What do the symbols on laundry items mean? What do the washing symbols on clothes and linen mean?

Renewal is a joy for any woman. And not only for women, but also for many men, and, of course, for children. Only here is the joy of washing this new clothes men and children do not separate. And we have to indulge in such joy alone. Good still scientific and technical progress He shares this joy with us: washing machines are a miracle invention. Yes, and clothing manufacturers care about complete female joy, marking their products with icons on clothing labels. They draw icons, but do not decipher their meaning. Therefore, deciphering the icons before washing can drive you crazy. And what is the meaning of these drawings?
Content:

Wash

Before washing any items for the first time, you need to study all the signs on the labels. Because it is on them that the possibility or impossibility of washing is indicated, as well as its type (manual, machine), temperature conditions and acceptable detergents. So, if you don’t want to ruin the item by washing, carefully study the pictures on the labels.
Washing items with boiling water. Products made of cotton and linen, white or colored, resistant to boiling.
Washing products in hot water at 60oC. Items that are not resistant to boiling, for example, delicate linens made of cotton or polyester fabrics.

Washing items with neutrals detergents V warm water at a maximum temperature of 40oC. For example, dark colored or variegated items made of cotton, polyester and melange fabrics, thin linen made of viscose and synthetic fibers.
Washing items with neutral detergents cold water at maximum temperature
30oC. For example, wool items that are machine washable (gentle wash).

Allowed only handwash. Do not rub or wring. Textiles that cannot be washed in washing machine. Washing temperature 30oC-40oC depending on the product.
Do not wash. Products bearing this mark cannot be washed. They should be exposed dry cleaning. Washable.
Gentle wash. Precisely maintain the temperature of the water, do not subject it to strong mechanical processing, and when spinning, use a slow centrifuge mode.
Delicate wash. Large amount of water, minimal mechanical processing, quick rinse.

Drying and spinning

It is known that after washing the laundry must be wrung out and dried. If your washing machine not only washes, spins, but also dries clothes, then look for the following clothing care icons on the labels.
Can be dried.
Do not dry (used together with "Do not wash").
Can be wringed and dried in a washing machine or electric clothes dryer.
Do not wring or dry in a washing machine or electric dryer.
Do not squeeze.
Dry at low temperature.
Dry at average temperature.
Dry at high temperature.
Gentle spinning and drying.
Delicate spinning and drying.
Vertical drying.
Dry without spinning.
Dry on a horizontal surface.
Dry in the shade.

Bleaching and dry cleaning

The designation of signs of dry cleaning capabilities is only relevant for specialists - after all, you will not do this yourself.
Dry cleaning (dry cleaning).
Do not dry clean.
Dry cleaning with any solvent.
Cleaning using hydrocarbon, ethylene chloride, monofluorotrichloromethane.
The line under the circle with the letter indicates the need to gently clean the product.
Cleaning using hydrocarbon and trifluorotrichloromethane.
The line under the circle with the letter indicates the need to gently clean the product. Iron at medium temperature (up to 150oC). Cotton, silk, wool, polyester, viscose. Iron with a slightly damp cloth or iron with a steam humidifier.
Iron at low temperature (up to 110oC). Synthetic fabrics: polyacrylic, polyamide, polyester, acetate.
Do not steam. Okay, it looks like we have it figured out. It remains to remember before washing to remember the definition of icons on clothing labels.

We all want to look good and when buying new clothes we want them to always look fresh and clean. Therefore, such clothing care as washing is an integral procedure. But the fabrics of different wardrobe items are also different and therefore require different washing programs. But clothing manufacturers know how to wash their product and have shared this information with us.

Each item has washing instructions in the form of icons. Surely each of us has seen them, but not everyone knows what they mean. By the way, following these recommendations ensures that the clothes will last as long as possible. for a long time. That is why we decided to write this article where we will look at the icons on clothes and learn how to wash things in accordance with them.

