Wax symbols explained: what do these characters actually mean?

Nowadays, different textiles have different cleaning and care requirements. Some fabrics should be washed in cold water, while others can be treated at high temperatures. To ensure that our clothing and home textiles last a long time, it's important to know and understand the meaning of the care symbols.

The meaning of the different washing symbols

Washing symbols are small icons found on clothing and other textiles, such as washable laundry symbols , and are useful for informing us about proper care. They provide information about washing temperatures, drying times, and other important information.

The basics of laundry symbols

Before we delve into the details of the various symbols, it's important to understand the basics. Washing symbols consist of various images and symbols that tell us how to clean clothing. They are internationally standardized, so we can also correctly interpret the care instructions on vacation or while shopping abroad.

It's interesting to note that the idea of ​​laundry symbols originated in the 1960s. At that time, textile manufacturers recognized the need to provide consumers with clear instructions for proper care of their products. Since then, the symbols have evolved and become an important part of everyday life.

Symbols for washing temperature

One of the most important elements of laundry care symbols is the washing temperature specification. Temperature can have a significant impact on how textiles behave and how well they are cleaned. Here are some common washing temperature symbols:

• 30°C: mild rash at low temperature
• 40°C: normal wash cycle at medium temperature
• 60°C: normal wash cycle at high temperature
• 90°C: high temperature boil wash

It is important to adhere to the recommended temperature to avoid damage to the textiles.

Did you know that choosing the right washing temperature not only affects the lifespan of your clothes, but also the environment? By choosing lower temperatures, you can save energy and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.

Symbols for the drying process

Another important element of the laundry symbols is the indication of the drying process. Not all textiles can be dried in the dryer. Here are some of the symbols to consider:

• Allowed drying: The garment can be dried in the dryer.
• Tumble Dry Not Allowed: The garment must not be placed in the dryer.
• Air dry: The garment should be air dried.

It is important to consider these symbols to ensure that the textiles retain their shape and quality.

It's interesting to note that the drying process symbols can also provide information about the type of drying. For example, the air-drying symbol might indicate that the garment should be laid flat to prevent warping.

Modular sofas with washbasins and changeable covers

How to read laundry symbols correctly

Reading laundry symbols can be a little confusing at first, but with a little practice, it becomes easier. Here are some tips for interpreting the symbols correctly:

The order of the symbols

The order of the symbols is important because it tells us in which order to follow the instructions. Generally, the washing symbol appears first, followed by the drying symbol and, if necessary, other symbols.

What do the lines between the symbols mean?

You may have noticed that some symbols have one or more lines below them. These lines provide information about which washing or drying process to use. One line usually indicates a normal process, while two lines indicate a gentle process. It's important to consider these rules to ensure your textiles are treated correctly.

However, there are other details in the care symbols that are often overlooked. Small symbols within the main symbol, for example, can provide additional information. These can indicate whether the garment or cover should be dry cleaned, whether bleach can be used, or whether it should be air dried only.

The meaning of specific symbols

Some laundry symbols are universal, such as the machine wash symbol or the tumble dryer symbol. Other symbols are more specific and can vary depending on the manufacturer. It's advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific symbols that appear on your clothing labels to ensure you handle them correctly.

Common Misconceptions in Washing Symbols

Despite the international standardization of laundry symbols, there are still some common misunderstandings and errors that can occur when reading and interpreting them. Here are some symbols that are often misinterpreted:

The care symbols are an important guide for proper textile care. They provide information about how clothing was washed, bleached, dried, and ironed. However, not all symbols are understood correctly, which can lead to improper treatment of textiles.

Symbols that are often misinterpreted

A symbol that is often misinterpreted is the bleach symbol. It's often assumed that the bleach symbol means that bleach can be used. In reality, however, the symbol means that bleach should not be used. Bleach can damage the color and fibers of textiles.

Another often misunderstood symbol is the drying symbol. Many people think this symbol means the garment can be placed in the dryer. In reality, however, the symbol can also mean the garment should be dried flat to maintain its shape.

What happens if you ignore the symbols?

If you ignore the care labels and treat your textiles incorrectly, several problems can arise. Your clothes may lose their shape, their colors may fade, or their fibers may become damaged. Furthermore, delicate fabrics like silk or wool can easily become matted or shrink if they are not treated correctly.

It's therefore advisable to carefully consider the care symbols on clothing labels to ensure they remain beautiful and durable for a long time. Improper care can not only affect the appearance of textiles but also shorten their lifespan.

Tips for dealing with washing symbols

To ensure you treat your textiles correctly, here are some useful tips on dealing with washing symbols:

How to make the symbols easier to remember

There are many different laundry symbols, and it can be difficult to remember them all. One way to remember the symbols is to make a list of the important ones and hang them next to your washing machine or dryer. This way, you'll always have the symbols at hand when you need them.

What to do if there is no symbol

Sometimes you won't find a care symbol on clothing or other textiles. In such cases, it's advisable to wash the textiles carefully by hand or use professional cleaning services. Most textiles have specific cleaning requirements, and it's important to follow them to ensure the quality and longevity of the textiles .

Now that you understand the importance of washing symbols, you're well-prepared to properly care for your clothes and home textiles . By correctly interpreting and following the symbols, you can ensure your textiles last a long time and always look their best.

The Importance of Special Characters in Symbol Washing

In addition to the basic washing symbols, there are also special symbols that provide additional information about textile care. A frequently seen symbol is the triangle with a circle, which indicates that the garment requires dry cleaning. It is important to recognize these special symbols and act accordingly to prevent damage to the textile.

Eco-friendly washing symbols and their meaning

In times of growing environmental awareness, eco-friendly washing symbols are becoming increasingly important. Symbols such as the leaf or the stylized sun indicate that textiles can be treated in an environmentally friendly way, for example, through low temperatures or the absence of chemical cleaning agents. By observing these symbols, you not only contribute to environmental protection but also protect your clothing.