Washing clothes can be a chore, but understanding the various symbols on clothing labels can help make the task easier. Knowing which washing symbols correspond to which instructions is key to keeping your garments in good condition.
From delicate items that should be hand-washed and dried flat, to machine washable items that can go in the dryer, deciphering these symbols will help you get your laundry done right.
What are Washing Symbols?
Understanding the various washing symbols found on clothing labels is essential for keeping your garments in good condition. Without knowing what each symbol means, you risk damaging your clothes by either not washing them enough or over-washing them. By familiarizing yourself with these symbols, you can make sure that you always follow the proper care instructions for each item and reduce the likelihood of shrinkage, fading, or other damage.
Purpose of washing symbols: to guide in proper garment care
The purpose of washing symbols is to provide clear instructions on how to care for a particular garment. They inform users of the best practices for caring the item, such as the recommended temperature, wash cycle, and drying methods. By understanding these symbols, you can avoid damaging delicate fabrics or over-washing items that may not need to be washed as often.
Overview of Washing Symbols
Definition of washing symbols
Washing symbols are pictograms that appear on clothing labels to indicate how a garment should be washed and dried. These symbols provide specific instructions for the proper care of an item, such as the recommended temperature settings, wash cycle, and drying methods. By understanding these symbols, you can make sure that you always follow the appropriate cleaning process for each item in your wardrobe.
International standards and symbols used
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed a set of standardized washing symbols to help make garment care instructions easier to understand. These symbols are used in many countries around the world, making it easy for you to understand the care instructions no matter where you are.
The most common symbols include a triangle with a number inside, which indicates the maximum washing temperature; a circle with a line through it, which means “do not wash”; and an X, which signifies that an item should be washed separately from other items.
Common types of washing symbols
The most common types of washing symbols are the triangle with a number inside, the circle with a line through it, and the X symbol.
The triangle with a number inside indicates the maximum temperature that should be used when washing an item.
For example, if the triangle contains the number “30”, then you should only use cold water when washing the garment.
The circle with a line through it means “do not wash”, while an X indicates that an item should be washed separately from other items. Additionally, there are symbols for hand-washing, air-drying, and dry cleaning.
Understanding the Symbol Meanings
Washing machine symbols
Machine wash symbol
The machine wash symbol is a square with a circle inside. This symbol indicates that an item is safe to be machine washed. The number within the circle indicates the maximum water temperature, usually in degrees Celsius, that should be used when washing the garment.
For example, if the number reads “30” then you should only use cold water when washing it in the machine. Additionally, the bar beneath the circle indicates which wash cycle should be used.
Temperature symbols
The temperature symbol is a triangle with a number inside. This symbol indicates the maximum water temperature that should be used when washing an item in the machine. For example, if the triangle contains the number “30”, then you should only use cold water when washing the garment.
Additionally, some clothing labels may also contain a specific temperature range within the triangle. In this case, you should always wash the garment at the minimum temperature indicated in the range.
Cycle symbols (e.g., gentle, normal, delicate)
The cycle symbol is a bar beneath the circle inside the machine wash symbol. This symbol indicates which wash cycle should be used when washing an item in a machine. For example, if the bar is horizontal, then it indicates that a gentle cycle should be used. If it is slanted to the left, then it means that a normal cycle should be used.
Additional instructions (e.g., hand wash, do not wash)
In addition to the machine wash symbol, temperature symbol, and cycle symbol, some clothing labels may also include additional instructions for washing the garment. These instructions may include “do not wash” or “hand wash” symbols, as well as indications about bleaching or line-drying the garment.
The “do not wash” symbol is a circle with a line through it, while the “hand wash” symbol is a hand inside of a cup. Additionally, there may be symbols for air-drying or dry cleaning the garment.
Drying symbols
Tumble dry symbols
The tumble dry symbol is a square with a circle inside and two lines extending from the top of the circle. This symbol indicates that an item is safe to be tumble dried.
The two lines indicate which temperature setting should be used when drying the garment. For example, if one line is solid and the other is dashed, then you should use low heat when tumble drying the garment.
Drying temperature symbols
The drying temperature symbol is a square with a circle inside and two lines extending from the top of the circle. This symbol indicates which temperature setting should be used when tumble drying the garment. For example, if one line is solid and the other is dashed, then you should use low heat when tumble drying the garment.
Additionally, some clothing labels may also contain a specific temperature range within the circle. In this case, you should always dry the garment at the minimum temperature indicated in the range.
Drying instruction symbols (e.g., hang dry, lay flat)
The drying instruction symbol is an icon depicting a specific drying method for a garment. For example, the “hang dry” symbol is an icon of a hanger and the “lay flat” symbol is an icon of a person lying on their back.
These symbols indicate the preferred drying method for the garment, and you should follow the instructions accordingly.
Additionally, some clothing labels may contain additional instructions for hang drying or line-drying garments.
