It’d be impossible to count the number of times we try to decipher clothing labels because we usually think twice before putting our beautiful leather jacket in the laundry. Do not worry, with this little practical guide, you’ll know exactly which garments can be cleaned at home, at the dry cleaner or with at a green cleaner.
What do the washing icons mean? :
The symbols on our clothing’s labels give instructions on how to clean them well. No one likes to see their favourite sweater shrink three sizes due to high water temperature. Here are the most common symbols to read and help you avoid this problem.
This cleaning symbol is on most clothes. It means that there is no temperature restriction or any particular washer setting to take into account.
When you see the crossed-out symbol, don’t wash it, whether it’s dry cleaning or green cleaning.
Do you recognize these symbols? They are less common than the typical cleaning instructions but they are nevertheless still important. The dots correspond to the temperature of the washer, from coldest to warmest.
- 1 dot : 30°
- 2 dots : 40°
- 3 dots : 50°
- 4 dots : 60°
- 5 dots : 70°
- 6 dots : 95°
The line under the typical symbol means that you must adjust the setting to “permanent press” when you have to clean the garment. If two lines are printed under the symbol, make sure the fabric is cleaned using a delicate cycle.
How to Choose Between Green Cleaning and Dry Cleaning?
For certain more sensitive fabrics (e.g. silk, wool, cashmere), dry-cleaning may be an option. To find out what to do with your garments, refer to the following symbols:
The P symbol means they are authorized to clean it, but as soon as the circle is crossed out, it’s totally prohibited!
If we do not have a washer or we want what’s best for our clothes, it is strongly recommended to leave it up to professionals to clean your garments. Unfortunately, dry cleaning does not treat all types of clothing.
You should know that green cleaning franchises take care of all types of clothes.
What is the meaning of the symbols for drying and ironing? :
For drying, other symbols provide information on how the clothes should be treated :
The first symbol indicates that neither pressing nor ironing is necessary, while the second symbol means that steaming is not recommended. Same goes for washing, the dots in the symbol indicate the ironing temperature after dry cleaning or green cleaning.
- 1 dot : 110°
- 2 dots : 150°
- 3 dots : 200°
For drying, read the information on the label to avoid shrinking the garment :
A circle inside a square indicates that there are no restrictions when drying the garment. Despite the fact that this is the most common symbol, some variations of it have additional details to follow.
The dots in the circles follow the same logic, the more dots there are, the higher the temperature must be.
If the square is crossed out, drying is not allowed. If the circle in the square is crossed out, tumble drying is forbidden which gives you one more reason to drop your items off at a green cleaner.
Green Cleaning to Take Care of Your Clothes
Yes, there are many symbols that provide precautions to take before cleaning, washing, drying or ironing a garment. It can be done at home, but it will never as good as the results you’ll get at a green cleaner. These green cleaning experts work on any type of clothing to make them shine once more, and through their washing process, they can even restore their true colours!
At Daoust Ecoefficient Cleaners, our eco-cleaning experts take care of the most delicate clothes to bring them back some life. Need to clean a wedding dress with delicate material or iron a shirt with a rebellious fabric? Trust Green Cleaners.