How well do you know your clothing care symbols?
Let’s Decode some clothing care symbols
Realizing how important clothing care labels are from our previous blog post (check out the previous blog here https://bit.ly/3uKWKe6), it is important to know what they mean. The different clothing care labels each have a specific meaning and are usually represented by shapes (circles, triangles, squares) which make it look a bit confusing. To make it easier for our customers, Trenor Coats and Gowns Limited has put together this guide on washing symbols that can be used to read care labels easily.
Washing symbols
These are symbols that give directions on how the garment should be washed, if it is safe to wash in the washing machine, if so under what setting, and what temperature is optimal, or if the garment is not to be washed at all. Washing symbols are represented with a basin filled with water. Here is what they mean.
This symbol means that you can put the garment in the washing machine to wash it safely.
These symbols show the temperature under which the garment should be washed. The temperature is usually written in the basin or can be represented with dots inside the basin. One dot or 30°C means you have to wash your clothing in cold water, two dots or 40 °C representing warm water wash, and four dots or 60 °C representing hot water wash.
One line under the washbasin means the garment should be washed using the synthetics cycle on the washing machine. Some machines have a permanent press (Perm Press) cycle written instead, but it is the same as the synthetics cycle. This tag is usually placed on clothes with blended fibers designed to resist wrinkles.
This symbol means the fabric is a delicate one and thus should be washed using the gentle wash cycle on the washing machine.
A hand reaching into the water in the washbasin means the garment should be hand washed.
The first symbol means clothes could be wrung out after washing before drying. The other symbol means after successfully washing, do not wring out, instead, squeeze gently or wrap the garment in a thick towel to absorb water.
Please note: An X through any symbol means “Do not do this”. It is important to keep this in mind always.
This symbol means that the garment should not be washed. This symbol is usually accompanied by dry cleaning instructions. Such garments should be sent straight to professional dry cleaners once it is dirty because any attempt to wash traditionally could ruin the garment.
Watch out for our next blog post as we move on to drying and ironing symbols.
As you are becoming familiar with the care labels, we encourage you to start checking the care labels when purchasing your garments to know how best to care for them. This way, the clothes would last longer and look good after several washes. Most importantly, do not rip out the care labels in your clothes.
With your busy schedules, washing, drying, and ironing can be too much to handle. It is hassle-free to have Trenor Coats and Gowns limited to handle your laundry. Contact us today for a total fabric care done right.
Written by :
Loveryn Dodu
Research and Training Supervisor
Trenor Coats and Gowns Ltd
References
Stevens, M. (2021). Washing Symbols Explained. retrieved from https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/washing-machines/article/washing-symbols-explained/
Wash symbols explained (2021). retrieved from https://www.ariel.co.uk/en-gb/how-to-wash/how-to-do-laundry/fabric-care-labels#step4
Wilkins Linen Team. (2016). A Guide to Laundry Care Symbols: What Do They Mean? Retrieved from https://www.wilkinslinen.com/linen-care/guide-laundry-care-symbols-mean/
