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Laundry is an art that many have not yet controlled, but not for lack of trying. According to the 2020 of the census office American Housing Survey , more than 85% of Americans have laundry rooms at home. But that does not mean that they feel like laundry experts. Another survey revealed that two thirds of young people "Dread" to do the laundry . The same survey revealed that 66% of people will actually avoid wearing certain clothes for fear of ruining them in washing.

Different articles and materials require different types of treatment, but these instructions are often dictated by Blanch symbols Found on their labels, and these directions are not always easy to understand. Failure to comply with care provisions can cause expensive mistakes. For this reason, we have set up a small friendly guide on how to wash your clothes properly. Below, we will guide you through what the small symbols of your clothing labels mean and how they should influence your laundry routine.

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What are the symbols of detergent?

Each clothing you have has a label, and on it, you will find symbols of laundry unique to this article. The idea is to provide crucial information on how to take care of your clothes correctly. Textile manufacturers Adopted these icons years ago to replace long written instructions, in the hope of establishing a universal understanding of the type of care that certain elements need. Shortly after, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established the Care labeling rule , which obliges manufacturers to attach labels with care instructions for all clothes.

However, learning to read the symbols of detergent takes some time. There are more than 40 variations to decipher, and each interacts differently with what is called the five elements of clothes care: dry cleaning or washing, whitening, drying and ironing. Once you have learned to decipher these symbols, you will be more than equipped to provide the specialized care that your clothes need.

Decoded washing symbols

Washing symbols indicate the maximum water temperature and the type of washing cycle which is sure for the fabric. For example, numbers such as 30, 40, 50 and 60 represent the temperature of the water in Celsius degrees. These values ​​serve as temperature indicators. Understanding these symbols can help you get around the typical laundry setbacks, such as the narrowing or damage to your clothes. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

The symbols of the washing cycle also guide you if a garment requires one:

• Normal washing cycle (washing symbol without lines)
• Permanent press cycle (a line under the sink symbol)
• Delicate cycle (two lines under the sink symbol)

Symbol and washing temperature

The Washtub symbol is one of the most important symbols of laundry. It indicates whether a garment should be washed by hand or in a machine and the maximum water temperature. For example, a sink with one hand indicates that the element must be washed by hand, while a "x" means that the garment should not be washed at all.

Temperature indications In the washing symbol, are crucial. A number inside the bathtub, such as 30 or 40, specifies the maximum water temperature according to the Celsius thermometer. Taking over these temperature guidelines ensures that your clothes are cleaned effectively without being injured.

Hand wash vs machine washing

The symbols for handwashing and washing machines indicate the correct cleaning process for your delicate fabrics. The symbol of hand washing, represented as a bathtub with a hand, suggests that the garment must be washed by hand to protect its delicate fibers. This method is ideal for silk, wool or other delicate materials that could be damaged in machine wash.

In the meantime, the absence With one hand in the sink symbol means that the garment can be washed safely. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to maintain the integrity of your clothes. Note: lukewarm water and gentle handling of hand washing items ensure that they remain in good condition.

Permanent press cycle

THE Symbol of permanent press cycle is essential for fabrics resistant to wrinkles. It is represented by a sink with a single line below. This cycle uses average heat and works better with synthetic fibers and mixtures. It produces smooth and net clothes and eliminates the need for excessive ironing.

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Drying symbols explained

The drying symbols are just as important as the symbols of washing in care. These symbols tell you if a garment can be:

• Kill
• Dried in the air
• Line

A circle in a square indicates that the element can be dried, while an interrupted circle means that it should not be dried at the machine at all. A square with a curved line indicates that your article can be dried online using clothespins.

Understanding your drying temperature symbols is also imperative for a Wash appropriate . The number of points inside the drying symbol represents the recommended heat adjustment: one point for low, two points for the middle and three points for a high temperature. Membership of these directives helps to prevent withdrawal and damage caused by the fabric, ensuring that your clothes remain in perfect condition.

