Washing symbols explained: what do these symbols really mean?
Nowadays, a variety of fabrics exist with different cleaning and care requirements. Some fabrics need to be washed in cold water, while others can be treated at high temperatures. To ensure that our clothes and home textiles last, it is important to know and understand the meaning of the washing symbols.
The meaning of the different washing symbols
Care symbols are small pictograms placed on clothing and other fabrics, such as washable sofa covers , to inform us how we should care for them. They provide information about the laundry's temperature, drying process, and other important information we should pay attention to.
The basics of washing symbols
Before delving into the details of the different symbols, it's important to understand the basics. Washing symbols consist of various images and symbols that tell us how clothes should be cleaned. They are internationally standardized, so you can correctly interpret the care instructions even when on vacation or shopping abroad.
Interestingly, the idea of washing symbols emerged in the 1960s. At that time, textile manufacturers recognized the need to provide consumers with clear instructions on how to properly care for their products. Since then, the symbols have evolved and become an important part of everyday life.
Laundry temperature icons
One of the important elements of the washing symbols is the indication of the laundry temperature. Temperature can have a significant impact on the behavior of fabrics and how they are cleaned. Here are some common laundry temperature symbols:
- 30°C: delicate cycle at low temperature
- 40°C: normal wash cycle at medium temperature
- 60°C: normal wash cycle at high temperature
- 90°C: high temperature wash cycle
It is important to maintain the recommended temperature to avoid tissue damage.
Did you know that choosing the right laundry temperature not only affects the lifespan of your clothes, but also the environment? By choosing lower temperatures, you can save energy and help reduce CO2 emissions.
Icons for the drying process
Another important aspect of the washing symbols is the drying process. Not all fabrics can be tumble dried. Here are some of the symbols you should pay attention to:
- Dryer safe: The item can be dried in the dryer.
- Dryer not allowed: the item of clothing must not be placed in the dryer.
- Air drying: The garment should be air dried.
It is important to pay attention to these symbols to ensure that the fabrics maintain their shape and quality.
Interestingly, drying symbols can also provide information about the type of drying. For example, the air-drying symbol may mean that the garment should be laid flat to avoid warping.
Modular sofas with washable and interchangeable covers
How to read washing symbols correctly
Reading laundry symbols can be a little confusing at first, but with a little practice it gets easier. Here are some tips for interpreting the symbols correctly:
The order of symbols
The order of the symbols is important because they tell us in which order we should follow the instructions. Generally, the washing symbol appears first, followed by the drying symbol and other symbols, if applicable.
What do the lines under the symbols mean?
You may have noticed that some symbols have one or more lines below them. These lines provide information on which washing or drying process should be used. One line usually represents a normal process, while two lines represent a delicate process. It's important to follow these lines to ensure your fabrics are treated properly.
However, there are other details in washing symbols that are often overlooked. For example, small symbols within the main symbol can provide additional information. These can indicate whether the garment or lining should be dry cleaned, whether bleach can be used, or whether it should simply be air dried.
The meaning of specific symbols
Some care symbols are universal, such as the machine wash symbol or the tumble dry symbol. Other symbols are more specific and may vary depending on the manufacturer. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specific symbols that appear on your garments' labels to ensure you're caring for them properly.
Common Misunderstandings About Laundry Symbols
Despite the international standardization of laundry care symbols, there are still some common misunderstandings and errors that can arise when reading and interpreting them. Here are some symbols that are often misinterpreted:
Care symbols are an important guide to proper textile care. They provide information on how to wash, bleach, dry, and iron garments. However, not all symbols are interpreted correctly, which can lead to improper fabric treatment.
Symbols that are often misinterpreted
A symbol that is often misinterpreted is the bleach symbol. It's often assumed that the bleach symbol means you can use bleach. In reality, however, the symbol means you shouldn't use bleach. Bleaching agents can damage the color and fibers of fabrics.
Another often misunderstood symbol is the drying symbol. Many people think this symbol means the item can be tumble dried. However, the symbol can also mean that the item should be dried flat to preserve its shape.
What happens if you ignore the symbols?
Ignoring care symbols and treating fabrics incorrectly can lead to a variety of problems. Garments may lose their shape, colors may fade, or fibers may be damaged. Furthermore, delicate fabrics like silk or wool can easily felt or shrink if treated incorrectly.
It's therefore advisable to pay close attention to the care symbols on garment labels to ensure they remain beautiful and durable. Improper care can not only compromise the appearance of fabrics, but also reduce their lifespan.
Tips for managing washing symbols
To make sure you treat your fabrics properly, here are some helpful tips on how to handle washing symbols:
How to make symbols easier to remember
There are many different laundry symbols, and it can be difficult to remember them all. One way to make the symbols easier to remember is to create a list of important symbols and hang it next to the washer or dryer. This way, you always have the symbols handy when you need them.
What to do if there is no symbol
Sometimes you may not be able to find the care symbol on clothing or other fabrics. In these cases, it's recommended to wash the textiles thoroughly by hand or contact a professional cleaning service. Most fabrics have specific cleaning requirements, and it's important to follow them to maintain the quality and durability of the fabrics .
Now that you understand the meaning of the washing symbols, you're well-equipped to properly care for your clothes and home textiles . By correctly interpreting and following the symbols, you can ensure your fabrics last a long time and always look great.
The meaning of special characters in washing symbols
In addition to the basic washing symbols, there are also special characters that provide additional fabric care information. A common special symbol is a triangle with a circle, which indicates that the garment should be dry cleaned. It's important to recognize these special characters and act accordingly to avoid fabric damage.
Eco-friendly washing symbols and their meaning
In times of growing environmental awareness, environmentally friendly washing symbols are becoming increasingly important. Symbols such as a leaf or a stylized sun indicate that the fabric can be treated in an environmentally friendly way, such as using low temperatures or avoiding the use of chemical detergents. By observing these symbols, you not only help protect the environment, but also protect your clothes.
