08 May 2004

Wash Care Labels & Symbols

Often people find that they get poor results from washing clothes or that things go wrong and often this is simply a case of misunderstanding the care labels on the clothes and not choosing the appropriate wash cycle.

It is truly staggering how many people do not follow the instructions (we do mean a HUGE number) and the almost identical amount of people that haven't a clue what they mean or are even for.

Then people wonder why they get problems and, all too often, blame the washing machine when in reality, the washing machine is not the problem at all.

This is all the more important on modern energy saving washing machines where there is less water and less electricity being used but, to achieve that, the wash time is extended meaning that if you choose, for example, to use an more intensive cotton cycle that has the drum rotating at 54rpm for an item that was supposed to be washed on a more delicate synthetic cycle with a 34rpm wash tumble speed then the it is highly likely to become damaged.

Incorrect program choice and overloading are the top causes of damage to people's laundry by a massive margin. So much so that it is extremely rare to get a complaint about damage to laundry and not to find it being anything other than improper use by the owner.

Even if you've used a washing machine for years and think you know it all, you probably don't and the chances are that you will not wash all your clothes correctly all of the time. Remember that all new energy efficient washing machines which they all pretty much have to be due to environmental pressures on energy use, wash for a lot longer so if you put things meant for a milder wash process on a program that is far harsher and runs for much longer than your old washing machine then damage is much, much more likely to happen.

If you use a washing machine, you need to know this stuff!

New control panels make using your washing machine easierMaking It Easier To Understand

Many manufacturers have moved to a new, cleaner system to allow people to understand what program that they are using by using control panels such as the Bosch one in the image to the right. You can see that what they have done is to break the program dial into distinct sections for each major fabric type.

Whilst this makes it harder to go wrong when you look at the care labels it doesn't help when you do not.

Some more expensive washing machines such as the ISE and some Miele's make it even simpler by giving you the choice of what fabric type you want to wash on the dial only then you choose the temperature and spin speed as required.

Essential Wash Symbols You Need To Know

We will start with the basic wash symbols that anyone using an automatic washing machine needs to know, recognise and understand. If you do not and choose to ignore the labels on your clothes then you will almost certainly encounter some form of damage such as holes in your clothes, shrinking or other damage from items not being washed on the correct program.

The good old days of using one, two or at most three programs like the vast majority of people do, are gone.

With modern fabrics and extended wash times your choice of wash program is desperately important as all these technologies and materials have advanced, your knowledge of what to do has to move on as well.

All temperatures referred to here are metric and are shown as centigrade as is the EU system.

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Cottons

Cotton Wash Care Labels
Do Not Wash :: This symbol means that the item is unsuitable for washing and should not be washed in your washing machine. This symbol applies to all groups. 95˚C Cotton Wash Symbol :: This symbol means that the item is okay to wash at up to 95 degrees centigrade and on a normal wash cycle with a strong wash action. You can of course choose to wash an item with this laundry label at a lower temperature or a lower wash action but it may not come out as clean as it would be optimally. 60˚C Cotton Wash Symbol :: Like the 95˚C wash symbol this is the 60˚C cotton wash or strong wash symbol meaning that the item can be washed at up to 60˚C on a strong wash cycle. Like others in this group the item can be washed at lower temperatures and lower levels of wash action but the result may not be optimal. 40˚C Cotton Wash Symbol :: The UK's most popular wash program, the 40 degree wash with strong wash action which garments with this mark are suitable for but do not that there are no lines under the symbol. As with others in this group items can be washed at lower temperatures or not so vigorous wash programs but the results may not be optimal. 30˚C Cotton Wash Symbol :: Exactly the same as the others in this group items with this symbol can be washed at up to 30˚C on a strong or intensive wash and can be washed with lower temperatures or lower levels of agitation. However, washing above this temperature may permanently damage the item.
Click the icons for more details of each wash symbol

Normal Cotton Wash Programs

These are normal full strength washes often referred to as a cotton washes that intended for cotton and articles of linen with no special finishes. It should be noted that placing items that are unsuitable for such a wash may result in permanent damage to those fabrics or any special finish on them, which there often is these days.

