What is ISO 3175?
The ISO 3175 is a textile testing standard developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). It evaluates the fabric’s dry cleanability and dimensional stability through simulation of the dry cleaning process in the textile lab.
In the dry cleaning process, fabric is cleaned by using a chemical solvent instead of water. It may seem like dry cleaning is a dry process, but that’s not entirely true. Garments are treated with a liquid solvent, tetrachloroethylene, rather than water.
PERC is a dry-cleaning solvent widely used and commonly known as perchloroethylene. It is a volatile organic compound and is mainly used for dry cleaning purposes. Trichloroethylene and petroleum spirit are used as alternative solvents to perchloroethylene.
Importance of ISO Standards in the Fabric Dry Cleaning Process
The ISO 3175 standard defines the performance of a fabric under multiple dry cleaning cycles. It helps textile manufacturers and researchers develop products that can sustain their finish, fit, and strength without distortion after the dry cleaning process.
Solvent-based textile care is beneficial for garments that do not react well to water, such as silk and wool. Solvent cleaning is also helpful for those fabrics which are sensitive to the heat of a traditional dryer.
For example, wool should maintain shrinkage less than 3% after 05 professional garment cleaning cycles under ISO 3175 conditions. This standard evaluates shrinkage, color bleeding and fabric’s structural damage due to solvent exposure.
Dry-Cleaning Standards International Vs Local
The international standards are globally recognised, such as ISO 3175, ASTM D2724 (USA), and EN 26330 (EU). International standards typically include comprehensive testing methods, whereas local standards often lack these methods.
ISO focuses on the reproducibility of the tests by defining the solvent, such as hydrocarbons in Japan, perchloroethylene in Europe and the testing method. While local standards vary in solvents and testing methods.
ISO 3175 Dry Cleaning Test Explained
ISO 3175 Dry Cleaning Global Standard for Fabric Testing and Performance 
This standard is used to determine the fabric’s dimensional change, shrinkage, structural degradation, strength, and color bleeding after solvent treatment. A dry cleaning tester performs ISO 3175 dry cleaning test.
Components of the ISO Dry Cleaning Test Method
Textile performance evaluation via dry cleaning standards ensures the fabric’s performance, safety, and durability by simulating commercial dry-cleaning processes.
Without testing and ensuring quality, garments may face colour fading, shrinkage, seam distortion or lining damage. ISO 3175 provides guidelines for dry-cleaning testing, including parameters such as mechanical agitation, solvent exposure, drying temperature, and the effects of residual solvent.
This standard utilises perchloroethylene (PCE) or hydrocarbon solvents to replicate the commercial garment dry treatment process.
The main components of the ISO dry cleaning test method are below.
- Test specimen
- Dry cleaning machine
- Absorbent materials
- Mechanical agitation
- Evaluation tools (Light Box, Shrinkage Scale)
Step-by-Step Breakdown of ISO 3175 Dry Cleaning Test
Sample Preparation
Take the sample with a size of at least 500 × 500 mm. Mark 8 points in the centre of the sample to make it a 350 × 350 mm square. Mark the warp and the weft on the sample and lock the set to avoid looseness. The specimen is conditioned at 20°C and 65% relative humidity for 24 hours.
Cleaning Cycle
The fabric specimen is passed through dry cleaning cycles using PERC. This dry cleaning process involves solvent washing, rinsing, and drying under specified parameters.
Mechanical Action
There is a mechanical action by drum motion. Steel balls can also be used for mechanical action.
Evaluation
At the end of testing, remove the sample and adjust the humidity to the standard. Measure the distance of eight-mark points in longitude and latitude. Calculate the rate of dimensional change.
ISO 3175 and Other Related Sub-Standards
ISO 3175 has a set of test series that differ slightly based on the solvent type.
ISO 3175-2
This standard is used for garments to be dry cleaning with perchloroethylene.
ISO 3175-3
It utilises hydrocarbon as a solvent for textile solvent cleaning.
ISO 3175-4
This standard is operated on wet cleaning with non-solvent-based techniques.
Fabric Dry Cleaning Process According to ISO 3175
Suitable Fabric Types for ISO 3175 Testing
The ISO 3175 standard is suitable for textile products, such as wool, polyester, viscose, silk, and cotton blends, that undergo a commercial dry-cleaning process. Fabrics are selected based on their end use, weave structure, and chemical finishes.
Delicate and expensive garments such as peacoats, suits, dresses, and uniform fabric are tested under this standard.
After the ISO 3175 test, if the fabric shrinkage is no more than 1.5% and colour fading is no more than 4 grades according to the ISO 105 standard, then the fabric is marked with a pass tag; otherwise, it is rejected. Delicate and expensive garments need special care like sequined or beaded garments.
Role of Solvents and Detergents in the Test Method
Textile cleaning under ISO 3175 is done by using hydrocarbon solvents or perchloroethylene (PCE). The hydrocarbons have moderate degreasing power, but they work efficiently on longer cycles. On the other hand, perchloroethylene has strong degreasing power.
For better results, the addition of detergent with a 0.5 – 1.5% concentration is also done. It keeps soil in suspension form and avoids its re-deposition.
Variation in solvent purity, and rise in temperature (normally kept 30 – 40 0C) may cause fabric bleeding, deceasing strength, and odor retention.
Common Failures in the Fabric Dry Cleaning Process and Their Causes
Shrinkage
It mostly happens in heat-sensitive fabrics
Color bleeding
Fabric printing or dyeing with unstable dyes leads to bleeding
Seam distortion
It occurs due to the differential tensions applied to the fabric during dry cleaning.
Surface Pilling
The loosely spun fabrics face surface pilling from rubbing and contact with other fabrics.
- Luster Loss
Silk fabric loses its luster after prolonged contact with a solvent
Conclusion
The ISO 3175 standard defines the performance of a fabric under multiple dry cleaning cycles. It is suitable for textile products, such as wool, polyester, viscose, silk, and cotton blends, that undergo the commercial dry-cleaning process.
After the ISO 3175 test, if the fabric shrinkage is no more than 1.5%, and color fading is no more than 4 grades in the ISO 105 standard, then the fabric is marked with a pass tag; otherwise, it is rejected. Delicate and expensive garments need special care like sequined or beaded garments.
FAQs
What is ISO 3175?
This standard is used to determine the fabric’s dimensional change, shrinkage, structural degradation, strength, and color bleeding after solvent treatment.
Why ISO standard is important in the fabric dry cleaning process?
It helps textile manufacturers and researchers develop products that can sustain their finish, fit, and strength without distortion after the dry cleaning process.
What is the difference between ISO 3175-2 & ISO 3175-3?
ISO 3175-2 is used for garments undergoing dry cleaning with perchloroethylene, and ISO 3175-3 utilizes hydrocarbons as a solvent for textile solvent cleaning.