; intended as a precursor to assessment methods in ISO 3175-1.
- Hydrocarbon solvents (HCS): The standard targets aliphatic and iso-/cyclo-aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents with a specified flashpoint (≥ 38 °C) and typical boiling range (~150–210 °C).
- Machine and process requirements:
- Use of a commercial reversible rotating cage drycleaning machine designed for HCS.
- Cage dimensions and configuration are specified (e.g., diameter and depth ranges, 3–4 lifters).
- Operational parameters include defined rotation/extraction g-factor ranges and drying/deodorization steps.
- Automatic solvent dryness control and precautions to avoid foaming are addressed.
- Reagents and detergents: Coco fatty acid diethanolamide is cited as a model detergent/emulsifier for introducing small amounts of water into solvent; guidance given to prevent foaming and solvent contamination.
- Specimen handling: Conditioning, composite specimen preparation, and procedures for normal vs. sensitive materials are defined. The standard notes that progressive material changes may become apparent after multiple (typically 3–5) drycleaning and finishing cycles.
- Safety and reporting: Emphasizes adherence to safety regulations for drycleaning equipment and specifies required test-report information.
Applications and Users
This standard is used to:
- Evaluate drycleanability and finishing effects on textiles in research and quality laboratories.
- Validate garment and fabric performance for manufacturers, textile testers, and R&D teams.
- Support compliance testing for professional care claims and laundering instructions.
Primary users include textile testing labs, drycleaning equipment manufacturers, garment producers, textile chemists, and certification bodies.
Related Standards
- ISO 3175-1 - Assessment procedures after cleaning and finishing (referenced for performance evaluation).
- ISO 3175 series - Other parts cover wetcleaning, general assessment methods and terminology.
- ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (referenced).
Keywords: EN ISO 3175-3:2018, drycleaning, hydrocarbon solvents, textiles, professional care, testing procedure, sensitive materials, drycleaning machine, textile performance testing.
