Contents
Each item has a label. These symbols allow the wearer to understand how to take care of the clothes. On the labels of things you will find not only signs of washing modes, but also recommendations for caring for clothes – ironing temperature and so on. Looking at the tag, you can find out the composition of the fabric, the manufacturer. But in order to follow the recommendations correctly, you need to understand what these symbols mean.
Deciphering the icons on clothes: machine wash or not
Clothing care labels may vary depending on the manufacturer. But their decoding is always the same: they inform the user about proper care so that the thing does not wear out longer. Labels are sewn on the seams from the wrong side.
How to make out what the symbols on your clothes mean? The table below provides a detailed breakdown.
Wash
Usually, the sign indicating the washing mode is indicated first. Having deciphered it, you will understand how to wash a thing correctly: in a typewriter or by hand, in order to avoid premature wear. You can see such washing mode icons on children’s and adult clothes.
| icon (symbol) | Value |
| If you saw such a sign on the label, then you can safely send the item to the washing drum or wash it by hand. Usually characteristic of synthetic things. | |
Handwash. Items made from fabrics that require careful care are washed on low-temperature cycles, not higher than 40 degrees. Washing by hand should be done carefully, without strong impact and spin. A rectangle with a dash at the top also means that machine washing is prohibited (see photo above, Fig. 3) | |
| Dry cleaning. Traditional and hand washing are prohibited – contact the experts so as not to spoil the fabric. Most often, such a symbol can be found on the tag of coats, suits, dresses. | |
| The symbol means that clothes are washed at minimum temperatures – no higher than 30 degrees. Spinning requirement: minimum speed. | |
| Spinning and intensive washing are contraindicated. The temperature barrier of water is a maximum of 30 degrees. | |
| Machine wash is not prohibited, but the maximum temperature mark is 40 degrees. | |
| Also wash at 40 degrees, with a reduced spin speed. | |
| Wash only at 40°. In this case, washing powders with a neutral composition can be used. | |
| A temperature of 95 degrees means that clothes can be boiled. Feel free to choose the maximum temperature setting if you need to remove heavy dirt or disinfect. | |
| Machine wash is prohibited. |
Whitening icons
The second symbol on the tag after washing explains how to bleach. In order not to spoil things, do not ignore these designations.
Icons how to dry things
The next in order is the icon indicating how to dry the product correctly: in a vertical position, spreading it on the surface or in the drum of the machine (if such a function is available).
Ironing icons
In order to know what is the allowable ironing temperature for different fabrics, the ironing temperature icon is indicated on the label.
Chemical cleaning
When a product needs dry cleaning, be sure to look at the label – whether it can be brought and under what circumstances.
Clothing care tips
Each fabric needs individual care. To keep things beautiful and looking like new for longer, you need to know how to properly wash and care for them. Therefore, follow the rules and recommendations.
Cotton fabric. Can be washed in water up to 95 degrees by machine or by hand. Use of any detergents is allowed.
Silk and Wool. Delicate wash (hand or CM). The temperature must not exceed 30°C. Only special products for these types of fabric are used. Spin 200-400 rpm or absent. Things made of natural wool are dried on a horizontal surface in a straightened form.
Synthetic and semi-synthetic fabrics. For modal, viscose, hand washing is recommended at low temperatures not exceeding 40 degrees. Soft detergents are used. Shrinkage of 4-6% is possible. For polyester, elastane, polyamide, lycra machine wash temperature – 40 degrees. When ironing, the iron should not be too hot.
You may have noticed that some products come with a piece of fabric. What is it for?
- Color. You can check how well the thing is painted and whether it can be washed with other things. To do this, dip the patch in a soapy solution for 10 minutes. Then rub well and leave in cold water. If the water has not changed color, then the thing is not shedding.
- Shrinkage. Measure the patch. Dip for 30 minutes in warm water. Once dry, measure again and calculate the difference.
- Test. If the manufacturer has provided a small flap, then at the same time check the compatibility of the fabric with your laundry detergent.
Understanding the designations on the tag, you will be able to properly care for things, while maintaining their original appearance.