Testing acc. to Volkswagen PV 3356: Textiles and Films Soiling and Cleaning Behavior
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Testing methods
Our test laboratory performs testing in accordance with Volkswagen PV 3356. The test specification describes a standardized method for determining the soiling and cleaning behaviour of textiles. It assesses the extent to which a textile material becomes soiled under defined conditions and how effectively the resulting soiling can subsequently be removed.
The test is particularly relevant for upholstery fabrics and textile surfaces in vehicle interiors. During vehicle use, these materials are regularly exposed to contact, friction and soiling. The test therefore provides important information for material selection, component development and quality assurance of textiles used in automotive interiors.
Test procedure according to VW PV 3356
The test is based on the Martindale test principle according to DIN EN ISO 12945-2, but uses a different arrangement of the rubbing partners. The upholstery fabric to be tested is mounted on the abrasion table of the Martindale tester, while a defined cotton fabric soiled with carbon black and olive oil is mounted in the specimen holder as the soiling medium.
After conditioning for at least 24 hours under the specified standard climatic conditions, the textile material is subjected to 1,000 rubbing cycles at a pressure of 12 kPa. At least three specimens are required for each test.
Cleaning behaviour and evaluation
Following the defined soiling procedure, the cleaning behaviour of the textile is evaluated. A surfactant solution is applied to the soiled specimen using a soft sponge and rubbed into the surface. The surface is then dabbed with a microfibre cloth. This cleaning procedure is repeated three times.
The specimens are subsequently assessed visually under defined lighting conditions. Evaluation is carried out in a light cabinet under D65 daylight using a grey scale. PV 3356 thus enables a comparative assessment of textile materials with regard to both their tendency to become soiled and their cleanability.
Relation to other standards and Volkswagen test specifications
VW PV 3356 is directly related to DIN EN ISO 12945-2. The Volkswagen test specification uses the modified Martindale method described in this standard but changes the arrangement of the rubbing partners for the specific evaluation of soiling behaviour.
Additional Martindale tests can be used to characterize textile materials, in particular the determination of abrasion resistance according to DIN EN ISO 12947. While these tests primarily characterize the resistance of textile fabrics to mechanical abrasion, PV 3356 specifically focuses on the soiling and subsequent cleaning of the textile surface.
Application in vehicle interiors
PV 3356 is particularly relevant for evaluating upholstery fabrics and other textile surfaces in vehicle interiors. Typical applications include seat covers as well as textile trim and decorative materials, where resistance to soiling and good cleanability are important performance characteristics in addition to visual appearance.
The test therefore supports the selection of suitable textiles for vehicle interiors and enables different materials and surfaces to be compared in terms of their behaviour under practically relevant soiling and cleaning conditions.
