Are you ever looking at a tag on clothing and wondering what all the symbols mean?
If you’ve ever been confused about the symbols used for washing instructions, this article is here to help.
We’ll provide an overview of how to read and interpret clothing wash symbols, so that you can keep your wardrobe looking its best.
What are Clothing Wash Symbols?
Understanding clothing wash symbols is important in order to get the best results when washing and caring for your clothes. Knowing how to read and interpret the symbols correctly can help you keep your wardrobe looking its best while also protecting its quality over time.
The Basics of Clothing Wash Symbols
Knowing how to read and interpret clothing wash symbols is essential in order to keep your wardrobe looking its best for the longest time possible. Clothing wash symbols are provided on tags of garments as a guide on how to care for them properly.
Washing: The basic washing symbol is a rectangular box with one or two lines inside, usually containing a number and letter combination such as “40C”. This indicates the highest temperature in which the garment can be safely washed, in this case 40 degrees Celsius.
Washing Symbols
Washing symbols are universal graphic symbols found on clothing tags to provide instructions on how the garment should be washed and dried. The most common washing symbols include a tub with water, an X, a hand, and a triangle. The tub with water symbol indicates that the item should be machine washed in any temperature of water.
Washing symbols are designed to help you take proper care of your clothes and extend the life of the fabric. Following the instructions provided is essential for ensuring that your garments remain in good condition. When washing clothes, always pay attention to the wash temperature indicated on the symbol, as this will determine how delicate or aggressive the wash cycle should be.
Bleaching Symbols
Bleaching symbols are used to provide instructions about using bleach on a particular garment. The most common bleaching symbol is a triangle with a line inside it, which indicates that the garment should not be exposed to any type of bleach.
When using bleach on clothing, it is important to follow the instructions on the clothing wash symbols closely. If a garment has a bleach symbol that indicates that chlorine bleach can be used, ensure that you only use a mild chlorine bleach and dilute it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Drying Symbols
Drying symbols are used to provide instructions about how a garment should be dried. The most common drying symbol is an empty circle, which indicates that the item can be tumble-dried. Other symbols may include a square with lines inside, which means line drying; or two horizontal lines, which indicates that the garment should be laid flat to dry.
When drying clothes, it is important to follow the instructions provided on the clothing wash symbols. If a garment has a tumble-dry symbol, use the lowest heat setting possible. If a garment has a line-dry symbol, choose an area that is well away from direct sunlight and ensure that you rotate the garment periodically to prevent discoloration.
Ironing Symbols
Ironing symbols are used to provide instructions about how a garment should be ironed. The most common ironing symbol is an empty triangle, which indicates that the item should be ironed at the maximum temperature. Other symbols may include a circle with a line inside, which means steam-iron; or an X, which signifies that the garment should not be ironed.
Tips for achieving wrinkle-free clothing based on the symbols
Tips for achieving wrinkle-free clothing based on the symbols include adhering to the ironing temperature and steam settings indicated on the symbol.
If a garment has an empty triangle, this indicates that it can be ironed at the maximum temperature; if a circle with a line inside is present, this means that steam should be used; and if an X is displayed, do not attempt to iron the garment.
Additionally, always use a pressing cloth to protect delicate fabrics and avoid stretching or distorting them.
Dry Cleaning Symbols
Dry cleaning symbols are used to provide instructions for how a garment should be cleaned. The most common dry-cleaning symbol is an empty circle, which indicates that the item should be dry-cleaned only.
Other symbols may include an X inside a circle, which means professional/specialist cleaning; or two vertical lines, which instructs that the garment should not be dry-cleaned.
Advice for proper handling of garments with dry cleaning symbols
When handling garments with dry cleaning symbols, it is important to adhere to the instructions provided on the symbol.
If a garment has an empty circle symbol, this indicates that the item should be taken to a professional dry cleaner; if an X inside a circle is present, this means that specialist or expert cleaning is required; and if two vertical lines are displayed, do not attempt to clean the garment at home.
Additional Clothing Care Symbols
In addition to the symbols described above, there are a variety of other clothing care symbols that can be found on garments.
These include fabric-specific symbols, such as a wavy line for wool or a circle with a cross inside for silk; temperature symbols, such as an empty triangle for maximum heat and an X inside a square for no heat; and special care instructions, such as an empty circle with a hand inside for hand wash only.
It is important to check the specific instructions on each garment to ensure proper care and handling.
Tips for interpreting and following additional clothing care symbols
When it comes to additional clothing care symbols, it is important to read and follow the instructions carefully.
Symbols that indicate specific temperatures or care processes must be followed exactly in order to properly care for the garment. If there are multiple symbols, such as a temperature symbol and a fabric-specific symbol, make sure to read all of them and follow all instructions.
Conclusion
The care symbols found on clothing can be a useful tool for taking proper care of garments. It is important to read and follow the instructions provided on the symbols in order to properly maintain the quality and look of the garment. Following the wash, dry, iron, and dry cleaning symbols outlined here can help ensure that clothes look their best for years to come. Additionally, paying attention to any special care instructions can help prolong the life of a garment.
