Washing Symbols
The washing symbols are perhaps the most common symbols found on care labels. They provide instructions on how a garment should be cleaned. The most common symbols include:
Machine Wash: This symbol indicates that the garment can be washed in a washing machine. The number inside the symbol tells you the maximum temperature at which the garment can be washed.
Hand Wash: This symbol indicates that the garment should be washed by hand in water. The symbol may also indicate the temperature at which the garment can be washed.
Dry Clean: This symbol indicates that the garment should be laundered by a professional dry cleaner.
Bleach: This symbol indicates whether or not bleach can be used on a garment.
Drying Symbols
The drying symbols indicate how a garment should be dried. These symbols are particularly important as using the incorrect method of drying can cause damage to a garment. Common drying symbols include:
Tumble Dry: This symbol tells you whether or not a garment can be tumble dried. The number inside the symbol refers to the temperature that the garment can be tumble dried at.
Hang Dry: This symbol indicates that the garment should be hung up to dry.
Lay Flat to Dry: This symbol tells you that the garment should be laid flat to dry.
Ironing Symbols
The ironing symbols communicate how a garment can be ironed safely. Typically, garments that require ironing will have a label that informs you of this, and the ironing symbols will provide more specific information. Common ironing symbols include:
Iron: This symbol indicates that the garment can be ironed with a steam or dry iron.
Do Not Iron: This symbol indicates that the garment should not be ironed under any circumstances.
Dry Cleaning Symbols
The dry cleaning symbols indicate which garments can be dry cleaned, as well as any special instructions that may apply. Dry cleaning symbols typically aren’t very common on care labels, but you may see them on more formal garments, such as suits or evening gowns. Some common dry cleaning symbols include:
Dry Clean Only: This symbol indicates that a garment must be dry cleaned, rather than washed at home.
Low Heat: This symbol indicates that a dry cleaner should use a lower-than-normal temperature to clean the garment.
Without these symbols on our clothing labels, we’d have a difficult time caring for our clothes properly. By understanding the care instructions found on the clothing labels, you can make sure your favourite garments last as long as possible. Whether you’re dealing with delicate fabrics or heavy-duty workwear, the symbols provide essential information that helps you take proper care of your clothes. Keep this article bookmarked, and use it as a reference anytime you’re unsure about the symbols on your clothing labels.