The 95˚C program is about as close as you can get to a sanatisation wash in a domestic setting and will kill just about all known bugs, mites and germs you would commonly find on laundry.

The 60 degree wash is for use with cotton, linen or viscose again, without any special finishes and where the fabric is colourfast to 60 degrees centigrade and remains a very popular program choice for many people.

This program will kill all mites, such as bed mites and so on and is usually recommended for bedding and towelling as a minimum due to that and we agree and always recommend that all bedding or towelling is washed on this program or a higher temperature if possible.

The temperature in this symbol can change to others, like the 40˚C wash below depending on the qualities of the fabric.

Remember not to use fabric softener on towels as fabric softener will leave a water repellent coating on towels and reduce their drying performance considerably.

The 40 degree wash, which seems to be the most popular wash cycle used in the UK accounting for some 25-30% of all washes in a washing machine. It is intended for use with cotton or viscose articles where they are colourfast to 40 degrees but not at 60 degrees.

Many people find this wash program an excellent compromise between speed of wash and efficiency of cleaning most common laundry items.

However, it is important to note that this is not suitable for many items, especially those with special finishes or that are not designed for the intensive cotton wash program. Washing items intended for the more delicate wash action of synthetics or delicate cycles will eventually become damaged if you use this program constantly and some finishes can even be damaged irreparably after one wash on the wrong program.

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Synthetics

Synthetic Wash Care Labels
Do Not Wash :: This symbol means that the item is unsuitable for washing and should not be washed in your washing machine. This symbol applies to all groups. 50˚C Synthetic Wash Symbol :: This symbol is telling you that the maximum temperature for washing is obviously 50˚C but also the line underneath denotes that it requires a milder wash process. This means that you must use the synthetics programs or you will risk damaging the garment. 40˚C Synthetic Wash Symbol :: As with the previous 50˚C care symbol this one states that the item can only be washed to a maximum of 40˚C and the line underneath denotes that it must be washed on a more gentle cycle. Not doing so can cause irreversable damage to the item. 30˚C Synthetic Wash Symbol :: Exactly the same as the others in this group items with this symbol can be washed at up to 30˚C on a synthetic wash and can be washed with lower temperatures or lower levels of agitation. Washing items with this mark above this temperature may permanently damage the item.
Click the icons for more details of each wash symbol

Synthetic Programs

These are the symbols for nylon polyester/cotton mixes and viscose articles that do have special finishes, it can also be used for cotton/acrylic mixtures. the line underneath, like the others, designates that this is a more delicate wash action that is employed for this program.

You can see this special wash symbol with a variety of different temperature ratings depending on the recommendation for the fabric.

The 40 degree synthetic cycle can effectively deal with blended fibres such as acrylics, acetate and triacetate but also wool and polyester wool blends.

The line under the bucket denotes that the wash action is reduced and more delicate and therefore it may not be suitable for moderate or heavily stained items that do not have this restriction.

It is also important to note and be very aware that items or garments with this wash icon on them can and very probably will be damaged or lose their finish should you wash them in a wash program that has a stronger wash action. It is important and, on some items absolutely critical, that the correct program and detergent are used.

