If the washing machine is a valuable ally for cleaning your laundry, you still need to know how to use it properly. Whether it’s sorting colors and materials, knowing which clothes are best turned inside out before putting them in your drum, or tips for getting rid of certain stubborn stains like blood, tomato sauce or marks. yellows caused by perspiration, information accumulates and it is not always easy to navigate. This may have already played tricks on you… We’ve all already put a sweater in the washing machine by mistake and it came out ridiculously small, much to our dismay (discover our simple tips to make up for it if necessary) . To avoid these unpleasant surprises in the future, let’s go back to the basics of washing: reading the labels.
UFC-Que Choisir recalls on his website that “since May 8, 2012, a European regulation relating to the names of textile fibers and the corresponding marking is applicable in all countries of the European Union. Ginetex (International Textile Care Labeling Group) defines a symbol labeling system and ensures that it is internationally coordinated“.
How to read the acronyms on washing labels?
Washing machine symbol: what is the logo that indicates not to machine wash?
The pictogram indicating machine washing is symbolized by the drawing “a tank representing the washing machine tray“, as the But brand blog specifies. If a hand is drawn in the tub, then this means that the garment must be washed by hand, “at a maximum temperature of 40°C“.
If, on the contrary, the tub is blocked, then the garment should not be machine washed and cleaning should be entrusted to a professional. Additional guidance is usually given. “A crossed out white circle indicates that dry cleaning is prohibited“, while a “crossed out black circle indicates that cleaning with water is prohibited”. Letters can also be specified:
- “P for dry cleaning, with perchlorethylene-based products and petroleum solvents.
- F for dry cleaning only with petroleum solvents.
- W for professional water cleaning“, we always read on the But website.
Washing pictogram: how do you know if a garment is machine washable?
If, on the contrary, your garment goes through the machine, then the tub will neither be crossed out nor represented with a hand. Often, a number is indicated inside, then it is “the maximum washing temperature in degrees Celsius (°C)“, as specified by UFC-Que Choisir.
“If the tray is underlined by a line, you must choose a synthetic program with medium spin. If it is underlined by two lines, the wash will require a gentler spin and will therefore need to be set to a delicate cycle. Finally, if there is no line, you can choose a normal cotton program“, we detail on the Calgon brand website.
Drying, ironing, bleaching: knowing how to read labels and understand their meaning
Drying
Drying a garment can be done either in the dryer when the label allows it, or in the open air. Tumble drying is indicated by a square symbol with a circle inside. The But brand specifies:
- “With a dot in the center: drying at 60°C maximum.
- With two points: drying at 80°C maximum.
- Crossed out symbol: tumble drying is prohibited“.
Natural drying is represented by a square symbol (without a circle inside). Lines are drawn inside specifying the positioning of the garment. Here again, But specifies the meaning:
- “A horizontal line: dry flat after spinning in the machine.
- Two horizontal lines: dry flat without spinning in the machine.
- A vertical line: line drying after machine spinning.
- Two vertical lines: line drying without machine spinning.
- A small line in the upper left corner indicates that drying in the shade is recommended.“.
Ironing
If an iron symbol is indicated on your label, then ironing is permitted. The brand’s website White Square specifies that “the maximum heat level is indicated by the number of points inside the iron:
- a point implies a low temperature (110°C),
- two points an average temperature (150 °C),
- three points a high temperature (200 °C)“.
On the other hand, if the iron is blocked, ironing is not possible, you will have to turn to other steaming techniques if necessary.
Whitening
Certain chemicals can be used to whiten clothes to restore their shine. But, be careful, it is not possible to use them on all clothes. To know what to expect, know that whitening is represented by a triangular symbol. If the triangle is white, then it is possible, if it is “crossed out with two oblique lines indicates that only bleaching using oxygenated agents is authorized“, specifies But. Finally, if it is crossed out by two cross lines, it is prohibited.
To find naturally bright white laundry, discover simple tips including white vinegar or baking soda. You are now ready to face your next laundry days with peace of mind!
Sources:
“Understanding clothing labels“, What to choose
“Washing clothes: clothing symbols and labels”, Purpose
“How to decipher the label on your laundry?”, White square
“4 tips for sorting your laundry without making a mistake“, Calgon