What are the five basic shirt care labels?
- Washing instructions
- Bleaching instructions
- Drying instructions
- Ironing instructions
- Dry cleaning instructions
Overview
- Care labels on shirts provide essential instructions for washing, drying, ironing, and bleaching, helping to maintain the garment’s quality.
- The five basic shirt care labels include washing, drying, ironing, bleaching, and dry cleaning.
Have you ever wondered how to keep your favorite shirt looking its best? The answer lies in a small but important tag: the care label. This label acts as a guide, using symbols and words to tell you exactly how to wash, dry, iron, and even bleach (if safe) your shirt. By following these instructions, you can ensure your shirt stays looking sharp for a long time.
Don’t worry if your label is missing, this article will explain the five basic shirt care labels you’ll find on most shirts, so you can wash with confidence!
Washing Instructions
The washing symbol resembles a side profile of a tub with waves indicating water. It’s essential for proper shirt cleaning. When doing laundry, look out for these three possible details in the washing symbol:
- Normal Washing Symbol. It is the tub with water. It means a normal cycle usually for durable garments.
- Permanent Press Symbol. There is a single line underneath the normal symbol. This is perfect for shirts made from synthetic fibers like polyester.
- Delicate Cycle. Another line is added under the normal symbol, making it two lines. It uses a slow and less agitating spin.
One of the tips and tricks for laundry is water temperature. Cold water is always the safest temperature but it does depend on the fabric of your shirt.
Bleaching Instructions
Shirt stains are inevitable, but your laundry tag can help. The bleaching symbol (180-degree shape of a triangle), indicates whether bleach can be used and how to care for your fabric, as bleach can be quite strong.
- Normal Bleach Symbol. It’s an empty triangle. You can use whatever laundry bleach you have.
- Non-Chlorine Bleach Symbol. Two lines appear in the shape. Best to avoid chlorine bleaches.
- No Bleach Symbol. Easy. There’s an X striking through the triangle.
If you’re hesitant about the bleach you have at home, you can try homemade solutions. Maybe the simple vinegar, baking soda, and lemon mixture can do the trick!
Drying Instructions
It is normal for Filipino households to make this step easy. The sun is always a friend to our drying needs in this tropical country. But during wet seasons, looking at your care labels is essential.
The drying symbol looks like a square with a circle inside, representing a simplified dryer. However, there are various symbols for drying, detailed as follows:
- Normal Tumble Dry Symbol. It’s the standard symbol meaning you can put your shirt in your dryer.
- Do Not Tumble Dry Symbol. There’s the giant ‘x’ over it.
- Hang to Dry Symbol. It’s a square but instead of a full circle, there is a convex shape looming on top of it as if it is hanging.
- Dry Flat Symbol. A box with a single line in the middle of it. Often for more natural fibers.
- Do Not Wring Symbol. It’s a candy-like shape with a big ‘x’.
Tumble drying and wringing can stretch certain fabrics. Being more gentle with delicate pieces is best in your drying routine.
Ironing Instructions
Sometimes we often make a fuss about looking sleek. But not all fabrics are meant to be ironed or steamed. For fabrics like spandex and lycra, high temperatures are a no-go. They can melt under your iron leaving a big hole!
If you’re thinking of ironing your shirt, look out for the ironing symbol. It looks like what it is exactly– an iron! The instructions usually talk about the temperature level.
- Cool Temperature Symbol. One dot inside the symbol.
- Warm Temperature Symbol. There are two dots.
- Hot Temperature Symbol. Three dots for your thick and resistant fabrics.
- No Ironing Symbol. There is a big cross over the little iron.
Ironing can be a frustrating chore. But you can avoid this by choosing wrinkle-free shirts!
Dry Cleaning Instructions
If professional care is recommended, it will be indicated in the dry cleaning instructions, usually located near the washing symbols.
- Normal Dry Cleaning Symbol. It’s the usual square with a small circle inside.
- Do Not Dry Clean Symbol. There is a big ‘x’ across the symbol.
The dry cleaning symbol is a square with a circle inside, but the circle is smaller than the drying symbol. Sometimes, this symbol is accompanied by a letter, which is intended for professionals and specifies the type of solvent they should use.
Key Takeaway
The five basic shirt care labels are essential for maintaining the quality of your shirts. They provide simple guidelines to ensure your shirts last longer. Following these instructions will help preserve your favorite fabrics.
At Lifeline, we offer shirts designed for hundreds of wears, not just a one-time outfit. Our versatile shirts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an office barbecue, a playdate with your kids, or a romantic date. Don’t be embarrassed about repeating outfits—it’s a sign of confidence. Visit us today and contact us with any inquiries!
