But for many of us, they might as well be hieroglyphics! That’s why we put together this guide so you can finally understand what all those circles, triangles, and squiggly lines actually mean.
Why Most Clothes Have Tags with Laundry Symbols
Laundry symbols are a universal language created to guide you in caring for your clothes. Rather than spelling everything out in words, these symbols provide quick and clear instructions on how to wash, dry, iron, and otherwise maintain your garments.
Here are a few reasons why laundry symbols are included on most clothing tags:
- To preserve the quality of fabric. Varying fabric types react differently to water, heat, and detergent. Laundry symbols provide clear guidelines on how to wash and dry each item, so you can prevent shrinkage, fading, or fabric damage. For manufacturers, it’s a way to help you keep their products looking as good as new.
- To prevent shrinkage and damage. Certain fabrics, like wool and silk, can shrink, stretch, or fray if washed or dried improperly. Laundry symbols are there to prevent these mishaps by giving you specific instructions on washing temperatures, drying methods, and ironing techniques.
- To simplify global communication. Laundry symbols are a universal language that transcends borders and language barriers. Whether you’re in New York, Tokyo, or Paris, these symbols mean the same thing, making it easy for anyone, anywhere, to understand how to care for their clothes.
- To save you money in the long run. When you avoid damaging your clothes, you don’t spend as much on replacements. Laundry symbols are a great way to stretch your clothing budget by helping you get the maximum wear out of each item.
Different Laundry Care Symbols
Laundry symbols are standardized icons, often regulated by textile and clothing industries, that provide guidance on how to handle different types of fabrics. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of symbols you’ll find:
Washing Symbols
- Machine Wash: A bucket symbol, sometimes accompanied by a number, indicates the maximum temperature (in Celsius) you should use.
- Hand Wash: A bucket with a hand inside signifies the item should be hand washed to protect delicate fabrics like silk or linen.
- Do Not Wash: If there’s a cross over the bucket, this means you should avoid washing the item with water altogether, often indicating a need for specialized cleaning services.
Bleaching Symbols
- Bleach Allowed: A triangle means you can use bleach on the item, great for refreshing whites.
- Non-chlorine Bleach Only: A triangle with “cl” inside indicates that only non-chlorine bleach should be used, which is safer for colored clothing.
- Do Not Bleach: A triangle with a cross signifies bleaching is off limits, as it can damage fabrics.
Drying Symbols
- Tumble Dry: A square with a circle indicates the item can go into the dryer. Dots inside the circle specify the heat level: one dot for low heat, two for medium, and three for high.
- Line Dry: A symbol showing a line means you should hang the item to dry, which is essential for items like wool and delicate fabrics.
- Do Not Tumble Dry: A cross over the circle indicates the item should never be tumble dried, as it may shrink or lose shape.
Ironing Symbols
- Ironing Allowed: An iron icon means you can iron the item, with dots indicating the appropriate heat setting.
- Do Not Iron: If there’s a cross over the iron, you should avoid ironing to prevent damaging the fabric.
- Steam Ironing: Some symbols indicate if you can use steam, which is especially helpful for removing wrinkles in dresses or blouses.
Professional Textile Care Symbols
- Dry Clean Only: A circle symbol means the item should be dry cleaned. It’s crucial for high-value textiles and leather items.
- Specific Solvents: Inside the circle, letters may indicate which solvents should be used, such as “P” for perchloroethylene, ensuring safe cleaning for delicate textiles.
- Wet Cleaning: A circle with a wave inside signifies the item can be wet cleaned, a more environmentally friendly method for sensitive fabrics.
For Clothes Cared for the Correct Way, Call Brite Touch Cleaners Today!
If you’re ever unsure about the best way to care for a specific item, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Hand those items to us here at Brite Touch Cleaners. We’re a family-owned, full-service dry cleaner with over 30 years of experience in taking care of our customers’ garments. Our expert services include Dry Cleaning, Wedding Dress Preservation, Wash and Fold Laundry, Alterations, Bedding Cleaning, and Leather Cleaning, among others. With a skilled team, state-of-the-art equipment, and quality products, we have everything needed to give your clothes the best possible care.
Call Brite Touch Cleaners today at 279-300-1764, or sign up for our free laundry pickup and delivery.