How to Read Laundry Labels (Care Label): Interpretation of International Standard Symbols and Understanding Washing Instructions by Fabric
๐ Decoding the Code that Determines the Life of Your Clothes! How to Read Laundry Labels: Interpretation of International Standard Symbols and Understanding Washing Instructions by Fabric
The Care Label attached inside the clothes is like the 'instruction manual' designed to ensure the clothes can be worn for the longest time without damaging the material. However, due to the various symbols, most people often ignore the label and do general washing. We share the know-how to interpret the meaning of the main washing symbols according to international standards and understand the washing guidelines appropriate for the fabric.
๐ Core of Laundry Label Interpretation: 5 Basic Symbols and the Meaning of Lines/Dots
The laundry label consists of 5 basic symbols for Washing, Bleaching, Drying, Ironing, and Dry Cleaning, and the lines (indicating gentle action) or dots (indicating temperature) within the symbols indicate specific washing strength and temperature.
๐ก 5 Interpretations of Main Laundry Label Symbols
1. ๐งบ Washing (Wash) Symbol - Tub Shape:
- Number inside the tub: Indicates the maximum temperature allowed for washing. (e.g., 40 means not to exceed 40ยฐC)
- Hand inside the tub: Means hand washing only is allowed.
- Line under the tub: Indicates that the laundry must be washed on the gentle cycle (delicate, wool cycle) of the washing machine.
- X over the tub: Do not wash (usually for dry clean only clothes)
2. ๐บ Bleaching (Bleaching) Symbol - Triangle Shape:
- Empty Triangle: All types of bleach can be used (Chlorine, Oxygen)
- Diagonal lines or CL inside the triangle: Do not use chlorine bleach (Only oxygen bleach allowed)
- X over the triangle: Do not bleach
3. โฌ Drying (Drying) Symbol - Square Shape:
- Circle inside the square (Tumble Dry): Indicates dryer use is allowed. (Number of dots inside the circle indicates drying temperature)
- 1 dot: Low heat drying / 2 dots: Normal heat drying
- Line under the square: Instruction to use a reduced spin setting
- Horizontal line inside the square: Dry flat (for knits, etc.)
- X over the square: Do not tumble dry
4. โจ๏ธ Ironing (Ironing) Symbol - Iron Shape:
- Dots inside the iron: Indicate the maximum temperature allowed for ironing.
- 1 dot: Low heat (110ยฐC) / 2 dots: Medium heat (150ยฐC) / 3 dots: High heat (200ยฐC)
- X over the iron: Do not iron
5. โญ Dry Cleaning (Dry Cleaning) Symbol - Circle Shape:
- P or F inside the circle: Indicates the type of solvent allowed for dry cleaning. (Means to entrust to a dry cleaner for the general user)
- X over the circle: Do not dry clean
Ignoring the laundry label will inevitably shorten the lifespan of your clothes. Be especially careful with the 'Dry Cleaning' symbol.