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Delicates

Delicate Wash Care Labels
Do Not Wash :: This symbol means that the item is unsuitable for washing and should not be washed in your washing machine. This symbol applies to all groups. Hand Wash Only :: This symbol is seen on garments that are not suitable for washing in a washing machine are the mechanical action is likely to cause permanent damage to the item. We would strongly recommend that you avoid washing in your washing machine if at all possible. Where required and your washing machine has the special program, you can use the hand wash program and, although it is a very gentle wash action. it should be used with caution as some extremely fragile items are unsuitable even for this special cycle. In all cases special deteregent is required for these items as all will normally be natural fibres and normal detergent must not be used or the item will be damaged. 40˚C Delicate Wash Symbol :: You will commonly see this symbol on machine washable woolen items as well as more delicate fibres where the item can be washed up to 40˚C as shown. Washing above this temperature or agitation level will cause damage to the garment and please also choose your detergent wisely as the wrong one that is not designed for delicates or wool will almost certainly damage the item even when the correct program is used. You can also wash items with this symbol on a lower temperature often including a cold wash. A low spin speed or no spin at all is also mandatory to prevent damage. 30˚C Delicate Wash Symbol :: You will almost exclusively see this symbol on machine washable woolen items as well as very delicate fibres where the item can be washed up to 30˚C as shown. Washing above this temperature or agitation level will cause damage to the garment and please also choose your detergent wisely as the wrong one that is not designed for delicates or wool will almost certainly damage the item even when the correct program is used. Like the 40˚C items you can wash cooler or even cold in most cases. A low spin speed or no spin at all is also mandatory to prevent damage.
Click the icons for more details of each wash symbol

Programs on your washing machine that are designed for delicate items are for use with garments that have the double bars or two dashes (--) below, is a delicate wash for wool, wool blankets and wool mixtures with cotton or viscose and also can be used to wash silk.

The hand wash symbol designates that the article cannot be machine washed and is intended for hand washing only. Some washing machines do have a wash cycle that can cope with such articles.

Do not use this program for anything other than hand wash or extremely delicate items as it is for fragile items of laundry only and will not clean normal laundry effectively. Also make sure that the item can be machine washed on a hand wash program as some cannot be, if you are unsure check with the garment manufacturer or the retailer for suitability or you risk causing irreparable damage to the item.

Wash Program & Label Confusion

There are a myriad of care labels and, confusingly, they do differ in certain regions although a little common sense will usually allow you to decipher them without too much trouble. The point is though that items imported from the likes of the USA into Europe may have different laundry symbols on them, which only serves to confound people more.

With items from the Far East, India, Africa, the South Americas and others, all bets are off.

When we researched this again, largely due to the increase in people having issues with their laundry, what we found was that there is absolutely no guides in stores on the quality of the garments people buy other than the name on the label and the price offering any guidance as to the quality of the item. And, apart from an ISO Standard (ISO 3758) we could find no regulatory or testing means that garment manufacturers have to go through to ensure that the item has the correct care labelling instructions on it!

Apparently, much of this appears to be a voluntary thing done by the garment industry.

What you will see is the likes of thread counts on bed linen, especially Egyptian Cotton but beyond that there really isn't much help on this for normal people in the street.

In other words, while the performance of your washing machine is regulated by the EU as is your detergent to some degree, your clothing, bedding and towelling is not under the same level of scrutiny.

Then factor in that the vast majority of people have not got a clue what most of these symbols means and you have a recipe for disaster. To get an idea of how confusing this is, just look at the wash care labels below and, that's not even all of them!

We'd bet that nobody outside the detergent, clothing or laundry care industry could get even half of what these symbols mean. Even most washing machine engineers wouldn't have a clue about most of them.

It is therefore absolutely no surprise at all that people get it wrong and ruin clothes, a lot.

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Bleaching Instructions

Bleach Care Labels
Do Not Bleach - Obsolete :: This symbol is now obsolete but instructs bleaching of the item is not allowed. Our advice is where you see this symbol that you avoid any bleach at all or you will damage the item, this includes using detergents that contain bleach, use colour detergent only that is free from any bleaching agents. Do Not Bleach :: This symbol is now the current version instructs that bleaching of the item is not allowed. Our advice is where you see this symbol that you avoid any bleach at all or you will damage the item, this includes using detergents that contain bleach, use colour detergent only which is free from any bleaching agents. Bleaching With Chlorine Allowed :: This is now an obsolete laundry symbol that stated that chlorine bleaching was allowed where required. Oxygen Bleaching Allowed :: Bleaching with an oxygen based bleach is allowed on items with this symbol but it is important to note that using chlorine based bleach is not allowed. Bleaching Allowed :: This icon is the only one for bleaching that states that the item can be bleached without any restrictions.
Click the icons for more details of each wash symbol

