EN ISO 26082-1:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies a method for determining the resistance of all forms of leather to visible soiling through repeated contact with soiled objects. It provides a physical pretreatment routine for leathers that can be vulnerable to loss of soiling resistance while in service, prior to conducting further tests such as cleaning.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 04-Aug-2026
• ICS: 59.140.30 - Leather and furs
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 289 - Leather
• Drafting Committee: WG 7 - Physical and fastness test methods
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 05-Aug-2026
• Completion Date: 05-Aug-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN ISO 26082-1:2026 - Leather - Physical and mechanical test methods for the determination of soiling - Part 1: Rubbing (Martindale) method (ISO 26082-1:2026)

• Replaces: EN ISO 26082-1:2019 - Leather - Physical and mechanical test methods for the determination of soiling - Part 1: Rubbing (Martindale) method (ISO 26082-1:2019)
• Effective Date: 04-Dec-2024
• Refers: ISO 12945-2:2020 - Textiles — Determination of fabric propensity to surface pilling, fuzzing or matting — Part 2: Modified Martindale method
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 105-A02:1993 - Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 12947-1:1998 - Textiles — Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method — Part 1: Martindale abrasion testing apparatus
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 2418:2023 - Leather — Chemical, physical, mechanical and fastness tests — Position and preparation of specimens for testing
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 2419:2024 - Leather — Physical and mechanical tests — Specimen and test piece conditioning
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 105-F09:2009 - Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part F09: Specification for cotton rubbing cloth
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 7906:2022 - Leather — Tests for colour fastness — General principles of testing
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 11640:2018 - Leather — Tests for colour fastness — Colour fastness to cycles of to-and-fro rubbing
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Referred By: EN 15618:2022 - Rubber- or plastic-coated fabrics - Upholstery fabrics - Classification and methods of test
• Effective Date: 12-Aug-2026
• Referred By: EN 14906:2026 - Leather - Leather for automotive - Test methods and testing parameters
• Effective Date: 12-Aug-2026
• Referred By: EN 15618:2009+A1:2012 - Rubber- or plastic-coated fabrics - Upholstery fabrics - Classification and methods of test
• Effective Date: 12-Aug-2026
• Consolidated By: ISO 26082-1:2026 - Leather — Physical and mechanical test methods for the determination of soiling — Part 1: Rubbing (Martindale) method
• Effective Date: 12-Feb-2026

Overview

EN ISO 26082-1:2026 is a European standard titled "Leather - Physical and mechanical test methods for the determination of soiling - Part 1: Rubbing (Martindale) method" adopted by CEN. This standard specifies a laboratory method for evaluating the resistance of all forms of leather to visible soiling caused by repeated contact with soiled objects. By simulating typical use conditions, it enables manufacturers and testing laboratories to determine how susceptible leather products are to soiling and how well they may maintain a clean appearance in service.

EN ISO 26082-1:2026 provides a physical pretreatment routine for leathers, especially important for those that may lose soiling resistance during actual use. The procedure described is also valuable for preparing samples before further evaluations, such as cleaning or color fastness testing. The method relies on a controlled rubbing process using the Martindale abrasion machine and standard soiling cloths.

Key Topics

• Rubbing (Martindale) Method: This standard outlines procedures for soiling leather by mechanical rubbing with a standardized soiling cloth. The Martindale method is widely recognized for its reproducibility and consistency in simulating real-service soiling.
• Sample Preparation: Detailed requirements for leather sample conditioning and preparation help ensure reliable and comparable results across labs.
• Instrument Settings: Specifies apparatus requirements, including Martindale abrasion machines, sample holders, soiling cloths, and underlays to simulate realistic soiling conditions.
• Assessment of Soiling: After the soiling process, the standard guides the visual or instrumental comparison of the test article against a reference sample using established gray scales for color change assessment.
• Pretreatment and Cleaning Tests: Includes optional pre-wear treatments and post-soiling cleaning to assess how cleaning impacts residual soiling and color integrity.
• Reporting: Outlines the information required in test reports to ensure traceability and enable meaningful comparisons between products and test labs.

Applications

EN ISO 26082-1:2026 is highly valuable for stakeholders across the leather supply chain:

• Manufacturers: To validate or improve the soiling resistance of leather in footwear, upholstery, automotive interiors, clothing, and accessories.
• Quality Control Laboratories: For routine analysis of product batches to ensure conformity to customer or regulatory requirements.
• Product Development: Informs the selection or development of finishes and treatments that enhance leather soiling resistance.
• Client-Specified Testing: Enables tailoring of procedures (e.g., number of cycles, soiling severity) to match real-world demands or customer specifications.
• Post-Cleaning Evaluations: Assists in assessing whether a leather product can be restored to its original state after soiling and cleaning, an important criterion for high-wear applications like automotive and public furniture.

