Laundry Symbols on Clothes
Laundry Symbol Cheat Sheet
Laundry is such a burdensome thing to do. However, it has to be done quite regularly. The majority of people are not very fond of laundry because it is a meticulous process. Not only have you to do it often, but also in the correct way to keep your clothes in good condition.
Luckily, we have composed a simple washer guide. Here you will learn how to separate clothes correctly, divide laundry according to the fabrics and colors, select the right temperature and dryer settings. The process becomes much easier when you know how to do it step-by-step. This way you will save your time, clothes, and money.
Dryer Settings
Drying clothes is an essential part of laundry. If you choose to machine dry your clothes, determining the right settings will ensure that the items will not be damaged in the process. Here is the list of settings to choose from:
- Timed Dry – you select the necessary time yourself. This might be too energy-intensive if not supervised. Usually, it does not involve wrinkle guard so keep that in mind;
- Automatic Dry – this program adjusts to fabrics based on how wet the items are. It involves a higher level of energy efficiency;
- Regular or Heavy – the fastest cycle with the highest temperature. This is suitable for white and lightly colored clothing. The fabrics will shrink if dried after a hot wash;
- Permanent Press – this is a medium heat program suitable for colorful clothing. Do not use this for delicate fabrics because they can be damaged;
- Delicates – slow and low-temperature drying appropriate for delicate fabrics. It takes longer to dry because of low heat;
- Air Fluff – this program uses a room temperature air. This can only fluff clothes, but not dry them;
- Wrinkle Shield – a special setting that tumbles items intermittently to avoid wrinkling. It does not dry clothes;
- Easy Iron – a program suitable for lightly wrinkled clothes. It cannot remove heavy wrinkling;
- Damp Dry or Iron Dry – this setting is used only after a drying cycle. The clothes remain slightly moist in order to facilitate ironing.
Laundry Cheatsheet – Labels
Every piece of clothing has a label with useful information regarding advised washing and drying. Some items might require only natural drying and others might need specific drying settings:
- Tumble Dry, Normal – set the highest temperature;
- Tumble Dry, Normal, Low Heat – set the lowest temperature;
- Tumble Dry, Normal, Medium Heat – select a medium temperature;
- Tumble Dry, Normal, High Heat – select a high heat option;
- Tumble Dry, Normal, No Heat – dry the clothes with no heat. You can also choose an ‘Air Only’ setting;
- Tumble Dry, Permanent Press – select a ‘Permanent Press’ program;
- Tumble Dry, Gentle – select a gentle program setting;
- Do Not Tumble Dry – this clothing item cannot be put in a dryer;
- Do Not Dry – this clothing item requires an alternative way of drying instead of machine-dry option;
- Line Dry – hang the item up on a line or a special bar. You can do it both inside and outside;
- Drip Dry – take your soaking wet clothes and hang them up on a line. Do not squeeze the water or try to eliminate wrinkles;
- Dry Flat – lay your clothes on a horizontal surface;
- Do Not Wring – let the clothes dry without wringing the dripping water.
Fabric Care Laundry Cheat Sheet
This table will be handy for learning some general information about fabrics. Use it to know how to wash, dry and iron clothes made of certain fabrics in case the label on the item is missing:
Wash | Dry | Iron | Caution | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cotton and Linen | Any water temperature; Divide colors. | Low setting or line drying for cotton; High setting or hang drying for linen. | Steam or use hot iron for cotton; Press iron moist linen. | Use bleach only for completely white clothes. |
Wool, Angora, Cashmere, Mohair | Cold water; Divide colors; Hand washing or delicate program. | Do not put in a dryer; Remove water with a towel; Use flat drying. | No ironing, only steaming. | Do not use bleach or hot water. |
Silk and its Mixes | Cold water; Divide colors; Wash in a mesh bag. | Do not put in a dryer; Use flat or hang drying. | Steaming is advised; Ironing at a low temperature is allowed. | Do not use bleach; Do not put in hot water; Avoid keeping it under the sun. |
Polyester and Nylon | Use warm water; Divide colors; You can use a normal cycle in a washing machine. | Select tumble drying on low settings; Line or hang drying is allowed. | Use steam; Pressing at a low or medium temperature is allowed. | Do not use bleach. |
Modal | Any water temperature; Divide colors. | Use a dryer on high settings; Hang drying is allowed. | Use steam or hot iron settings. | Do not use bleach. |
Viscose and Rayon | Use cold water; Wash in a mesh bag; Divide colors; Choose delicate settings or hand wash. | Do not put in a dryer; Lay on a surface to dry or hang dry. | Use steam; Turn the moist item inside out and iron at a medium temperature. | Do not use bleach; Do not use vinegar; Do not put it into hot water. |
Lycra and Spandex | Any water temperature; Divide colors; Wash in a machine on a normal setting; Use hand washing laundry. | Use low tumble drying settings; Use line drying. | Use steam or iron at a low temperature. | Do not use bleach; Do not use any type of conditioner. |
Acetate | Use cold water; Divide colors; Wash in a mesh bag; Choose delicate settings; Use hand washing laundry. | Do not put in a dryer; Use flat or line drying. | Use a cool iron to press the item while it is still moist. | Do not use starch; Do not use any type of conditioner. |
Ramie | Use cold water; Divide colors; Wash in a mesh bag; Choose delicate settings; Hand wash. | Do not twist the item; Use low tumbling settings; Use flat or hang drying. | Use steam; Iron at a low temperature; You can iron at a medium or high temperature if the item is moist. | Do not use bleach; Do not put it into hot water. |