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ISO 17299/3A Odor Testing for Textiles
Gas chromatography test method for the deodorant testing of textile products
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Summary
ISO 17299-3A is an internationally recognised test method to assess the deodorant performance of textiles by measuring their ability to reduce odor-causing compounds. At MIS, we support brands with ISO 17299-3 compliant testing to validate odor-control claims and support product performance before market launch.
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Quick understanding about test
ISO 17299/3A - Gas chromatography test method for the deodorant testing of textile products
Applicable to a wide range of textile products such as woven fabric, knit, yarns, and more.
- Three test and three control samples are prepared in conical flasks.
- Flasks are purged with nitrogen gas and sealed.
- Odor component solutions are injected, and flasks are left undisturbed for 2 hours.
- Flasks are shaken vigorously to mix the contents.
- Gas samples are analyzed via gas chromatography to measure odor component concentrations. know more here.
- Accurately measures a textile's capacity to neutralize odor-causing compounds.
- It supports product development.
Results are evaluated by calculating the Odor reduction rate, it compares the concentration of odor components in test flasks with the control flasks.
The passing criteria typically involve a higher ORR in the test specimen compared to the ORR of control. This indicates significant reduction in odor-causing compound concentration in the test flask compared to the control.
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What Is ISO 17299-3A Odor Testing?
With ongoing research and advances in textile technology, odor-control fabrics have been developed to reduce odors arising from perspiration and environmental exposure. To objectively assess the deodorant performance of such textiles, standardized test methods established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) are widely used. Among them, ISO 17299 is an internationally recognized method for evaluating deodorant efficacy in textiles and is broadly accepted across both European and U.S. markets.
ISO 17299 specifies a gas chromatography testing method to determine the deodorant property of textiles. This ISO 17299-3A standard provides manufacturers with objective data on odour control performance, helping support product claims, differentiate quality, and gain a competitive market edge.
Products Applicable for ISO 17299-3A Testing
A wide range of textile products with odour-control or deodorant claims can be evaluated using ISO 17299-3A. Typical products available for testing include:
- woven fabric,
- knit,
- nonwoven,
- yarns,
- braiding products,
- tapes,
- and slings.
Odor Compounds Evaluated in ISO 17299-3A
Under ISO 17299-3A, deodorant performance is evaluated using representative volatile odor-causing compounds, which typically include :
- Isovaleric acid
- Indole
- Nonenal
- Acetic acid
ISO 17299-3A Test Method Overview
ISO 17299 test has two different preparation methods i.e. method A and method B.
Method A – An odor chemical is added to a container with the specimen, avoiding direct contact with the specimen. Here each chemical is tested individually.
Method B – An odor chemical is injected directly onto the specimen in a container. Here a mixture of chemicals (acetic acid and sodium chloride, NaCl) is tested together.
ISO 17299/3 A Test procedure
At MIS, we use method A for the deodorant testing of textile products –
- This test is carried out in 6 conical flasks with a capacity of 500 ml.
- 3 conical flasks are used for testing (with a specimen) and 3 conical flasks are used as a control test (without a specimen).
- Purge the air of the conical flask by blowing 1000 ml of nitrogen gas.
- The test specimen flasks and the blank/control flasks are sealed with a sealing film.
- Odor component chemical solutions (Indole, Isovaleric acid (98% purity), and Nonenal (95% purity) are prepared and tests are performed for each odor component chemical independently.
- 5 microliter of odor component chemical solutions is injected through sealing film at the bottom of the conical flask while avoiding contact with the specimen. The same procedure is repeated for the control specimen as well.
- Microsyringe holes are sealed with a sealing film.
- Conical flasks are kept at a still position for 2 hours.
- At the end of the contact time, flasks are shaken vigorously approximately 20 times for 20 seconds.
- Testing gas is collected from both conical flasks (test and control) using a gastight syringe and is injected onto a gas chromatography to determine the concentration of odor component chemicals.
Results and interpretation
The deodorant efficacy of textile samples is quantified as the Odour Reduction Rate (ORR %). ORR is calculated by comparing the concentration of odour chemicals in testing gas with and without a textile specimen.