Related Standards

Testing leather for soiling resistance often involves a suite of international standards. EN ISO 26082-1:2026 references and complements:

• ISO 2418 / ISO 2419: For preparation and conditioning of leather test pieces
• ISO 105 Series: Methods for color fastness assessment, including visual and instrumental evaluations (ISO 105-A02, ISO 105-F09)
• ISO 12947-1: Martindale abrasion testing apparatus and procedures
• ISO 12945-2: Modified Martindale method for evaluating fabric surface pilling
• ISO 11640: Color fastness to and fro rubbing, relevant for comparative or cleaning tests
• ISO 7906: General principles for color fastness of leather

These related standards ensure that soiling resistance testing is robust, repeatable, and consistent, supporting both product claims and regulatory compliance.

---

Key SEO Keywords: Leather soiling resistance, Martindale rubbing method, leather test methods, EN ISO 26082-1, leather quality control, leather cleaning test, leather product durability, international leather standards.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2026
Usnje - Fizikalno in mehansko preskušanje za ugotavljanje madežev - 1. del:
Metoda drgnjenja Martindale (ISO 26082-1:2026)
Leather - Physical and mechanical test methods for the determination of soiling - Part 1:
Rubbing (Martindale) method (ISO 26082-1:2026)
Leder - Physikalische und mechanische Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung des
Anschmutzens - Teil 1: Martindale-Verfahren (ISO 26082-1:2026)
Cuir - Méthodes d'essai physique et mécanique de détermination de la salissure - Partie
1: Méthode par frottement (Martindale) (ISO 26082-1:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 26082-1:2026
ICS:
59.140.30 Usnje in krzno Leather and furs
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 26082-1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
August 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 59.140.30 Supersedes EN ISO 26082-1:2019
English Version
Leather - Physical and mechanical test methods for the
determination of soiling - Part 1: Rubbing (Martindale)
method (ISO 26082-1:2026)
Cuir - Méthodes d'essai physique et mécanique de Leder - Physikalische und mechanische Prüfverfahren
détermination de la salissure - Partie 1: Méthode par zur Bestimmung des Anschmutzens - Teil 1:
frottement (Martindale) (ISO 26082-1:2026) Martindale-Verfahren (ISO 26082-1:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 4 August 2026.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 26082-1:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 26082-1:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/IULTCS
"International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies" in collaboration with Technical
Committee CEN/TC 289 “Leather” the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2027, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by February 2027.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 26082-1:2019.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body/national committee. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 26082-1:2026 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 26082-1:2026 without any
modification.
International
Standard
ISO
26082-1
IUP 53-1
Third edition
Leather — Physical and mechanical
2026-07
test methods for the determination
of soiling —
Part 1:
Rubbing (Martindale) method
Cuir — Méthodes d'essai physique et mécanique de détermination
de la salissure —
Partie 1: Méthode par frottement (Martindale)
Reference number
ISO 26082-1:2026(en)
IUP 53-1:2026(en) © ISO 2026
ISO 26082-1:2026(en)
IUP 53-1:2026(en)
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO 26082-1:2026(en)
IUP 53-1:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 2
5 Apparatus and materials . 2
6 Sampling and test piece preparation . 3
7 Pretreatment ageing procedures . 3
8 Procedure using a standard soiling cloth . 3
9 Cleaning after-treatment to evaluate residual soiling . 4
9.1 General instructions .4
9.2 Manual cleaning . .5
9.3 Cleaning using a rub fastness tester .5
10 Test report . 5
Annex A (informative) Sources of apparatus and materials . 6
Bibliography . 8

iii
ISO 26082-1:2026(en)
IUP 53-1:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
IULTCS, originally formed in 1897, is a world-wide organization of professional leather societies to further
the advancement of leather science and technology. IULTCS has three Commissions, which are responsible
for establishing international methods for sampling and the testing of leather. ISO recognizes IULTCS as an
international standardizing body for the preparation of test methods for leather.
This document was prepared by the Physical Tests Commission of the International Union of Leather
Technologists and Chemists Societies (IUP Commission, IULTCS) in collaboration with the European
Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 289, Leather, in accordance with the
agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 26082-1:2019), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— the method was aligned to the latest versions of ISO 2418, ISO 2419, ISO 7906;
— the precision in Clause 7 and Clause 8 has been increased.
A list of all parts in the ISO 26082 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
ISO 26082-1:2026(en)
International Standard
IUP 53-1:2026(en)
Leather — Physical and mechanical test methods for the
determination of soiling —
Part 1:
Rubbing (Martindale) method
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for determining the resistance of all forms of leather to visible soiling
through repeated contact with soiled objects. It provides a physical pretreatment routine for leathers that
can be vulnerable to loss of soiling resistance while in service, prior to conducting further tests such as
cleaning.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
ISO 105-F09, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part F09: Specification for cotton rubbing cloth
ISO 2418, Leather — Chemical, physical, mechanical and fastness tests — Position and preparation of specimens
for testing
ISO 2419, Leather — Physical and mechanical tests — Specimen and test piece conditioning
ISO 7906, Leather — Tests for colour fastness — General principles of testing
ISO 11640, Leather — Tests for colour fastness — Colour fastness to cycles of to-and-fro rubbing
ISO 12945-2, Textiles — Determination of fabric propensity to surface pilling, fuzzi
...