ISO 15797: Industrial Washing

Industrial bleaching and finishing methods for testing work clothing (industrial washing).

Since it is virtually impossible to reproduce industrial laundry cycles in a laboratory, ISO 15797 provides an approach.

This approach serves as a basis for evaluating the performance of garments intended for industrial laundry care.

The test to be carried out by a notified body consists of five wash cycles at 75°C (note: a lower temperature may be requested) and tumble and/or tunnel drying.

After these cycles, the laboratory looks at three main criteria: crease resistance, dimensional stability, and colour fastness on the fabric and accessories.

It also checks whether the garment is PPE and that its protective performance is still compliant.

If the test is conclusive, the garment can be washed industrially.

You will then see this pictogram:

The professional who cares for your clothes also conducts internal tests under real conditions before washing them. So there are no surprises!

Good to know

Certain protective properties are tested over a greater number of wash cycles:

Limited flame spread tested compliant after 50 cycles
Fluorescent material tested compliant after 50 cycles
Retro-reflective material tested compliant after 50 cycles
While chemical protection (13034) with re-impregnation must be done after each wash
Other performance characteristics are tested compliant after 5 wash cycles (colour fastness, dimensional stability, etc.).

As you will have understood, throughout its lifetime, the garment can be washed at up to 75° (and not washed at 75° every time).

The professional adapts the programme according to how dirty the garment is (washing temperature, but also detergents, bleaches, etc.).

Furthermore, if a maximum number of wash cycles (often 50 cycles) is indicated on the CE label, it should be noted that this is not directly related to the garment's lifespan.

Its lifespan depends on its use, care, storage conditions, etc.