Laundry symbols explained: What do these symbols actually mean?
Nowadays, there are a multitude of textiles with varying cleaning and care requirements. Some fabrics must be washed in cold water, while others can be treated at high temperatures. To ensure that our clothing and home textiles last a long time, it is important to know and understand the meaning of washing symbols.
The meaning of the different washing symbols
Washing symbols are small pictograms found on clothing and other textiles, such as washable sofa covers , to inform us how to care for them. They provide information about the washing temperature, the drying process, and other important details we should be aware of.
The basics of laundry symbols
Before we delve into the details of the various symbols, it's important to understand the basics. Washing symbols consist of different pictures and symbols that tell us how garments should be cleaned. They are internationally standardized, so we can correctly interpret the care instructions even when on vacation or shopping abroad.
It's interesting to know that the idea of washing symbols originated 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.
Washing temperature symbols
One of the important elements of washing symbols is the indication of the washing temperature. The temperature can greatly influence how the textiles behave and how well they are cleaned. Here are some of the common symbols for washing temperature:
- 30°C: Gentle wash cycle at low temperature
- 40°C: Normal wash cycle at medium temperature
- 60°C: Normal wash cycle at high temperature
- 90°C: Hot wash cycle at high temperature
It is important to adhere to the recommended temperature to avoid damage to the textiles.
Did you know that choosing the right washing temperature not only affects the lifespan of your clothes, but also the environment? By choosing lower temperatures, you can save energy and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.
Symbols for the drying process
Another important element of the washing symbols is the drying process. Not all textiles can be tumble dried. Here are some of the symbols you should pay attention to:
- Tumble dryer safe: The garment can be tumble dried.
- Do not tumble dry: This garment must not be placed in a tumble dryer.
- Air drying: The garment must be air dried.
It is important to pay attention to these symbols to ensure that the textiles retain their shape and quality.
It's interesting to know that the symbols for the drying process can also provide information about the type of drying. For example, the symbol for air drying might mean that the garment should be laid flat to avoid deformation.
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 the symbols
The order of the symbols is important because it tells us in which order we should follow the instructions. Generally, the washing symbol is shown first, followed by the drying symbol and any other symbols that may appear.
What do the lines under the symbols mean?
You may have noticed that some symbols have one or more lines underneath them. These lines indicate which washing or drying process should be used. One line usually represents a normal cycle, while two lines indicate a gentle cycle. It's important to pay attention to these lines to ensure your textiles are treated correctly.
However, there are other details in the 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 cover needs to be dry cleaned, whether bleach can be used, or whether it should only be air-dried.
The meaning of specific symbols
Some washing symbols are universal, like the machine wash or tumble dry symbols. Other symbols are more specific and can vary depending on the manufacturer. It's advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific symbols that appear on your garment labels to ensure you're caring for them correctly.
Common misunderstandings about washing symbols
Despite the international standardization of laundry symbols, some common misunderstandings and errors still occur when reading and interpreting them. Here are some symbols that are often misinterpreted:
Washing symbols are an important guide for the proper care of textiles. They provide information on how garments should be washed, bleached, dried, and ironed. However, not all symbols are correctly understood, which can lead to improper treatment of textiles.
Symbols that are often misinterpreted
One symbol that is often misinterpreted is the bleach symbol. It's often assumed that the bleach symbol means bleach can be used. In reality, however, the symbol means that bleach should not be used. Bleach can damage the color and fibers of textiles.
Another frequently misunderstood symbol is the drying symbol. Many people think this symbol means the garment can be put in the dryer. However, the symbol can also mean the garment should be dried flat to retain its shape.
What happens if you ignore the symbols?
Ignoring washing symbols and mistreating textiles can lead to various problems. Garments may lose their shape, colors may fade, or fibers may be damaged. Furthermore, delicate fabrics like silk or wool can easily pill or shrink if treated incorrectly.
It is therefore advisable to carefully follow the washing symbols on the garment labels to ensure that they remain beautiful and durable for a long time. Incorrect care can not only affect the appearance of the textiles but also shorten their lifespan.
Tips for dealing with washing symbols
To ensure you treat your textiles correctly, here are some helpful tips on how to use washing symbols:
How to remember the symbols more easily
There are many different washing 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 the important ones and hang it next to your washing machine or dryer. This way, you'll always have the symbols handy when you need them.
What to do if no symbol is present
Sometimes you can't find a washing symbol on clothing or other textiles. In such cases, it's advisable to carefully hand wash the textiles or use professional cleaning services. Most textiles have specific cleaning requirements, and it's important to follow these to maintain the quality and lifespan of the textiles .
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 that your textiles last a long time and always look their best.
The meaning of special characters in laundry symbols
In addition to the basic washing symbols, there are also special symbols that provide additional information about textile care. A common special symbol is a triangle inside a circle, which indicates that the garment needs to be dry cleaned. It is important to recognize these special symbols and act accordingly to avoid damaging the textiles.
Environmentally friendly washing symbols and their meaning
In times of increasing environmental awareness, eco-friendly washing symbols are becoming ever more important. Symbols such as the leaf or the stylized sun indicate that the fabric can be treated in an environmentally friendly way, for example, by washing at low temperatures or avoiding chemical detergents. By paying attention to these symbols, you not only contribute to environmental protection but also protect your clothes.
