14 Jan

A Beginner’s Guide to Clothing Care Labels

Learn how to understand those tiny laundry symbols and keep your clothes looking brand new with every wash.

Understanding clothing care labels is a simple yet powerful way to keep your wardrobe looking fresh and long-lasting. These tiny tags found inside garments contain a universal language of symbols that tell you exactly how to wash, dry, iron, and treat the fabric. For example, a washtub icon shows washing instructions, while dots inside it indicate the recommended water temperature.

A triangle represents bleach instructions—if it’s crossed out, avoid bleach altogether. A square with a circle means tumble drying, and lines within show the heat setting. Iron symbols often have dots too, letting you know if low, medium, or high heat is safe. A circle alone typically refers to professional dry cleaning. Following these care instructions can help you avoid common laundry disasters like shrinking, stretching, fading, or tearing. Always check the label before washing a new item to preserve its shape, color, and texture.

If you're unsure about a symbol, look it up or refer to a care label guide. It’s a small habit that leads to longer-lasting clothes and less waste. Think of care labels as your clothing’s manual for staying stylish and durable!