Wash care labels on clothing and textiles are essential for ensuring your garments stay in great condition. However, the symbols and instructions can often be confusing. This guide will help you easily understand and follow wash care labels to keep your clothes looking their best.
The Basics of Wash Care Labels
Wash care labels provide instructions on how to properly clean and care for your garments. They typically include symbols and text indicating washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and dry cleaning instructions.
Washing Symbols
Washing symbols guide you on the best method to clean your garments:
- Machine Wash: A tub icon indicates machine washing. The number inside represents the maximum water temperature (in Celsius). If there is a hand above the tub, it means hand wash only.
- Do Not Wash: A tub with a cross through it means the garment should not be washed.
Bleaching Symbols
Bleaching symbols tell you if bleach can be used:
- Triangle: An empty triangle means you can use any bleach.
- Triangle with Diagonal Lines: Use only non-chlorine bleach.
- Crossed-Out Triangle: Do not bleach.
Drying Symbols
Drying symbols indicate how to dry your garments:
- Square with Circle: This symbol represents tumble drying. Dots inside the circle indicate the heat setting (one dot for low, two for medium, three for high).
- Square with Line(s): Lines inside the square show how to air dry the garment. One line means line dry, and three lines indicate drip dry.
- Crossed-Out Circle: Do not tumble dry.
Ironing Symbols
Ironing symbols help you avoid damaging your clothes with heat:
- Iron Icon: Indicates the garment can be ironed. Dots inside the iron show the temperature setting (one dot for low, two for medium, three for high).
- Crossed-Out Iron: Do not iron.
- Iron with Lines Beneath: Indicates steam ironing. If crossed out, do not use steam.
Dry Cleaning Symbols
Dry cleaning symbols are used for garments that require professional cleaning:
- Circle: A plain circle means the item can be dry cleaned.
- Letters Inside Circle: Letters (A, P, F) indicate the type of solvent to be used.
- Crossed-Out Circle: Do not dry clean.
Additional Tips
- Combination Symbols: Sometimes symbols are combined to give more specific instructions, such as washing and drying symbols together.
- Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow the care label instructions provided by the manufacturer to prevent damage to your garments.
Understanding wash care labels is crucial for maintaining the quality and longevity of your clothes. By familiarizing yourself with the common symbols and their meanings, you can confidently care for your garments, ensuring they look great wash after wash.
