Washing symbols explained: What do these characters actually mean?

Today there are a variety of textiles with different requirements for the Cleaning and care. Some fabrics have to be washed in cold water, while others can be treated at high temperature. To ensure that our clothes and home textiles last long, it is important to know and understand the meaning of the washing symbols.

The meaning of the different washing symbols

Washing symbols are small pictograms that are on clothing and other textiles, such as washable sofa trains, are appropriate to inform us about how we should care for. They provide information about the laundry temperature, the drying process and other important information that we should consider.

The basics of the washing symbols

Before we plunge into the details of the different symbols, it is important to understand the basics. The washing symbols consist of different images and characters that tell us how the clothing should be cleaned. They are internationally standardized, so that we can also correctly interpret the care instructions on vacation or when shopping abroad.

It is interesting to know that the idea of ​​the washing symbols arose in the 1960s. At that time, the manufacturers of textiles recognized the need to give consumers clear instructions for the correct care of their products. Since then, the symbols have developed and have become an important part of everyday life.

Symbols for the laundry temperature

One of the important elements of the washing symbols is the specification of the laundry temperature. The temperature can have a major impact on how the textiles behave and how well they are cleaned. Here are some of the common symbols for the laundry temperature:

• 30 ° C: gentle rash at low temperature
• 40 ° C: Normal wash cycle at medium temperature
• 60 ° C: normal wash cycle at high temperature
• 90 ° C: Cooking wash at high temperature

It is important to adhere to the recommended temperature to avoid damage to the textiles.

Did you know that choosing the right laundry temperature not only affects the lifespan of your clothing, but also the environment? By choosing lower temperatures, you can save energy and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.

Symbols for the drying process

Another important element of the washing symbols is the indication of the drying process. Not all textiles can be dried in the dryer. Here are some of the symbols you should consider:

• Dryer allowed: the garment can be dried in the dryer.
• Dryer not allowed: the garment must not be put in the dryer.
• Air drying: The garment must be dried in the air.

It is important to consider these symbols to ensure that the textiles keep their shape and quality.

It is interesting to know that the symbols for the drying process can also provide information about the type of drying. For example, the symbol of air drying can mean that the garment should be put on flat in order to avoid deformations.

Modular sofas with washing and changeable covers

How to read wash symbols correctly

Reading washing symbols can be a bit confusing at first, but with a little practice it is getting easier. Here are some tips to correctly interpret the symbols:

The order of the symbols

The order of the symbols is important because they tell us in which order we should follow the instructions. In general, the washing symbol is first displayed, followed by the symbol for the drying process and, if necessary, other symbols.

What do the lines mean among the symbols?

You may have noticed that some symbols have one or more lines below. These lines provide information about which washing process or drying process should be used. A line usually stands for a normal process, while two lines stand for a gentle process. It is important to consider these lines to ensure that the textiles are treated correctly.

However, there are also other details in the washing symbols that are often overlooked. For example, small symbols within the main symbol can provide additional information. These can indicate whether the garment or cover must be chemically cleaned, whether bleaching can be used or whether it should only be dried in the air.

The meaning of specific symbols

Some washing symbols are universal, such as the symbol of machine wash or the symbol of drying. Other symbols are more specific and can vary depending on the manufacturer. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific symbols that appear on the labels of your clothes to ensure that you treat them correctly.

Common misunderstandings in washing symbols

Despite the international standardization of the washing symbols, there are still some frequent misunderstandings and mistakes that can occur when reading and interpreting the symbols. Here are some symbols that are often misinterpreted:

The washing symbols are an important orientation for the correct care of textiles. They provide information about how clothing was washed, bleached, dried and ironed. But not all symbols are understood correctly, which can lead to improper treatment of the textiles.

Symbols that are often misinterpreted

A symbol that is often misinterpreted is the symbol for bleaching. It is often assumed that the symbol for bleaching means that bleach can be used. In reality, however, the symbol means that no bleach should be used. Bleach can be Color And damage the fibers of the textiles.

Another frequently misunderstood symbol is the symbol of drying. Many think that this symbol means that the garment can be put in the dryer. In truth, however, the symbol can also mean that the garment should be dried lying down to preserve its shape.

What happens if you ignore the symbols?

If you ignore the washing symbols and treat the textiles incorrectly, various problems can occur. The clothing could lose their shape, the colors could fade or the fibers could be damaged. In addition, sensitive substances such as silk or wool can easily matt or shrink if the treatment is incorrect.

It is therefore advisable to carefully consider the washing symbols on the labels of the clothing to ensure that they remain beautiful and durable for a long time. False care can not only affect the look of the textiles, but also shorten their lifespan.

Tips for dealing with washing symbols

To ensure that you treat your textiles correctly, there are some helpful tips on dealing with washing symbols:

How to remember the symbols more easily

There are many different washing symbols and it can be difficult to remember everyone. One way to remember the symbols is to make a list of the important symbols and hang them up next to your washing machine or clothes dryer. In this way you always have the symbols at hand when you need them.

What to do if there is no symbol

Sometimes you cannot find a washing symbol on clothing or other textiles. In such cases, it is advisable to carefully wash the textiles by hand or use professional cleaning services. Most textiles have specific cleaning requirements, and it is important to observe them in order to pay the quality and Lifespan of the textiles to obtain.

Now that you understand the importance of the washing symbols, you are well prepared to do your clothes and To maintain home textiles properly. By correctly interpreting and following the symbols, you can make sure that your textiles last long and always look good.

The importance of special characters in washing symbols

In addition to the basic washing symbols, there are also special characters that provide additional information about the care of textiles. A frequent special character is the triangle with a circle that points out that the garment must be chemically cleaned. It is important to recognize these special characters and act accordingly in order to avoid damage to the textiles.

Environmentally friendly washing symbols and their meaning

In times of increasing environmental awareness, environmentally friendly washing symbols are becoming increasingly important. Symbols such as the leaf or the stylized sun indicate that the textile can be treated in an environmentally friendly manner, for example by low temperatures or the absence of chemical cleaning agents. By observing these symbols, you not only make a contribution to environmental protection, but also protect your clothes.