ISO 26082-1:2019

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

• ISO 12947-1 (Martindale apparatus)
• ISO 12945-2 (modified Martindale/pilling holder)
• ISO 2419, ISO 2418 (leather sampling and conditioning)
• ISO 105-A02 / ISO 105-A05 (grey scale / instrumental colour change)
• ISO 105-F09 (cotton rubbing cloth)
• ISO 11640 (rub fastness tester)

Keywords: ISO 26082-1:2019, leather soiling test, Martindale method, soiling resistance, standard soiling cloth, leather cleaning test, rubbing (Martindale).