How to read a care label: A complete guide
Care labels provide essential information on how to clean and care for your garments. Here’s a breakdown of the most common symbols and what they mean:
Washing Symbols
Washing Tub Icon: Indicates washing instructions.
Number in Tub: Maximum temperature (e.g., 30, 40, 60°C).
Hand in Tub: Hand wash only.
Crossed Out Tub: Do not wash.
Lines Under Tub:
No Line: Normal cycle.
Single Line: Permanent press cycle (medium spin).
Double Line: Gentle cycle (slow spin).
Bleaching Symbols
Triangle:
Empty Triangle: Any bleach (e.g., chlorine, oxygen-based) is allowed.
Triangle with Diagonal Lines: Only non-chlorine bleach.
Crossed Out Triangle: Do not bleach.
Drying Symbols
Square with Circle: Tumble dry instructions.
Dot(s) Inside Circle: Heat setting (1 dot = low, 2 dots = medium, 3 dots = high).
Crossed Out Circle: Do not tumble dry.
Lines Inside Square:
Vertical Line: Drip dry.
Horizontal Line: Dry flat.
Three Vertical Lines: Line dry.
Crossed Out Square: Do not dry.
Ironing Symbols
Iron Icon:
Dot(s) Inside Iron: Heat setting (1 dot = low, 2 dots = medium, 3 dots = high).
Crossed Out Iron: Do not iron.
Steam Icon: Indicates if steam ironing is allowed or not (crossed out if not).
Dry Cleaning Symbols
Circle: Indicates dry cleaning instructions.
Letter Inside Circle: Type of solvent (P for perchloroethylene, F for hydrocarbon).
Crossed Out Circle: Do not dry clean.
Additional Tips
Follow Instructions: Always follow the most restrictive instruction on the label to avoid damaging your garments.
Test First: If you’re unsure about a symbol, it’s always a good idea to test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Consult Professionals: When in doubt, consult a professional dry cleaner for advice, especially for delicate or expensive items.
Why Understanding Care Labels is Important
Preserve Fabric Quality: Proper care according to the label ensures that your garments maintain their look and feel.
Prevent Damage: Avoid common mistakes like shrinkage, color bleeding, or fabric weakening by following care instructions.
Extend Garment Life: Proper care prolongs the lifespan of your clothes and linens, saving you money in the long run.
Professional Care at DD French
At DD French we understand the intricacies of care labels and the specific needs of different fabrics. Our professional cleaning services are designed to handle all types of garments with the utmost care. Here’s how we can help:
Expert Knowledge: Our team is trained to interpret care labels and choose the appropriate cleaning method for each item.
Advanced Techniques: We use cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly products to ensure thorough and safe cleaning.
Customized Care: Each garment is assessed individually, and a tailored cleaning approach is applied to maintain its quality and integrity.
Got a garment with a tricky care label? Bring it to us, and we’ll take care of it!
Understanding care labels can be the difference between a ruined garment and one that lasts for years. If you ever need help deciphering a care label, don’t hesitate to reach out to DD French. We’re here to help you keep your clothes looking their best!