The odour reduction rate (ORR) is calculated using the following equation:
For more details, watch ISO 17299-3 test video –
Why Odor Testing Is Important for Textile Products?
- Enhances Consumer Trust โ Provides reliable odor-reducing claims for marketing.
- Standardized Testing โ Provides comparability and consistency between various labs and products.
- Regulation Adherence โ Assists manufacturers in complying with international quality specifications of deodorizing fabrics.
- Enhanced Product Development โ This testing also helps brands meet market expectations, differentiate themselves from competitors, and respond to the rising consumer preference for innovative, odor-resistant textiles.
Why Choose Our Lab for ISO 17299-3A Testing
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we specialize in ISO 17299 deodorant property testing to help manufacturers validate the deodorant properties of their textiles. Whether you’re developing sportswear, or any other fabrics, our expert analysis helps you stay compliant, competitive, and consumer-trusted.
Request ISO 17299-3A Testing
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Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
ISO 17299-3A specifies a gas chromatography deodorant test for textiles that quantifies how effectively a material reduces volatile odor compounds by comparing concentrations in test vs control samples after controlled exposure.
The method measures odor-causing chemicals such as indole, isovaleric acid, nonenal, and acetic acid as representative volatile odorants.
ISO 17299-2 uses a detector tube sensory method for simple gases like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, whereas ISO 17299-3 uses gas chromatography for quantitative analysis of specific odor compounds.
It applies to a wide range of textile products including woven, knit, nonwoven fabrics, yarns, braids, tapes, and similar materials.
The deodorant efficacy of textile samples is quantified as the Odour Reduction Rate (ORR %). Odour Reduction Rate (ORR) is the percentage reduction in the concentration of an odour component caused by a specimen, calculated by comparing GC-FID peak areas with and without the specimen.
Typical turnaround time for the complete test, including GC analysis, is 2โ3 weeks.
Yes, ISO 17299-3A provides objective, standardized quantitative data that is accepted for substantiating odor-control performance claims in global markets including EU and US
Unlike sensory panel methods, ISO 17299-3A uses instrumental GC measurement, providing objective, quantitative results rather than subjective human perceptions.
It measures chemical odorants (volatile compounds) and does not directly assess bacterial growth or microbial metabolism.
The test is conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, which may not fully represent real-world textile use involving sweat, washing, wear, and prolonged exposure. Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and ventilation can influence results.
Yes, the standard is frequently used for performance evaluation of sportswear, activewear, socks and similar textile products.
Yes, because it provides quantitative odor reduction rates, it is suitable for comparing treated vs untreated textiles or different deodorant technologies.
The method requires controlled exposure in sealed flasks, nitrogen purging, and defined contact time to ensure reproducibility of GC measurements.
Gas chromatography separates and quantifies the volatile odor compounds in the flask headspace, enabling precise comparison of their concentrations.
The odor reduction rate (ORR) is the percentage decrease of a specific odorant in the sample relative to the control.
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ISO 17299/3 A
ISO 17299 test has two different preparation methods i.e. method A and method B.
Method A – An odor chemical is added to a container with the specimen, avoiding direct contact with the specimen. Here each chemical is tested individually.
Method B – An odor chemical is injected directly onto the specimen in a container. Here a mixture of chemicals (acetic acid and sodium chloride, NaCl) is tested together.
ISO 17299 test has two different preparation methods i.e. method A and method B.
Method A – An odor chemical is added to a container with the specimen, avoiding direct contact with the specimen. Here each chemical is tested individually.
Method B – An odor chemical is injected directly onto the specimen in a container. Here a mixture of chemicals (acetic acid and sodium chloride, NaCl) is tested together.
Getting rid of the unpleasant and peculiar odor from clothes is a common and perhaps challenging problem for many individuals. Primarily, bacteria, grime, sweat, and humid conditions give rise to this unpleasant odor. The fact here to understand is that the fabric of cloth plays a big role in masking or releasing bad odors.
With continuous research and technological advancements, textile products are being developed that have the ability to reduce the unpleasant odors deposited on clothes either by sweat or other environmental factors. And to evaluate the deodorant properties of such clothes, test methods have been developed by ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