Bleaching symbols
Bleaching symbols (e.g., chlorine bleach, non-chlorine bleach)
The bleaching symbol is a triangle with an “X” inside. This symbol indicates which type of bleach can be used on the garment. For example, if the triangle contains an “X” then you should not use any form of bleach when washing the garment.
Do not bleach symbol
The “Do Not Bleach” symbol is a triangular shape with an exclamation mark inside. This symbol indicates that no form of bleach should be used when washing the garment. It is important to follow this instruction, as using bleach could cause irreversible damage to the fabric or fibers in the garment. Additionally, some clothing labels may have a specific “Do Not Bleach” warning that should be followed accordingly.
Ironing symbols
Ironing temperature symbols
The ironing temperature symbol is a square with a circle inside and two lines extending from the top of the circle. This symbol indicates which temperature setting should be used when ironing the garment. For example, if one line is solid and the other is dashed, then you should use low heat when ironing the garment. Additionally, some clothing labels may also contain a specific temperature range within the circle. In this case, you should always iron the garment at the minimum temperature indicated in the range.
Do not iron symbol
The “Do Not Iron” symbol is a triangular shape with an exclamation mark inside. This symbol indicates that no form of ironing should be done when washing the garment. It is important to follow this instruction, as using an iron could cause irreversible damage to the fabric or fibers in the garment. Additionally, some clothing labels may have a specific “Do Not Iron” warning that should be followed accordingly.
Dry cleaning symbols
Dry clean symbol
The dry clean symbol is a square with a circle inside and two lines extending from the top of the circle. This symbol indicates that an item should be dry cleaned. The two lines indicate which type of cleaning method should be used when cleaning the garment.
For example, if one line is solid and the other is dashed, then you should use “dry clean only” for the garment. Additionally, some clothing labels may also contain a specific cleaning method within the circle. In this case, you should always follow the instructions indicated in the label.
Additional instructions (e.g., dry clean only, do not dry clean)
In addition to the bleaching, ironing, and drying symbols that can be found on clothing labels, some garments may also contain additional instructions.
For example, a “Dry Clean Only” symbol indicates that the garment should only be dry cleaned and should not be washed or machine dried.
Similarly, a “Do Not Dry Clean” symbol indicates that the garment should not be dry cleaned and should instead be washed or machine dried.
It is important to follow these instructions carefully, as using the wrong cleaning method could cause irreversible damage to the garment.
Tips for Washing Clothes with Symbols
Sorting clothes based on washing symbols
To ensure that you are washing clothes properly, it is important to follow all of the symbols on the clothing labels. Start by sorting your clothes into piles based on their washing symbols.
Make sure to separate items with bleaching and ironing symbols from those that require dry cleaning or have “Do Not Wash” instructions. This will make it easier to wash or dry clean garments according to their instructions.
Selecting appropriate washing programs or settings
When selecting a washing program or setting for clothes with symbols, it is important to consider the type of fabric and the instructions on the label. If an item has a bleaching symbol, then you should use a gentle cycle with cold water and no detergent.
Similarly, if an item has an ironing symbol, then you should select a low heat setting when ironing the garment. Additionally, for items that require dry cleaning, you should take them to a professional dry cleaner.
Using proper detergents and laundry products
When washing clothes with symbols, it is important to use the right type of detergent and laundry products. For items with a bleaching symbol, choose a mild detergent or non-chlorine bleach that is specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
For items with an ironing symbol, use a fabric softener or starch to reduce wrinkles and provide a softer finish. Lastly, for items that require dry cleaning, make sure to take them to a professional cleaner.
Hand washing delicate items
For delicate items that have a “Do Not Wash” or “Dry Clean Only” symbol, it is important to hand wash them instead of using a washing machine. Before hand washing, check the clothing label for care instructions and specific details on how to best handle the fabric.
To begin, fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Gently agitate the water and soak the item for about 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Finally, lay the garment flat to dry on a clean towel.
Following specific instructions for special textiles or embellishments
When it comes to washing clothes with symbols, it is important to follow any additional instructions that may be indicated on the label.
For example, some garments may have special textiles or embellishments such as sequins, beads, or appliqués that require extra care when cleaning.
If this is the case, make sure to follow the special instructions outlined on the label to ensure that the garment is not damaged during cleaning.
Conclusion
It is important to understand washing symbols in order to properly take care of your clothing. Symbols provide important information about how to wash, dry clean, iron or bleach a garment, and following these instructions can help preserve the quality of the fabric and prevent irreversible damage.
When selecting a washing program or setting, consider the type of fabric and instructions on the label, and use appropriate detergents and laundry products to ensure optimal results. Additionally, for delicate items, hand wash them according to the instructions on the label. By following all of these steps, you can help keep your clothes looking great for years to come.
When it comes to garment care, it is essential to refer to the washing symbols on clothes labels for optimal results. Referring to the symbols will help you make sure that your garments are properly washed and cared for, ensuring their longevity and quality. This applies not only to machine-washing but also to dry cleaning and hand washing delicate items. Additionally, taking into consideration any special instructions or additional details on the label will help ensure that your clothes are handled with extra care.
