Taking care of your clothes is essential to keeping them in good condition and extending their life. Whether you’re new to laundry care or looking to brush up on your knowledge, this guide will walk you through the basics of laundry care. Learn how to decipher your clothing labels, as well as best practices for washing, drying, and ironing.
1. Decipher clothing labels
The labels on your clothes contain crucial information about how to properly care for them. Here’s a breakdown of the most common symbols:
Washing symbol:
A tub symbol indicates machine washing instructions. The number inside (usually between 30 and 60°C) indicates the maximum recommended washing temperature. If the symbol has a cross through it, it means that the garment should not be machine washed. A hand symbol means that the garment should be washed by hand.
Whitening symbol:
An empty triangle indicates that the garment can be bleached with any product. If the triangle is crossed out, it means that bleaching agents, especially chlorine-based ones, should be avoided.
Program symbol:
In addition to the symbols indicating the washing temperature, some garments display lines under the wash tub to specify the type of program to use. These lines are essential for choosing the right cycle and thus preserving the quality of your clothes. Here's what these symbols mean:
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No line under the washing symbol: This indicates that the garment can be washed with a normal or cotton program. This cycle is suitable for sturdy garments, such as sheets, towels or jeans.
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A line under the washing symbol: This line indicates that the garment should be washed on a delicate cycle. This usually refers to garments that require more care, such as those made of wool, viscose or mixed fibres. The delicate cycle uses a gentler wash cycle and reduced spin to avoid damaging the fibres.
- Two lines under the washing symbol: This means that the garment should be washed with a very delicate program. This cycle is suitable for the most delicate fabrics, such as silk, lingerie or some lace garments. The very delicate program works with minimal drum movement and a very light spin to protect the fabrics.
Drying symbol:
A square with a circle inside represents tumble drying. The dots inside indicate the temperature: one dot for low temperature, two dots for medium temperature, and three dots for high temperature. If the symbol is crossed out, tumble drying should not be done. A square with a horizontal line means dry flat.
Ironing symbol:
The iron symbolizes ironing instructions. The number of dots on the iron indicates the maximum temperature to use: 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.
Professional cleaning symbol:
The circle indicates that the garment should be dry cleaned. The letters inside the circle (P, F) specify the solvents that can be used by dry cleaning professionals.
2. The basics of washing clothes
Washing is the most common step in laundry care. Here are some basic principles for washing your clothes properly:
Sort the laundry:
Before washing your clothes, it is important to sort them by color, material, and level of soiling. White clothes should be washed separately to prevent them from fading. Similarly, it is advisable to separate delicate fabrics from more robust items such as towels and jeans.
Choosing the right washing program:
Depending on the type of fabric, choose a suitable program on your washing machine. For example, delicate clothes require a gentle cycle, while more resistant items can withstand a longer cycle with a high spin.
Detergent dosage:
Follow the dosage recommendations on your detergent packaging. Too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes and damage the fibers. Also, for delicate fabrics, choose detergents specially designed for these types of textiles.
3. Drying laundry
Drying is a crucial step in preserving the appearance of your clothes. Here are some tips for properly drying your laundry:
Air dry:
For delicate clothes or those that cannot be tumble dried, air drying is the best option. Hang your clothes on hangers or lay them flat to prevent them from losing their shape.
Use the dryer with caution:
Not all garments can be tumble dried. Be sure to check the label before putting your items in the dryer. For items that can be tumble dried, choose a cycle that is appropriate for the type of fabric (delicates, cotton, etc.).
4. Ironing: when and how to use it
Ironing helps to restore a smooth and neat appearance to your clothes. Here are some tips for ironing effectively:
Adjust the temperature:
As mentioned earlier, set your iron according to the symbols on the label. For delicate fabrics, such as silk or polyester, use a low temperature and iron the clothes inside out.
Using a steamer for delicate fabrics:
To avoid damaging delicate fibers, the steamer is an ideal alternative to traditional ironing. It allows you to gently remove wrinkles from your clothes without crushing them.
Also discover: Can a steamer replace an iron?
5. Store your clothes properly
Proper maintenance doesn't stop at washing, drying and ironing. Storing your clothes properly is also crucial to prolonging their life:
Fold or hang? :
Hang delicate or wrinkle-prone garments, such as shirts and jackets. Sweaters and other knitwear should be folded to prevent them from losing their shape.
Protecting off-season clothing:
Use protective covers to store clothes that you won't wear for several months, such as winter coats or summer clothes.
Things to remember for successful laundry care
Knowing how to care for your laundry is essential to prolong the life of your clothes and avoid washing accidents. By mastering the decoding of labels and applying good washing, drying and ironing practices, you will be able to preserve your favorite clothes for a long time.