When it comes to taking care of your clothes, understanding the cleaning labels is key to keeping them looking their best. Cleaning labels are typically found inside the garment or on the care tag, and they provide important information about how to properly care for your clothes. Unfortunately, these labels can often be confusing, with a variety of symbols, codes, and instructions to decipher. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common cleaning labels and what they mean, so you can properly care for your clothes.
Washing Symbols
Washing symbols indicate the recommended method for washing a garment. Here are the most common washing symbols and what they mean:
- A basin with a number inside: This symbol represents the maximum temperature at which the garment can be washed. For example, a circle with a 30 inside means the garment can be washed at 30 degrees Celsius.
- A basin with waves: This symbol indicates that the garment can be washed in the washing machine.
- A basin with a hand: This symbol indicates that the garment should be hand-washed.
- A basin with a cross or line through it: This symbol indicates that the garment should not be washed.
Drying Symbols
Drying symbols indicate the recommended method for drying a garment. Here are the most common drying symbols and what they mean:
- A square with circle and one dots inside: This symbol indicates that the garment can be tumble-dried on a low heat setting.
- A square with a circle and two dots inside: This symbol indicates that the garment can be tumble-dried on a medium heat setting.
- A square with a circle and three dots inside: This symbol indicates that the garment can be tumble-dried on a high heat setting.
- A square with a circle and cross through it: This symbol indicates that the garment should not be tumble-dried.
- A clothesline with a wave: This symbol indicates that the garment should be hung up to dry.
Ironing Symbols
Ironing symbols indicate the recommended temperature for ironing a garment. Here are the most common ironing symbols and what they mean:
- An iron with one dot: This symbol indicates that the garment should be ironed on a low heat setting.
- An iron with two dots: This symbol indicates that the garment should be ironed on a medium heat setting.
- An iron with three dots: This symbol indicates that the garment should be ironed on a high heat setting.
- An iron with a cross through it: This symbol indicates that the garment should not be ironed.
Dry Cleaning Symbols
Dry cleaning symbols indicate whether a garment can be dry cleaned or not. Here are the most common dry cleaning symbols and what they mean:
- A circle with the letter “P” inside: This symbol indicates that the garment can be dry cleaned using any solvent.
- A circle with the letter “F” inside: This symbol indicates that the garment can be dry cleaned using petroleum-based solvents.
- A circle with the letter “W” inside: This symbol indicates that the garment can be dry cleaned using water-based solvents.
- A circle with a cross through it: This symbol indicates that the garment should not be dry cleaned.
Bleaching Symbols
Bleaching symbols indicate whether a garment can be bleached or not. Here are the most common bleaching symbols and what they mean:
- A triangle with a circle inside: This symbol indicates that the garment can be safely bleached with chlorine bleach.
- A triangle with a cross through it: This symbol indicates that the garment should not be bleached.
It’s important to follow the bleaching symbols on your clothes, as bleach can damage some materials and change the colour of your garment. If you’re not sure if a garment can be bleached, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using bleach on it.
In conclusion, understanding the cleaning labels on your clothes is essential to properly care for your garments and keep them looking their best. By following the symbols and instructions provided, you can ensure that your clothes are washed, dried, ironed, cleaned, and bleached correctly, extending their lifespan and maintaining their appearance.