What is a Martindale score?

The Martindale rub score is a measurement taken to determine the durability of fabric in terms of wear and tear, and helps you to make an informed buying decision when shopping for fabric. It’s mainly used to find out whether a material is suitable for upholstery use in specific environments.

What do the scores mean?

The main rule of thumb is simple–the higher the score, the more durable the fabric. Depending on your end use you might want to make sure that your fabric of choice meets certain minimum criteria.

Less than 10,000

A fabric that scores less than 10,000 rubs is considered suitable for decorative or non-upholstery use only. This can include cushions, throws, curtains and blinds.

If a score isn’t listed for a fabric, then it’s always a good policy to assume that it scores less than 10,000 until you know otherwise. In reality it might just mean that we’re waiting for results to come back, or even that we haven’t updated the website yet, but it can also mean that we’re certain that it won’t be suitable for any kind of upholstery use.

10,000 to 15,000

Fabric scoring between 10,000 and 15,000 rubs is suitable for light domestic upholstery. Ornamental furniture, or bedroom armchairs, would fall under this category, as will dining-room chairs.

15,000 to 25,000

A score between 15,000 and 25,000 means that a fabric will be suitable for general domestic upholstery. This covers most applications in a domestic setting, including sofas and armchairs that are subject to daily and repeated use.

25,000 to 30,000

Fabric in the general domestic band might not be suitable in upholstery that puts particularly high stress on the fabric–here we need fabric that’s suitable for heavy domestic use. Think here about reclining furniture, where the fabric rubs against itself every time the chair is put into its reclining position and back again.

Fabric in this band might also be considered suitable for light contract use. More detailed information on contract environments can be found further in this article.

30,000 to 40,000

We say that a fabric that has at least 30,000 rubs is suitable for general contact upholstery. This band covers the overwhelming majority of contract use-cases, but for upholstery placed under particularly heavy stress, you might want a fabric that even more durable still.

More than 40,000

For particularly heavy-duty furniture you may want to source a fabric within the severe contract upholstery band.

What is a contract environment?

A contract environment, plain and simply, is one that’s outside of a domestic setting. This will include offices, shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, schools and hospitals. There’s a very good reason to treat these environments differently than we do our own homes–these are high-traffic areas, in which upholstered furniture is subject to far more wear and tear.

Anyone working on contract projects might also need to be familiar with the rules surrounding the use of fire retardant fabric.

What about Martindale scores higher than 40,000?

When shopping for fabric you might come across scores of over 40,000 – some even as high as 100,000 or more. Our policy at Fabric Online is that scores above 40,000 make no real-world difference to the longevity of upholstered furniture. This is true in the overwhelming majority of cases.

When we send our own fabric off for testing, we ask the laboratory to test only up to 50,000 rubs. It’s true that some fabrics here on our website list scores higher still, but in these cases the tests were carried out by our manufacturers and suppliers.

How Does the Martindale Test Work?

1. Firstly, a piece of worsted wool or a specified fabric, referred to as the “abrasion material” or “Martindale fabric,” is mounted on a holder and placed over the fabric sample to be tested. This setup ensures direct contact between the abrasion material and the fabric being evaluated.
2. When the test begins, the abrasion material moves in a circular rubbing motion over the fabric sample. This motion simulates the repetitive friction fabrics endure during regular use, such as sitting or rubbing against surfaces. The goal is to replicate the wear and tear fabrics experience over time in real-world scenarios.
3. Throughout the test, the number of rub cycles, often called “double rubs,” is carefully counted. This counting continues until noticeable changes or deterioration in the fabric appear. Common signs of damage include pilling, yarn breakage, or visible wear patterns on the fabric surface.
4. Finally, the results of the Martindale test are recorded based on the number of rub cycles completed before any noticeable damage occurs. This recorded number, known as the Martindale score or rub count, serves as a quantitative measure of the fabric’s durability and resistance to abrasion. Higher Martindale scores typically indicate greater durability and suitability for various applications, from light domestic use to heavy-duty commercial settings.

Choosing the Right Fabric Based on Martindale Test Scores

Based on the Martindale rub score, you can determine the most suitable fabric for your specific needs, whether you’re furnishing a home or a commercial space. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right fabric based on Martindale test scores.

Practical Applications of the Martindale Test Score

1. Less than 10,000 rubs:
   • Suitable for decorative or non-upholstery use.
   • Examples: Scatter cushions, throws, curtains, blinds.
2. 10,000 to 15,000 rubs:
   • Suitable for light domestic upholstery.
   • Examples: Bedroom armchairs, and dining room chairs.
3. 15,000 to 25,000 rubs:
   • Suitable for general domestic upholstery.
   • Examples: Sofas, everyday use armchairs.
4. 25,000 to 30,000 rubs:
   • Suitable for heavy domestic use or light contract use.
   • Examples: Recliner chairs and other motion furniture, and some commercial settings.
5. 30,000 to 40,000 rubs:
   • Suitable for general contract upholstery.
   • Examples: Most commercial settings or public spaces in high-use areas.
6. More than 40,000 rubs:
   • Suitable for severe contract upholstery.
   • Examples: Intensely used environments like airports, theatres, stadiums, and hotel furniture.

These guidelines help in selecting the appropriate fabric based on its durability rating for different types of furniture and use.

How to Maintain and Care for Fabrics to Maximise Their Lifespan

To maximise the lifespan of your fabrics, it’s essential to follow these maintenance and care tips:

1. Regular Cleaning: Vacuum upholstery regularly to remove dust and debris. For fabrics with a higher rub score, consider using a brush attachment to avoid damage.
2. Fast Stain Removal: Deal with spills promptly by blotting (not rubbing) with a clean cloth. Use mild soap and water for cleaning or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Rotation and Protection: Rotate cushions and pillows regularly to distribute wear evenly. Use arm caps and throws to protect areas prone to wear.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Minimise exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading and weakening of fibres. Use curtains or blinds to block UV rays.
5. Professional Cleaning: Consider professional cleaning for heavily stained fabrics or for overall maintenance every few years, following care label recommendations.
6. Storage: Store fabrics in a clean, dry place when not in use. Avoid folding or packing tightly to prevent creasing and damage.
   

Why You Should Buy Fabric Online From Us!

By shopping with us at Fabric Online, you can take advantage of competitive pricing and discounted items, making your fabric purchases from us a cost-effective option. We stock a wide range of high-quality fabrics such as upholstery fabric, fire retardant fabric, dress-making fabric, and much more.

Not only this, our secure and easy checkout process is simple, and our knowledgeable customer service team is ready to assist you with any questions about fabric care or recommendations based on your project requirements. You can find our contact details below.

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