Laundry 101: Understanding Care Instructions and Pictograms

January 12, 2023
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3
min read

When it comes to doing laundry, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the care instructions on clothing tags. These tags typically feature a set of pictograms or icons that provide information on how to properly care for the item, such as washing, drying, ironing, and dry cleaning. Knowing what each icon means can help you keep your clothes looking their best, and avoid shrinking, fading, or other types of damage.

Laundry symbols and their meanings
Laundry Symbols Chart decoded

One of the most common icons you'll find on a clothing tag is the washing machine. This icon indicates that the item can be machine washed, and it will often include the maximum water temperature that the item can be washed in. It's important to follow these instructions, as washing a garment in water that is too hot can shrink or damage the fabric. Another common icon is the iron, this icon indicates that the item can be ironed, and it will often include the maximum temperature that the iron should be set at, this will help to avoid burning or shrink the fabric.

Another icon you may see on a clothing tag is the triangle, which indicates that the item should be turned inside out before washing to help protect the fabric. If there's a line through the triangle, it means the item should not be bleached. Another important icon is the circle with a cross through it, which indicates that the item should not be tumble dried.

Other icons to look out for include a circle with a P inside, which indicates that the item should be dry cleaned, or a square, which indicates that the item can be tumble dried. If there is a circle around the square, it means the item can be tumble dried on a low heat setting, whereas if there is a line through the square, it means that the item should not be tumble dried at all.

In conclusion, laundry care icons are an important feature of clothing tags that provide essential information on how to properly care for your garments. By understanding the meanings of these icons, you can make sure that you're washing and caring for your clothes in the way that will help them last the longest.

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