Introduction

Laundry symbols, also known as care symbols, are pictographs found on garment labels to guide consumers on how to clean, dry, and care for textiles. These symbols help ensure that clothing is treated correctly to maintain its quality, appearance, and lifespan. This guide provides a detailed explanation of all laundry symbols and their care instructions, along with the history of how these symbols were standardized in the textile industry.

History of Laundry Symbols

The concept of standardized care labels was first introduced in the 1960s. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) were among the key organizations that developed these symbols. The goal was to create a universal language that transcended linguistic barriers, allowing consumers worldwide to understand how to care for their garments.

Standardization of Symbols

The care symbols were standardized by several organizations:

• Ginetex: The International Association for Textile Care Labelling, established in Paris in 1963, created a globally recognized system of symbols.
• ISO: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO 3758) also developed care labeling standards that align closely with Ginetex symbols.
• ASTM: The American Society for Testing and Materials provides a set of care symbols used primarily in North America.

Laundry Symbols and Their Care Instructions

Washing

1. Machine Wash
   • Normal Cycle (Tub): A standard wash cycle.
   • Permanent Press (Tub with a line underneath): Reduced agitation to prevent wrinkles.
   • Delicate/Gentle Cycle (Tub with two lines underneath): Very gentle wash for delicate fabrics.
2. Hand Wash (Hand in Tub)
   • Indicates the garment should be washed by hand at a maximum temperature of 40°C (104°F).
3. Do Not Wash (Tub with a Cross)
   • The garment should not be washed.
4. Water Temperature (Tub with a number)
   • Specifies the maximum temperature for washing (e.g., 30°C, 40°C, 60°C).

Bleaching

1. Any Bleach (Triangle)
   • Any type of bleach can be used.
2. Non-Chlorine Bleach (Triangle with diagonal lines)
   • Only non-chlorine bleach should be used.
3. Do Not Bleach (Triangle with a Cross)
   • Bleaching is not allowed.

Drying

1. Tumble Dry
   • Normal (Square with a circle): Standard tumble dry.
   • Permanent Press (Square with a circle and one line): Tumble dry with reduced heat.
   • Delicate (Square with a circle and two lines): Tumble dry with low heat.
   • No Heat (Square with a circle and a dot): Tumble dry with no heat.
2. Do Not Tumble Dry (Square with a circle and a cross)
   • The garment should not be tumble dried.
3. Line Dry (Square with a curved line)
   • Hang the garment on a line to dry.
4. Dry Flat (Square with a horizontal line)
   • Lay the garment flat to dry.
5. Drip Dry (Square with three vertical lines)
   • Hang dripping wet to dry.

Ironing

1. Iron
   • High Heat (Iron with three dots): Iron at high temperature.
   • Medium Heat (Iron with two dots): Iron at medium temperature.
   • Low Heat (Iron with one dot): Iron at low temperature.
2. Do Not Iron (Iron with a Cross)
   • Do not iron the garment.
3. Steam Iron (Iron with steam lines)
   • Safe to use steam.
4. No Steam (Iron with steam lines and a cross)
   • Do not use steam.

Dry Cleaning

1. Dry Clean (Circle)
   • The garment can be dry cleaned.
2. Do Not Dry Clean (Circle with a Cross)
   • Do not dry clean the garment.
3. Specific Solvents (Circle with a letter)
   • Indicates which solvents can be used for dry cleaning (e.g., P for perchloroethylene, F for petroleum solvents).

Professional Textile Care

1. Professional Wet Cleaning (Circle with W)
   • The garment can be wet cleaned professionally.

Understanding and following laundry symbols is essential for maintaining the integrity and longevity of textiles. By adhering to these care instructions, consumers can ensure their garments remain in good condition, saving money and reducing the environmental impact of frequently replacing clothing. Standardized symbols make it easier for consumers worldwide to care for their clothes correctly, regardless of language barriers.