Reference
Reference
This glossary gathers the words you come across on care labels, in appliance manuals and in clothing care advice. We explain them briefly and in everyday language, without unnecessary jargon. The definitions are grouped by theme: care symbols, washing, fabrics and storage.
A clothing label speaks in pictures, and that language is shared by many countries. Learn the five basic symbols and you can care for an item even if you cannot read the rest of the tag.
Symbols
- Washtub
- The washing symbol under ISO 3758. The number inside is the maximum washing temperature in degrees Celsius; one bar under the tub means a mild cycle, two bars a very mild one, and a hand in the tub means hand wash only.
- Triangle
- The bleaching symbol. It shows whether bleaching products may be used. If the triangle is crossed out, the item must not be bleached.
- Square
- The drying symbol. The marks inside the square tell you how to dry the item: in a tumble dryer, on a line or flat on a horizontal surface.
- Iron
- The ironing symbol. The dots show the maximum soleplate temperature: one dot up to 110 °C, two dots up to 150 °C, three dots up to 200 °C.
- Circle
- The professional care symbol, covering dry cleaning and professional wet cleaning. The letters inside are meant for specialists and tell them the appropriate cleaning method.
Washing
- Wash cycle
- The combination of water temperature, drum action, duration and spin strength. It is chosen according to the care label and the type of fabric.
- Delicate cycle
- A gentle programme with soft drum action and a low spin for fine, knitted and easily stretched fabrics.
- Spin
- Removing water from laundry by rotating the drum. A strong spin speeds up drying but can stretch or crease delicate items.
- Sorting
- Separating laundry before washing by colour, fabric type and how dirty it is, so that items do not stain or damage each other.
Fabrics and storage
- Natural fibres
- Fibres of plant or animal origin, such as cotton, linen, wool and silk. They usually breathe well but are sensitive to hot water and friction.
- Synthetic fibres
- Fibres made by chemical processes. They are generally strong and quick-drying but can build up static and do not tolerate a hot iron well.
- Pilling
- Small balls of tangled fibres on the surface of a fabric. They form through friction, especially on blended knitwear, and can be removed carefully with a fabric shaver or brush.
- Clothes moth
- A small moth whose larvae damage wool, fur and other natural materials. It is especially drawn to dirty clothes in dark, poorly ventilated places.
- Airing
- Regularly letting fresh air reach your clothes and wardrobe. It reduces damp, unpleasant smells and the risk of moths and mould.
Where these words appear
- Guides
How to put winter clothes away for the summer: preparation, steps with illustrative examples, mistakes and a checklist. Plus the article catalogue.
- Questions
Short answers about care symbols, wash cycles, stains, household cleaning products, storage and shoes.
- Collections
Reading paths: your first laundry on your own, wool and delicate fabrics, shoes through the seasons.
- Sections
The guide's four themes: care label symbols, washing and drying, stains, storing clothes and caring for shoes.
Read next
- Questions
Short answers about care symbols, wash cycles, stains, household cleaning products, storage and shoes.
- Guides
How to put winter clothes away for the summer: preparation, steps with illustrative examples, mistakes and a checklist. Plus the article catalogue.
- Sections
The guide's four themes: care label symbols, washing and drying, stains, storing clothes and caring for shoes.
- Collections
Reading paths: your first laundry on your own, wool and delicate fabrics, shoes through the seasons.
Sources
- ISO 3758 "Textiles. Care labelling code using symbols" (general provisions)
- Guidance on the safe handling of household cleaning products (general provisions)
This advice is general and reflects what we knew when the page was prepared. The best guide for any particular item is its own care label: if the label disagrees with our recommendations, follow the label. For expensive, vintage or complex items, it is wiser to turn to professional cleaning or repair specialists.