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Wash symbols made easy for once and for all

Wash symbols made easy for once and for all

Who hasn’t been there? You’ve washed your clothes according to the washing instructions on the label, but your clothing has shrunk, is discolored or damaged in some way. We often think we know what the washing symbols mean, but reality proves otherwise. For instance, what is the difference between a symbol with or without a line underneath? It seems like an insignificant difference, but it has a lot of influence on the meaning of the symbol and therefore on the treatment of your garment. And let’s be honest, washing machine symbols don’t always speak for themselves. Time to clarify, so we’re telling you everything you need to know.

Who hasn’t been there? You’ve washed your clothes according to the washing instructions on the label, but your clothing has shrunk, is discolored or damaged in some way. We often think we know what the washing symbols mean, but reality proves otherwise. For instance, what is the difference between a symbol with or without a line underneath? It seems like an insignificant difference, but it has a lot of influence on the meaning of the symbol and therefore on the treatment of your garment. And let’s be honest, washing machine symbols don’t always speak for themselves. Time to clarify, so we’re telling you everything you need to know.

Care symbols on labels seem like a jumble of pictograms, but there is a clear system behind it all. We can divide the symbols into 5 main groups that are often shown in the following order on the care label. We’ll explain the most common symbols per group.

Care symbols on labels seem like a jumble of pictograms, but there is a clear system behind it all. We can divide the symbols into 5 main groups that are often shown in the following order on the care label. We’ll explain the most common symbols per group.

The best laundry tip? Wash your clothes as little as possible.

Most often, hanging your garment outside to freshen up is enough.

The best laundry tip? Wash your clothes as little as possible.

Most often, hanging your garment outside to freshen up is enough.

1.WASH

The number of degrees indicated on the label is a maximum. It’s always better to wash you garment - if possible - at a lower temperature.

1.WASH

The number of degrees indicated on the label is a maximum. It's always better to wash your garment – if possible - at a lower temperature. 

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Wash at 30°C maximum | Normal spin speed 

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Use a delicate wash program at 30°C maximum | Low spin speed | Load the drum no more than half of the maximum weight to minimize friction 

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Use a wool wash program at max30°C maximum | Low spin speed “Load the drum no more than 1/3 of the maximum weight to minimize friction.

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Wash at 30°C maximum | Normal spin speed 

This also applies for symbols with 40°C of 60°C – only the temperature differs.

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Wash by hand, or even beter: wash at a 30°C hand wash program on your washing machine and use a mesh laundry bag. By hand, little mistakes as using the wrong temperature or rubbing too hard are easy made. Prefer to wash by hand anyway? Let the garment soak gently, do not rube and make sure the temperature is around 30°C. Fibers can shrink by using too hot or too cold water.  

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Do not wash the garment. Manufacturers often choose to safest option as a precaution. With the exception of lined blazers and very delicate garments, you can often safely wash a garment by using a hand wash program and a mesh laundry bag. We always indicate this when that applies for an item.  

2.BLEACHING

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Bleaching allowed 

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Use non-chlorine bleach 

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Do not bleach the garment 

3.DRYING

Remember it’s always better to air dry a garment, both for the environment as for your clothing. The less a garment is exposed to friction, the less likely it is that the garment will show pilling or damage.  

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Tumble dry on low heat

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Tumble dry on medium heat 

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Tumble dry on high heat, quick-drying programs are allowed 

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Do not tumble dry and dry flat 

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Do not tumble dry and hang to air dry

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Do not tumble dry 

4.IRONING

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Low iron (without steam) at a 110°C maximum

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Medium iron at 150°C maximum 

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Medium iron at 200°C maximum 

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Do not iron the garment, check if steaming is allowed 

5.DRY CLEANING


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The item is not suitable to steam or dry clean 

BACK IN STOCK! Discover the most wanted The Laundress products and give your most beloved items the best possible care.

BACK IN STOCK! Discover the most wanted The Laundress products and give your most beloved items the best possible care.

Uncertain how to safely wash your garment or would you like to receive more tips & tricks on how to care for your garments? Then contact our Editors here.
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