If you neglect the badges on your clothes and, for example, wash woolen item in hot water, then it will certainly shrink in size. What to do if the size of clothes decreases after washing, how to return woolen items to their original size, read the article located at the link above.

Where are the laundry icons on clothes?

In order to find the symbols for washing an item, you need to know what the label on which they are located looks like. It consists of a small fabric tag on which the designations are located. At the same time, on the label you will also find the size of the item, its composition and manufacturer.

The label is usually located on the inner seams of clothing. On jackets they can be found inside on the side (usually on the left side) near the waist, or in the inside pocket. On jeans and trousers, it is most often located either on the side or on the back seam. On light clothing: T-shirts, shirts, sweaters, etc., a label with washing icons is located at the back under the collar, or, as in outerwear, on the side seam.

Designation of icons on clothes for washing

If we find a label with icons and don’t know what they are, then it’s time to look at the table below, where we have listed all the standard icon designations and described the machine wash recommendations for them.

Washing symbols

Drying symbols

Cleaning and whitening

Ironing icons

Before washing a new item for the first time, many housewives wonder: is it even possible to wash this item of clothing in a washing machine? But really, can you wash a thing in a machine or not, who can tell? Manufacturer or other consumers learned from bitter experience? Will tell you about it special sign, which the manufacturer displayed on the clothing. What this sign looks like and where to look for it, we have to find out all this.

How to find such a designation?

When sewing any item of clothing, garment factory, no matter what country it is in, firmly sews a label made of especially strong synthetic fabric. This label is painted with black paint on a white background with images of icons that determine how to care for the item. Deciphering the information encoded in the icons helps the owner of the item understand how it is:

• clean;
• wash;
• bleach;
• iron;
• dry.

Under no circumstances should you tear off or cut off labels with information about the care of items along with labels and price tags. You will definitely need this information in the future.

Finding such a label is not difficult; just quickly examine the most likely places where the manufacturer can sew it. Usually places are chosen where this label will be invisible and will not interfere with wearing the item of clothing. For example, on blouses, sweaters, T-shirts, shirts, a label with badges can be found in the collar area or at the waistband wrong side. On pants and trousers, a piece of fabric with valuable information can be found near the slotted part on the reverse side, etc.

Once you find a shortcut, carefully study the icons that are depicted on it. It’s quite difficult to immediately figure out what they mean; you’ll have to look for a special table that will help decipher the meaning of each sign. But us, in this moment, I’m interested in the machine wash prohibited icon, so let’s talk about it.

What does he look like?

An icon prohibiting washing an item in an automatic or semi-automatic washing machine is depicted by the manufacturer on labels in cases where the item of clothing can only be washed by hand, or if it can only be dry cleaned. In the first case, our icon complements the familiar sign, which is a drawing of a basin with water and a hand lowered into it - “hand wash”, and in the second case, a basin with water crossed out crosswise - “washing is prohibited”.

If the item can still be washed by hand, then the manufacturer is being disingenuous by categorically prohibiting machine washing, because modern automatic washing machines have a special “Hand Wash” mode. Having this mode, you don’t have to wash it by hand, the machine will do everything for you, and such a procedure will not cause any harm to the item.

In the picture above you can see a close-up of a sign prohibiting washing an item of clothing in a washing machine. This image, it should be noted, is very spacious, a rectangle in a circle. Without knowing how such an icon is deciphered, it is very difficult to guess that we're talking about prohibiting washing in a washing machine.

How to do without automatic washing?

As we noted above, if the manufacturer allows hand washing, this does not mean that the item cannot be washed in automatic mode; you just need to use the “Hand Wash” program. However, more often, the above icon can be seen on things that should not be wetted with water at all.

Strictly speaking, things that the manufacturer recommends only for cleaning can be treated with a damp cloth or a dampened brush, but under no circumstances should they be soaked or put in the washing machine.

What to do in this case? How to dry clean an item to remove all stains and generally freshen it up?