Symbols of tumble and drying in the air

Tumble and drying symbols inform users of the best drying method for their clothes. THE dryness , a circle inside a square, indicates that the element can be dried. However, it is important to pay attention to additional symbols that specify heat adjustment. For example:

• The normal cycle symbol indicates an adjustment that uses heat and is suitable for most tissues.
• The permanent press symbol suggests using average heat.
• The delicate cycle symbol suggests using low heat.

These symbols guide you in the choice of the right drying cycle, thus extending the quality and lifespan of your clothes.

For delicate fabrics, air drying is often recommended as an alternative to the grain of tumble. This method, indicated by a simple line, ensures that your clothes keep their shape and avoid thermal lesions.

Drying temperature symbols

The drying temperature symbols are represented as points inside a circle. Each point means a different level of heat: a point for low, two points for the middle and three points for a high temperature. Understanding these symbols helps you choose the right heat setting for each garment, prevent withdrawal and damage caused by fabric. For example, delicate tissues should be dried at low temperature, while more durable items can manage higher heat.

Special drying instructions

Some clothes are delivered with specific drying instructions to maintain their shape and quality. THE " Do not twist "The symbol, illustrated as a twisted form with an" X "through it, means that the garment should not be exaggerated to eliminate excess water. This can harm the delicate tissues.

The dry "dry" symbol, represented by a square with a horizontal line In the middle, suggests placing the garment flat to dry. This method is ideal for items that can stretch out of shape if they are suspended on a line. Membership of these specialized drying instructions ensures that your clothes keep their initial adjustment and appearance.

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Whitening symbols

Symbols of whitening indicate if bleach can be used on a garment and what type of bleach is sure. These symbols are extremely important to prevent damage and discoloration. The basic symbol of bleach is a triangle. An empty triangle means that any whitening can be used, while a triangle with two diagonal lines inside indicates that only non -chlorine whitening should be used if necessary.

A full triangle or a triangle with an "X" through it means that the garment should not be bleached at all. The deciphering of these symbols can prevent typical whitening errors and maintain the dynamism and freshness of your clothes.

Javel at chlorine vs bleach non -chlorine

Chlorine whitening is a laundering agent very often used for white clothes to remove difficult spots and disinfect. However, it can be hard on colorful fabrics, causing damage caused by colors. Non -chlorine bleaching, indicated by a triangle with two diagonal lines, is a safer option for colored fabrics because it does not contain chlorine. Using the good type of bleach guarantees effective cleaning of your clothes without inflicting damage.

Ironing symbols

Ironing symbols are essential to maintain the appearance of your clothes. These symbols indicate the maximum heat that can be used and if the steam is recommended. The basic ironing symbol looks like a old -fashioned iron . If the icon has points inside, they indicate the recommended ironing temperature settings.

If the ironing symbol is crossed, this means that the element should not be rejected. Knowing the meaning of these symbols protects your clothes against damage due to excessive heat and helps maintain their optimal appearance.

Iron symbol and temperature point

The points inside the iron symbol correspond to the amount of heat that can be used. Here is what every point means:

• One point indicates the lowest level of heat, suitable for delicate tissues.
• Two points suggest an average heat, which is suitable for most synthetic tissues.
• Three points mean high heat, suitable for more durable tissues such as cotton and linen.

Steam iron and no steam symbols

The symbol "without vapor", represented by an iron with two crossed lines below, indicates that steam should not be used during ironing. This is important for tissues that can be damaged by humidity. Knowing when using steam and when it comes to abstaining will make a huge difference over the duration of your clothes.

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Dry cleaning symbols

Dry cleaning symbols indicate whether a garment should be cleaned professionally. The symbol of the circle on a care label indicates that the element can be cleaned dry. A empty circle means that the garment should be cleaned dry only, while a The interrupted circle indicates that it should not be cleaned dry at all.

