Washing, Drying, Ironing Symbols

Washing symbols are graphical representations that provide information on how to clean and care for clothes and textiles. They are used on care labels of products and are designed to help consumers understand what they need to do to protect and prolong the lifespan of their garments.

In general, washing symbols are divided into three categories: washing, drying, and ironing. Each category has its own symbols that provide information about temperatures, processes, and other specific instructions.

Let’s discuss each category in detail:

Washing Symbols

These symbols provide information on how clothes and textiles should be washed. They can indicate the maximum temperature at which they can be washed, whether the use of detergent is necessary, or if certain chemicals should be avoided. A circle inside the symbol indicates that the product can be washed, while an “X” indicates that washing is not permitted.

 

 

	The garment can be washed in the normal washing cycle, at a maximum temperature of 40 °C.
	The garment can be washed in the normal washing cycle, at a maximum temperature of 50 °C.
	The garment can be washed in the normal washing cycle, at a maximum temperature of 60 °C.
	Washing in the normal washing cycle at a maximum temperature of 70 °C.
	Normal washing cycle with a temperature of up to 95 °C.
	Typical care symbol for delicate fabrics such as silk and wool.
	Delicate or gentle wash program at a maximum temperature of 40 °C.
	Delicate wash cycle (e.g., gentle or delicate wash program), but at a maximum temperature of 50 °C.
	Delicate or gentle wash program at a maximum temperature of 60 °C.
	The two lines under the graduated cup symbol indicate a special delicate wash cycle, and 30 °C is the maximum temperature.
	The washing can withstand a maximum temperature of 40 °C.
	The garments can only be washed by hand at a maximum temperature of 30 °C.
	Clothing items should NOT be hand or machine washed

 

Drying symbols

They provide information on how clothes and textiles should be dried.

They can indicate the maximum temperature at which they can be dried, if the product should be left to dry naturally or if the clothes dryer should be used. A square inside the symbol indicates that the product can be dried in the dryer, while a circle indicates that it must be left to dry naturally.

	The garment can be put in the dryer normally
	Place clothes with this symbol, wet, in a shady place
	It dries best on a clothesline
	Dry on the clothesline, but in a shady place
	Dry the clothes on the clothesline in a shady but damp place
	The clothes should be laid out to dry in a shady place
	Lay them out to dry
	Do not tumble dry

 

Iron on symbols

They provide information on how clothes and textiles should be ironed.

They can indicate the maximum temperature at which the product should be ironed and whether steam should be used or not. An iron inside the symbol indicates that the product can be ironed, while an “X” indicates that ironing is not allowed.

	Clothing items can be ironed at a low temperature
	Iron the garment only at a moderate temperature, i.e. no more than 150 °C
	A maximum temperature of 200 °C
	Ironing is not possible

It is important to remember that not all washing symbols are identical. Depending on the region and the country where the product is located, they may be slightly different. Also, some clothes and textiles may have special symbols for their care, such as those for leather or fur.

 

Whitening

	Avoid bleach altogether – wash only with mild detergent and for colored clothes
	Excellent resistance to chlorine and oxygen bleach
	Clothing can be treated with oxygen bleach

 

Dry cleaning

	Dry cleaning should not be used
	Dry cleaning only
	May be cleaned with hydrocarbons, perchlorethylene and R113 and R11 solutions
	R113 and hydrocarbon solutions are not a problem
	Wet cleaning procedure
	Cleaning with hydrocarbons, perchlorethylene and solutions R113 and R11 is allowed
	You can clean the article of clothing with R113 and hydrocarbon solutions
	There are restrictions regarding the addition of humidity and temperature

In conclusion, washing symbols are very important for the correct care of clothes and textiles.

If you are not sure what a certain symbol means, consult the care label or search for information online. Following the care instructions can extend the life of the clothes and help preserve their original appearance and quality.