1. You can buy a special kit for dry cleaning clothes. The set is selected depending on the type of fabric and taking into account other features of the item. In the set you will find: a bottle containing cleaning composition in the form of a spray, a special cloth, sheets of special paper and a special bag. Instructions for dry cleaning with this kit can be found on the box in which the kit is packaged.
2. If an item is heavily soiled, there is little point in cleaning it at home: firstly, without professional means It will not be possible to clean it, and secondly, you can completely ruin the item of clothing. Use dry cleaning services.
3. Treat stains with a stain remover, which should be tested in advance on an inconspicuous part of the garment. Cover the item with cling paper and then pack it in plastic bag, which hang about 1 meter from the radiator. After a day, take out the item and evaluate the result; you may have to additionally use a brush or cloth, but most of the dirt will be removed.

To summarize, we note that you have learned what the icon on clothing looks like, which briefly stands for “Do not machine wash.” But in order not to spoil the clothes, you need to know the decoding of other signs that are left on the label by the manufacturer. You can read about them in the article. Don't stop there, continue to study the icons and chances are that you will ruin your favorite clothes due to improper care, it will be much less. Good luck!

We often delight ourselves with purchases of new clothes and other textile products. But it happens that a favorite cardigan or comfortable trousers after a few months and ten washes lose their sophisticated appearance, become discolored, and shrink. Why does this happen?

Each product label contains clothing care icons, the meaning of which is not known to all users. In view of this, we wash in too hot water and put it on maximum spin, iron it with a very hot iron and send it to the dry cleaner. But many things simply cannot stand this and wear out very quickly. In this article we will decipher for you all the signs of caring for clothes so that they serve you for a long time.

Wash

Basic symbols on clothing that indicate correct modes washes look like this:

The number indicated on the icon indicates the temperature mode that can be used during washing - this is the maximum value; colder water can be used.

If there is one line under the tank, it means washing clothes is allowed in a gentle mode, two lines indicate a very gentle mode with temperature indicator water up to 30 degrees. During machine washing, you can wring at minimum speed, and when washing by hand - very carefully, without twisting.

Any self-respecting clothing company is obliged, along with the brand label, to sew on a marking tape with the indicated product care symbols. All standards of signs on the label must comply with GOST 16958/71 GOST R ISO 3758/99.

Whitening

If you need to bleach an item or remove a stain, carefully read the clothing label, which contains all the information about the bleaching process. The main symbol is a triangle.

Incorrectly carried out bleaching can turn a favorite cotton blouse into a rag in half an hour. Therefore, look carefully at the symbols on the label.

Drying

After washing and bleaching (if necessary), you need to dry the item. How to do it correctly, look at the label. The main drying symbol looks like a square.

A ribbon is sewn to the product indicating the type of fabric from which it is made, so that the user can choose when washing desired mode. Therefore, before the first cleaning, do not be lazy and take a close look at all the symbols on the label on which the manufacturer indicated everything necessary rules and recommendations.

Ironing

Proper ironing of clothes is also an important factor in their care.

Explanation of the icons on the label indicating the drying rules:

To avoid ironing the product, it is not recommended to wring it vigorously after washing. Also, things need to be well straightened and hung to dry in the shade. You can see all the information on the clothing label.

Professional clothing cleaning

The manufacturer indicates on the labels possible options cleaning the product dry (dry cleaning) or wet (water cleaning) using the services professional enterprises. It should be noted that washing clothes in a laundromat is not wet cleaning. The basic icon is a circle.

Explanation of symbols for dry cleaning:

If you follow all the rules for caring for your clothes - washing at the proper temperature, spinning, drying and ironing accordingly - they will serve you for as long as possible.

Video instruction

To preserve purchased linen or clothing long time in their original presentation, it is necessary to adhere to the care recommendations indicated by the manufacturer on the appropriate labels.

Such symbols for washing on clothes contain the necessary information regarding the composition of the product, which affects all subsequent actions of the consumer to care for it. For correct understanding, you need to be able to decipher each designation.

In addition to the signs indicated on the labels, there is a generalized set of rules in relation to artificial and natural fabrics.

