ISO 7769:2009

Overview

ISO 7769:2009 - Textiles - Test method for assessing the appearance of creases in fabrics after cleansing - specifies a comparative laboratory method to evaluate how well pressed-in creases in fabrics are retained after one or more cleansing cycles. The method is designed primarily for use with type B domestic washing machines (ISO 6330) but can also be applied to professional cleaning procedures. Results are reported as a crease appearance rating using ISO plastic crease replicas (CR‑1 to CR‑5) and averaged across multiple observers.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Evaluation of pressed-in crease retention after cleansing; the technique for inserting creases is not included.
• Specimens: Three test specimens, 38 cm × 38 cm, pinked to prevent fraying, each with a central press-in crease.
• Cleansing cycles: Use a specified domestic (ISO 6330) or professional (ISO 3175) procedure; repeat up to five cycles if required.
• Conditioning: Specimens conditioned 4–24 hours according to ISO 139, hung by two corners with crease vertical or clamped full-width.
• Lighting & viewing: Darkened room with two cool‑white fluorescent lamps, a 500 W side flood lamp with shield, and a grey viewing board matched to ISO 105‑A03 (Grey scale No. 2); side reflections should be eliminated (black walls or blackout curtains).
• Comparison standard: Plastic 3D crease replicas (CR‑1 to CR‑5); Annex B provides a digital description of replicas.
• Assessment: Three independent observers rate each specimen; ratings may be given in half‑unit increments. Average the nine observations and report to the nearest 0.5 rating per Table 1 scale.
• Reporting: Include reference to ISO 7769:2009, sample details, cleansing procedure and cycles, crease rating, and any deviations.

Practical applications

• Quality control and acceptance testing for apparel, home textiles and technical fabrics to verify crease resistance after laundering.
• R&D comparison of fabric constructions, finishes (e.g., wrinkle‑resistant treatments), and care instructions.
• Lab verification of supplier claims on laundering performance and consumer care labeling.
• Inter-laboratory comparisons and method harmonization (Annex A discusses precision and observer variability).

Who uses this standard

• Textile testing laboratories and quality assurance teams
• Manufacturers of fabrics, garments and home textiles
• Chemical and finishing product developers (anti-crease finishes)
• Certification bodies and standards compliance professionals

Related standards

• ISO 6330 - Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing
• ISO 3175 - Professional care (drycleaning/wetcleaning)
• ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
• ISO 105‑A03 - Grey scale for assessing staining

Keywords: ISO 7769:2009, crease assessment, textile testing, crease appearance rating, laundering, ISO 6330, ISO 3175, plastic crease replicas.