Whenever we purchase an item and want to wash it for the first time it is advisable to follow the instructions on the label, the fact is that often understand these signs are difficult to understand, because not everyone is as intuitive as you might believe. So on OneHowTo.com we have written an article for you to know what the washing symbols mean that you find on clothes labels, so you can keep your items in good condition for longer. Photo: pablojimeno.tumblr.com
These symbols are represented by a washing bucket. The number 40 or other (30, 90 etc.) refers to the maximum temperature that you can wash the item at, when there is a line is below it indicates the wash cycle should be normal, two stripes delicate. The cube with the hand indicates that it should be washed by hand and when there is an X it means that the garment should not be put in the washing machine.
The triangle represents the use of bleach. An open triangle on the label indicates that you can use bleach if needed, the symbol with diagonal stripes allows the use of oxygen whitener without bleach and an X above prohibits the use of any type of bleach.
The square with the inner circle represents the use of the tumble dryer. When we see the simple or one with an internal point it means we can use the tumble dryer, if there are two points it means that you must choose the normal temperature while the X on the sign means you cannot put the garment in the tumble dryer.
The square means that the garment should be dried outdoors. When you see a semicircle inside the square it means that we can hang it, two or three vertical stripes means that clothes should be dried without wringing, while a slash means you can wring the item out.
This sign shows how to iron the item. Three internal points indicate that the garment can be ironed at a very high temperature (maximum 200°), two points at a medium temperature (maximum 150°) and one point at low temperature (maximum 110°). If there is an X on the symbol you cannot iron the garment.
The circle indicates dry cleaning, when there is an X on it dry cleaning is not permitted.
These are the symbols for the professional who will carry out the dry cleaning, the A indicates that you can dry-clean with common solvents, the P indicates you should use minerals, tetrachloroethylene and fluorinated solvents and the F only with mineral spirits.
If you want to read similar articles to What do the washing symbols mean on clothes, we recommend you visit our Home cleaning category.
- Follow the instructions represented by these symbols and your clothes will stay in good condition
- If you cut the labels of the garments it is better that you save them somewhere to follow directions, especially if they are delicate garments