Fabrics of natural origin

Cotton:

• Can be washed at any temperature;
• Hand wash or machine wash allowed;
• acceptable use universal remedies;
• Shrinkage of 3 to 5 percent is possible.

Silk:

• needs delicate handling;
• Hand washing is recommended;
• special products – suitable for silk or woolen products;
• water temperature no more than 30°C;
• colored items are washed separately;
• soaking is unacceptable.

Wool:

• hand wash is preferable;
• it is possible to use a washing machine according to the “Wool Products” program;
• allowed use special means for woolen products;
• strong spin is prohibited;
• drying is natural when carefully laying out the products on towels.

Fabrics of artificial origin (synthetic)

Modal, rayon, viscose:

• wash only at low temperatures;
• hand wash dominates;
• it is possible to use mild detergents;
• shrinkage at 4% or 7%.

Dacron, lycra, tactel, elastane, polyamides, polyesters:

• recommended machine washable;
• water temperature 40°C;
• afraid of a hot iron.

Explanation of symbols on labels

The ability to correctly decipher the symbols on labels ensures the long-term safety of the purchased product. As a rule, they indicate the correctness of washing, ironing and carry some other information.

Washing modes

	Allowed
	Gentle, with strict adherence to temperature conditions. Intensive mechanical processing is not permitted. Spin - only in slow mode.
	Delicate with big amount water and minimal mechanical stress. Rinsing is quick.
	Traditional washing of clothes is prohibited.
	Only manual.
	Wiping with a soapy, weak concentration solution.
	Use water up to 30°C with neutral detergents.
	Use of water up to 40°C
	Wash clothes by machine or hand at a water temperature strictly up to 40°C. Intensive mechanical processing is prohibited. Rinse in warm water with a gradual transition to cold. Only slow spins are allowed in the washing machine.
	Delicate wash with plenty of water at temperatures up to 40°C. Mechanical impact is minimal. Fast rinsing at low centrifuge speed is allowed.
	Neutral detergents are used at water temperatures up to 40°C.
	Wash in water whose temperature does not exceed 60°C.
	Delicate at water temperatures up to 60°C, in large quantities with minimal mechanical processing and rinsing at low centrifuge speeds: water temperature strictly up to 60°C; non-intensive mechanical processing; rinse from warm to gradual transition to cold water; spin is extremely slow.
	Possible boiling of clothes.
	Boiling may be used subject to strict adherence to the specified temperature conditions. Intensive mechanical processing is not allowed. Rinse in warm water, switch to cold, and spin at low speed in the centrifuge.
	The washing mode is delicate with the possibility of boiling with a large amount of water. Mechanical processing is minimal. Rinse quickly at low speed.
	Usage washing machine forbidden.

Whitening Modes

Bleaching modes also have their own symbols or designations, of which there are only four in relation to fabric products or the fabrics themselves.

Ironing modes

Not every fabric product can withstand high temperatures. Therefore, reading the icons on the labels is mandatory to save High Quality. In this situation, symbols are extremely important for every housewife.

Dry cleaning

Not every stain can be removed with ordinary detergents. That's why sufficient quantity icon indicates the possibility or impossibility of cleaning using chemical reagents. Each such designation warns the owner of possible consequences.

	Dry cleaning is strictly prohibited.
	The product is not stable with all chemical solvents.
	Only dry dry cleaning is possible.
	The use of special freons is permissible, but only gentle solvents or “white spirit”.
	Chemical processing using: perchlorethylene, hydrocarbon, monofluorotrichloromethane and ethylene chloride is allowed. The use of trichlorethylene is prohibited.
	The use of such chemicals such as: monofluorotrichloromethane, hydrocarbon, trifluorotrichloromethane and ethylene chloride, subject to limited use of water, as well as constant monitoring of temperature conditions and mechanical impact.
	The use of common solvents is permitted.

Drying modes

In addition to washing modes, there are also modes for drying fabric products. They also have a specific set of signs that you need to know.