Fabric care symbols are pictograms on clothing labels that show how to wash, dry, bleach, iron, and dry clean garments safely. These standardized symbols help prevent damage to fabrics.
Created by the GINI and maintained by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), these symbols use universal images to convey care instructions. A square represents the garment, while additional symbols inside or around it indicate specific actions.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
Washing: Temperature and agitation level |
|
Bleaching: Type of bleach allowed |
|
Drying: Tumble dry or line dry |
|
Ironing: Temperature setting |
|
Dry cleaning: Solvent type |
Many people confuse the washing symbol with the dry cleaning symbol. The washing symbol shows a bucket with water, while the dry cleaning symbol uses a circle. A crossed-out circle means "do not dry clean."
Another mistake is ignoring the small details within symbols. For example, a cross inside a square means "do not tumble dry," while a dot inside a square indicates low heat for drying.
Following these symbols extends the life of your clothes. For instance, washing a wool sweater in hot water can shrink it, but cold water preserves its shape. Similarly, using the wrong bleach can discolor fabrics.
I once ruined a favorite shirt by ignoring the "do not bleach" symbol. The fabric turned yellow, and the shirt was unwearable. Since then, I always check the labels before washing.
These symbols appear on the care labels of most clothing items. They are usually sewn into a side seam or around the neckline. If the label is missing, you can often find care instructions online by searching for the brand and garment type.
Understanding fabric care symbols ensures you clean and care for your clothes properly, preventing damage and prolonging their lifespan. Always check the labels before washing, drying, or ironing.