It is absolutely vital that garments and other items that have the "Do Not Bleach" label are not washed using a detergent that contains bleach, which many detergents will. The only way to be sure that you are not using a bleach containing soap powder or detergent is to used one that is recommended for coloured items or a liquid detergent.

If you ignore this then the item may begin to fade, looked "washed out" and so on after only a few washes.

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Tumble Drying Instructions


Tumble Drying Care Labels - European
Do Not Tumble Dry :: This symbol means that the item cannot be dried in a tumble dryer and if you do so then you may well damage the item permanently and irreparably including damage to the fabric fibres or the finish and shrinkage. Generally you will see this symbol on delicate fabrics that are suitable for line or drip dry only. Tumble Dry At Any Heat :: Items with this symbol can be tumble dried at any heat and will not require much, if any, consideration when drying using your tumble dryer. Low Heat Tumble Dry Only :: The dot on the middle of the tumble dry symbol means that the item should only be dried on a low heat setting in your tumble dryer. Drying the item at a higher heat may cause permanent damage to the item. Tumble Dry At Normal Heat :: The item can be dried in a tumble dryer at normal heat but we would advise avoiding a high heat or extended drying time or you may cause damage to the item.
Click the icons for more details of each wash symbol

Please take care not to tumble dry clothing and other garments that are not recommended to be dried in your tumble dryer as if they are damaged by heat there is normally no repair to the item possible.

Also please note that no item that has plastic or a plastic coating on it such as bath mats and so on can ever be tumble dried and there is a risk of fire should you do so.

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Natural Drying Instructions


Natural Drying Care Labels
Do Not Dry :: This symbol means that the item cannot be dried in a tumble dryer or hung to dry and will almost certainly be seen on items that are also marked as do not wash. Line Dry :: Garments with this symbol are suitable for line drying only as a general rule and should not be dried in a tumble dryer. Dry Flat Only :: Items carrying the dry flat only symbol should not be hung to dry or the garment may become misshapen or damaged due to the incorrect drying method. Again, these items are not suitable for tumble drying and not usually suitable for spin drying unless a very low spin speed is selected which can again damage the item. Drip Dry Only :: Garments with this icon are usually from delicate natural fibres such as wool or silk and must be drip dried and not laid flat or hung to line dry. You are also not able to tumble dry these items or spin them other than on the most slow and gentle spin if at all but, it is not recommended. Normally the best program to use for such items is a program with a rinse and hold function if they are suitable for washing machine cleaning.
Do Not Wring Dry :: This symbol is not common but essentially means that the item cannot be wrung dry by twisting the fabric or wringing it out or you will damage the item. Line Dry In Shade :: Garments with this symbol are suitable for line drying only and in a shaded area as natural bright sunlight can bleach out the colour from the item. The garment should not be dried in a tumble dryer. Dry Flat Only In Shade :: Items carrying the dry flat only symbol should not be hung to dry or the garment may become misshapen or damaged due to the incorrect drying method and, with the designation for shade, they should not be dried in sunlight or bleaching may occur. Items with this wash symbol will not be suitable for tumble drying and not usually suitable for spin drying unless a very low spin speed is selected which can damage the garment. Drip Dry Only In Shade :: Garments with this icon will usually be delicate natural fibres such as wool or silk and must be drip dried in a shaded area or sunlight may bleach the garment. It cannot be laid flat or hung to line dry. You are also not able to tumble dry these items or spin them other than on the most slow and gentle spin if at all but, it is not recommended. Normally the best program to use for such items is a program with a rinse and hold function if they are suitable for washing machine cleaning.
Click the icons for more details of each wash symbol

