Taking care of your clothes is essential to keeping them in good condition and extending their lifespan. Whether you're new to laundry care or just looking for a refresher, this guide will run you through the basics. Learn how to decipher the labels on your clothes, as well as best practices for washing, drying and ironing.
1. Deciphering clothes labels
The labels on your clothes contain crucial information about how to care for them properly. Here's how to decipher the most common symbols:
Washing symbol:
A tank symbol indicates machine washing instructions. The number inside (usually between 30 and 60°C) indicates the maximum recommended washing temperature. A cross through the symbol means that the clothes should not be machine washed. A hand symbol means that the garment should be hand-washed.
Bleaching symbol:
An empty triangle indicates that the clothes can be bleached with any product. If the triangle is crossed out, this means that bleaching agents should be avoided, particularly those containing chlorine.
Programme symbol:
In addition to the symbols indicating the wash temperature, some clothes have lines under the wash tub to specify the type of programme to be used. These lines are essential for choosing the right cycle and preserving the quality of your clothes. Here's what these symbols mean:
- No line under the wash symbol: this indicates that the clothes can be washed on a normal or cotton programme. This cycle is suitable for sturdy clothes such as sheets, towels or jeans.
- A line under the wash symbol: this line indicates that the garment should be washed on a delicate programme. These are generally clothes that need more care, such as those made from wool, viscose or mixed fibres. The delicate programme uses a gentler wash cycle and reduced spin to avoid damaging the fibres.
- Two dashes under the wash symbol: this means that the clothes should be washed on a very delicate programme. This cycle is suitable for the most delicate fabrics, such as silk, lingerie or certain lace clothes. The very delicate programme works with minimal drum movement and a very light spin to protect the fabrics.
Drying symbol:
A square with a circle inside represents machine drying. The dots inside indicate the temperature: one dot for a low temperature, two dots for a medium temperature and three dots for a high temperature. If the symbol is crossed out, machine drying should be avoided. A square with a horizontal line means that you should dry the clothes flat.
Ironing symbol:
The iron symbolises the ironing instructions. The number of dots on the iron indicates the maximum temperature to be used: one dot for a low temperature, two for a medium temperature and three for a high temperature. A crossed-out iron means that ironing is prohibited at risk of damaging your clothes.
Professional cleaning symbol:
The circle indicates that the clothes must be dry cleaned. The letters inside the circle (P, F) indicate the solvents that can be used by dry-cleaning professionals.
2. The basics of washing clothes
Washing is the most common stage in laundry care. Here are a few basic principles to help you wash your clothes properly:
Sorting laundry:
Before washing your clothes, it's important to sort them by colour, material and by how dirty they are. White clothes should be washed separately to prevent them from colouring. Similarly, it's a good idea to separate delicate fabrics from sturdier items such as towels and jeans.
Choosing the right wash programme:
Depending on the type of fabric, choose an appropriate programme on your washing machine. For example, delicate clothes need a gentle cycle, while tougher items can withstand a longer cycle with a higher spin.
Detergent dosage:
Follow the dosage recommendations on your detergent packaging. Too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes and damage the fibres. Additionally, for delicate fabrics, choose detergents that are specially designed for the textile type.
3. Drying clothes
Drying is a crucial stage in preserving your clothes’ appearance. Here are a few tips to help you dry your clothes properly:
Air dry:
For delicate clothes or those that can't be tumble-dried, air drying is the best option. Hang your clothes on hangers or lay them flat to avoid warping.
Use the dryer with caution:
Not all clothes can be tumble-dried. Make sure you check the label before putting your items in the tumble dryer. For items that can be tumble-dried, choose an appropriate programme according to the type of fabric (delicate, cotton, etc.).
4. Ironing: when and how to use it
Ironing gives your clothes a smooth, polished look. Here are a few tips on how to iron effectively:
Adjust the temperature:
As mentioned above, set your iron temperature according to the symbols on the label. For delicate fabrics, such as silk or polyester, use a low temperature and iron clothes inside out.
Using a steamer for delicate fabrics:
To avoid damaging delicate fibres, a steamer is an ideal alternative to traditional ironing. It gently smoothes your clothes without crushing them.
Find out: Can a steamer replace an iron?
5. Putting your clothes away properly
Good clothing care doesn't stop at washing, drying and ironing. Storing your clothes properly is also crucial to prolonging their life:
Fold or hang? :
Hang up clothes made of delicate materials or those that crease easily, such as shirts and jackets. Jumpers and other knitted items should be folded to prevent warping.
Protect out of season clothes:
Use protective covers to store items you won't be wearing for several months, such as winter coats or summer clothes.
What to remember for successful laundry care
Knowing how to look after your clothes is essential if you want to extend their life and avoid washing accidents. By mastering the art of deciphering labels and applying good practices for washing, drying and ironing, you can keep your favourite clothes in mint condition for a long time to come.