The care symbols on clothing labels are there to help you clean, dry
and iron your clothes effectively without damaging them.
However, they can be confusing; so here is a clear explanation of what they all mean
Washing symbols
Other wash symbolsTemperature settings and drum actionThe temperature in the wash tub symbol is the maximum recommended wash temperature for that garment.Single bar beneath the wash tub symbol indicates suitable for medium drum action.Broken bar beneath the wash tub symbol indicates suitable for low drum action, and is specifically designed for machine wash-able wool.A symbol with a across it means the process CANNOT be performed.As a general guide you can combine all items without the bar symbol and wash at the lowest recommended temperature. Likewise, items with the same bar symbol can be combined and washed at the lowest recommended temperature. Remember: Always follow any special instructions shown on the care label; particularly 'wash separately' which means what it says.
Drying symbols
Other drying symbolsTemperature settingsCircle in a square means the garment can be tumble-dried; the dots contained within the circle indicate the drying temperature. A symbol with a across it means the process CANNOT be performed.As a general guide you can combine all items with a dot symbol and tumble-dry at the lowest recommended temperature.
Ironing symbols
Temperature settings Iron symbol indicates a garment can be ironed; the more dots contained within the symbolthe hotter the iron can be. A symbol with a across it means the process CANNOT be performed.As a general guide you can combine all items with a dot symbol and iron at the lowest recommended temperature.
Bleaching symbols
Dry-cleaning symbols
Is your washing machine starting to smell?
If you always select cool 30°C quick wash programme and only use Non-bio detergent, Colour detergent, Liquid, Liquid tablets or any other detergent that doesn’t contain Oxygen bleach. This will cause a build up of dirt and grease creating a breeding ground for mould and bacteria, unpleasant smells can form in your washing machine – warm weather can make the smell even worse.Our Advice: Two to three times a year, simply wash white cotton Tea towels on the hottest 90°C wash programme with the “Intensive wash and the Extra rinse” options, (if your machine has those functions) with a Biological detergent that contains Oxygen bleach.Alternatively, you can use your normal detergent with two scoops of Oxygen bleach powder additive.These maintenance washes will keep the machine and the outlet hose clean and free from the build-up of dirt, grease and bacteria. Also, regular maintenance washes can considerably prolong the life of your washing machine. Read more...
Other wash symbolsTemperature settingsThe temperature in the wash tub symbol is the maximum recommended wash temperature for that garment.Drum Action Single bar beneath the wash tub symbol indicates suitable for medium drum action.Broken bar beneath the wash tub symbol indicates suitable for low drum action, and is specifically designed for machine wash-able wool.A symbol with a across it means the process CANNOT be performed.As a general guide you can combine all items without the bar symbol and wash at the lowest recommended temperature. Likewise, items with the same bar symbol can be combined and washed at the lowest recommended temperature. Remember:Always follow any special instructions shown on the care label; particularly ' wash separately ' which means what it says.
Drying symbols
Other drying symbolsTemperature settingsCircle in a square means the garment can be tumble-dried; the dots contained within the circle indicate the drying temperature.A symbol with a across it means the process CANNOT be performed.As a general guide you can combine all items with a dot symbol and tumble-dry at the lowest recommended temperature.
Ironing symbols
Temperature settingsIron symbol indicates a garment can be ironed; the more dots contained within the symbolthe hotter the iron can be.A symbol with a across it means the process CANNOT be performed.As a general guide you can combine all items with a dot symbol and iron at the lowest recommended temperature.
Bleaching symbols
Dry-cleaning symbols
Is your washing
machine starting to
smell?
If you always select cool 30°C quick wash programme and only use Non-bio detergent, Colour detergent, Liquid, Liquid tablets or any other detergent that doesn’t contain Oxygen bleach. This will cause a build up of dirt and grease creating a breeding ground for mould and bacteria, unpleasant smells can form in your washing machine – warm weather can make the smell even worse.Our Advice:Two to three times a year, simply wash white cotton Tea towels on the hottest 90°C wash programme with the “Intensive wash and the Extra rinse” options, (if your machine has those functions) with a Biological detergent that contains Oxygen bleach. Alternatively, you can use your normal detergent with two scoops of Oxygen bleach powder additive.These maintenance washes will keep the machine and the outlet hose clean and free from the build-up of dirt, grease and bacteria. Also, regular maintenance washes can considerably prolong the life of your washing machine. Read more...