These symbols also specify the type of solvent you need to use. For example, a circle with an "A" means that any solvent can be used, while a circle with a "P" or "F" indicates specific solvents. Knowing these symbols guarantee that your clothes receive the appropriate professional care they need.

Circle Symbol and Solvent Letters

The symbol of the circle on a laundry label indicates that the garment is suitable for dry cleaning. Here is what each letter means inside the circle:

• A: The article can be cleaned with any solvent.
• P: Any solvent except for trichlorethylene can be used.
• F: The garment should be cleaned with an oil -based solvent.

Professional cleaning instructions

Following professional cleaning guidelines is the key for clothing with dry cleaning symbols. If you see it " Dry clean only "Symbol - A circle with nothing inside - it is preferable to sort these articles and bring them to a professional cleaner to ensure that they get the right care. Bad way.

Additional laundry symbols

The symbols of detergent care go beyond washing, drying and ironing in your laundry room. Additional symbols provide specific instructions for delicate clothing and drying methods. For example, a symbol with a hand in a bathtub indicates that the garment requires soft handling and must be washed by the hand. This is crucial to preserving delicate fabrics such as silk and lace.

Other symbols provide instructions on drying your clothes. The symbol of drying clothes in direct sunlight often appears as a square with a single vertical line inside, which means that your clothes can be dried safe in full sun. On the other hand, a shaded square with lines indicates that the garment must be dried in the shade to avoid damage caused by direct sunlight. These additional symbols help you provide the best treatments to your clothes, making sure they are in excellent condition.

Delicate clothing and soft manipulation

Delicate clothes require special care to maintain their quality. The symbols indicating a delicate cycle generally have one or two lines under the sink, suggesting the use of low agitation and slow rotation cycles. To further protect delicate items, use net bags during washing and turn clothes inside to reduce color discoloration and protect prints.

Direct Sun and Shadow Drying

For some fabrics, the drying of clothes in full sun or shadow is crucial. The symbol "Dry line in the shade", which shows a square with diagonal lines in the upper left corner, means that the garment must be dried in the shade to avoid direct sun damage. Likewise, the symbol "suspending to dry" indicates that the element must be suspended on a line to dry in the air, ideally in a shaded area with lines under the clothes to catch any potential sling.

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Tips for taking care of your clothes

Sort the laundry by symbols

The organization of linen according to symbols of the care label is essential to preserve the quality of your clothes. Group clothes by washing the temperature symbols to avoid damage and ensure appropriate cleaning. Separate the items with the "hand washing" symbol for soft handling. This practice will help you manage your detergent more effectively and prevent accidents that can ruin your favorite items.

Using the right detergents and products

The use of good types of detergent is the key for various fabrics and their respective care instructions. For delicates, use light detergents to avoid damage. If you wash at lower temperatures, choose labeled detergents for cold water to ensure effective cleaning.

Faq

What do the figures mean inside the sink symbol?

The numbers inside the sink symbol indicate the maximum water temperature in Celsius degrees which is safe to wash the garment. Always check the label before choosing the water temperature.

What does the "Do not Wring" symbol look like?

The symbol "Do not Ting" looks like a twisted symbol with an "X" through. He shows that the garment should not be attached to eliminate excess water.

How can I know if a garment should be washed by hands?

Look for the Washtub symbol with a hand inside on the clothing label. This indicates that the garment should be washed by hand.

What does an empty triangle symbol mean on a care label?

An empty triangle on a care label means that any type of whitening can be used on clothing.

What is a circle with an "F" inside indicates?

If you see a circle with an "F" inside on a garment, it means that you should have it cleaned professionally using an oil -based solvent. Make sure your dry cleaner uses this method before depositing it.

Wrap

Mastering laundry symbols can transform your laundry routine and help you keep your clothes in perfect condition. By following these directives, you can extend the life of your clothes and maintain their quality. So the next time you are in the laundry room, read these care labels with confidence. And, of course, in case of doubt, you can always refer to this friendly guide!