How to read washing labels: everything you need to know
Written by Les Rivières | November 18, 2019
A sweater that loses its shape, another that shrinks or, even worse, a sweater that loses its original color, does that sound familiar? One of these situations has probably already happened to you. Are you the type of person who reads washing labels? Too complicated, you think? Avoid clothing disappointments and learn to read the washing labels. Follow us, it’s not THAT complicated!
How to read the washing symbols?
Respecting these symbols will ensure effective washing and successful maintenance.
First of all, check the washing cycle on the label of your garment. Some cycles, such as the delicate cycle, have a shorter and gentler spin cycle. For clothes that you don’t need to wash, there are various sprays you can use to deodorize them. For dry cleaning, did you know that we offer the service at the Fil en Aiguille shop?
Washing cycle
1. Machine wash
2. Hand wash
3. Do not wash
4. Dry clean only
5. Do not dry clean
Then check what temperature your washing machine should be set to. Choosing the temperature and cycle indicated on the washing label will even allow you to take your clothes out of your washing machine with less creasing.
Temperature
1. Wash in cold water (between 65F and 85F)
2. Wash in lukewarm water (between 85F and 105F)
3. Wash in hot water (between 105F and 120F)
Finally, select the wash cycle to prioritize for cleaning your garment.
Cycle
1. Normal
2. Permanent press
3. Delicate
Understanding drying symbols
Drying is as important a stage as washing. We have all had the experience of a sweater shrinking or becoming catastrophically deformed. A simple way to avoid such an incident: read the labels!
First, check if the garment can go in the dryer.
Drying
1. Dry in the dryer
2. Do not tumble dry
3. Hang to dry
4. Dry flat (use a dryer designed for this purpose)
5. Do not wring
Then confirm the maximum heat required for your clothing.
Heat
1. All heat levels
2. High heat
3. Medium heat
4. Low heat
5. No heat, just air
Finally, set the right cycle on your dryer.
Cycle
1. Normal
2. Permanent press
3. Delicate
Ironing symbols, essential for smoothing out your clothes.
Last but not least, ironing. Some materials will be revived by the use of an iron, while others may be damaged. Some fibers can also be ironed, provided that you use the minimum heat setting.
Ironing
1. Iron on a low temperature setting
2. Iron on a medium temperature setting
3. Iron on a low temperature setting
4. Do not iron
5. Do not use steam
A few tips on washing in a hurry.
Fasten the zips and buttons of your trousers. This will prevent them from damaging other items of clothing or stretching the waistband of your trousers.
Don’t wash your jeans too often. To freshen them up, simply put them in the dryer with a sheet of fabric softener for a few minutes. This will help the color last longer.
Never wash whites with other colors. It’s obvious!
Avoid putting detergent directly on your clothes. This could damage or even burn certain fabrics.
Use the right amount of detergent to avoid build-up or white marks on your clothes.
Button up your shirts so as not to put pressure on and pull on the seams.
Use washing bags for delicate items of clothing (lingerie, lace, camisoles, etc.). This will prevent the straps from getting tangled up in the clothes. You will also prevent the clasps from catching on the rest of your load and creating loops.
Before washing, check if your clothes will fade by soaking them in lukewarm water.
Now, on to the laundry! Happy washing!