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Ironing Instructions

Ironing Wash Care Labels
Do Not Iron :: This symbol indicates that the item is unsuitable for ironing and therefore you should not iron the garment or you may damage it beyond repair. Do Not Steam Iron :: This symbol designates that the item should not be steam ironed or you may damage it. You can dry iron the item however but there can be one, two or three dots used to show the temperatures as appropriate and these are the same as they are on the normal ironing symbols. Iron At A Low Heat :: Items with this symbol may be ironed at a low heat only, ironing at a higher temperature may cause damage or ruin the finish of the item permanently. A low heat is considered to be a maximum iron temperature of 110˚C. Iron A Medium Heat :: Ironing of the garment at a medium heat is allowed which is with an iron temperature maximum of 150˚C. Items ironed at a higher heat with this symbol may result in permanent damage to the item's fibres or the finish of the garment. Where this symbol is used it is safe to iron at a lower temperature without any concern. Iron At High Heat :: The item or garment can be ironed at a high heat which in domestic circumstance is up to 200˚C iron temperature. The items using this symbol are usually very robust fibres without any special finishes and can be ironed at a lower temperature as well if required.
Click the icons for more details of each wash symbol

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Professional Wash Care Labels

Dry Cleaning Care Labels
Do Not Dry Clean :: Fairly self-explanatory, do not dry clean the item or it will likely be damaged by the process. Dry Clean With Hydrocarbon Solvent :: Garments with this mark on them must be professionally cleaned using hydrocarbon based solvent as the normal domestic washing process is too harsh for them. Gentle Dry Clean With Hydrocarbon Solvent :: Items carrying this wash care symbol can only be professionally dry cleaned with a mild process and using a hydrocarbon based solvent or the item will become damaged. Very Gentle Dry Clean With Hydrocarbon Solvent :: As with others in this grouping the item must be professionally cleaned or damage will be done to the item.
Dryclean Using PCE Only :: Garments with this symbol must be professionally laundered using a perc solvent which is made from tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) or the item will be damaged. The wash process in your domestic washing machine is too harsh for the fabric. Gentle Dryclean Using PCE :: Items with this symbol must be professionally and gently cleaned using a dry cleaning process with perc or the item will be damaged. The wash process in your domestic washing machine is too harsh for the fabric. Very Gentle Dryclean Using PCE :: Garments with this symbol must be professionally cleaned using a very gentle process with perc or the item will be damaged. The wash process in your domestic washing machine is too harsh for the fabric and will destroy the fabric.
Click the icons for more details of each wash symbol

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Professional Wet Cleaning Care Labels
Professional Wet Clean :: This symbol indicates that the item is unsuitable for domestic cleaning in a regular washing machine and must be professionally wet cleaned, not dry cleaned. Professional Gentle Wet Clean :: The item must be professionally wet cleaned using a milder gentle cleaning process. Professional Very Gentle Wet Clean :: The item must be professionally wet cleaned using a very gentle cleaning process. Professional Wet Clean Not Allowed :: Items with this mark are not permitted to be professionally wet cleaned.
Click the icons for more details of each wash symbol

Real World Example

A typical fabric care lable found on a man's shirt

Here is a typical wash care label from a white cotton shirt that most people would probably think was fine to wash on a 40 or even a 60 degree wash.

But it isn't.

Given that it was found on a £70 Ralph Lauren shirt you would think that people would pay more heed to these labels as three of these shirts is more than many budget washing machines will cost and, that's only a partial load for most washing machines.

What the label tells you here, both for the US and Canada as well as the EU is that the shirt should be washed at 30˚C maximum teperature on a cotton cycle. 

It should not be bleached, which most people would find odd for a white shirt.

The square with the circle and dot si the US and Canada mark for cool temperature.

Use a cool iron.

If you need to dry clean the item or want to then it should be done using PCE.

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