Image by Kilian Goltra
Taking care of a garment can be tricky, especially when so many types of fabric need to be taken care of in very specific ways. That’s why we here at Mood have decided to help you out and give you a run down of the different symbols you find on the tags of your garments.
1. Basic Symbols
Image by Kilian Goltra
These are the basic symbols, and they relate to the basic actions. The machine wash (the little pudding cup) and tumble dry (circle in a square) symbols are pretty much the only symbols I ever want to see, everything else is so high maintenance. Bleach (triangle)? Who uses bleach? The only time I ever want to see the iron (the iron) symbol is when I’m playing Monopoly, and I hate Monopoly. Don’t even get me started on the little circle, dry cleaning, what kind of fabric needs to be dry cleaned? Silk. Silk needs to be dry cleaned. Remind me to throw out all my silk.
2. Dots
Image by Kilian Goltra
Like the basic symbols, these are pretty easy to figure out. One dot, it should be washed in cold water. Two dots, it should be washed in warm water, the medium setting, Three dots? Make it hot! The more dots, the more heat it can take…
3. Press Settings
Image by Kilian Goltra
These symbols mean you need to use the press settings on the washing machine and on the dryer. One line means permanent press, two lines mean delicate press. These settings prevent wrinkling in the garment, so it’s important to pay attention when you’re preparing your clothes for an important day at work or a romantic date.
4. Examples
Image by Kilian Goltra
This is fabric care math! Three dot plus circle in square plus two lines divided by six over three carry the one… I’ve never been very good at math. Pudding cup, two dots, one line. That must mean machine wash at medium heat on the permanent press setting! Triangle with two weird lines inside it is only non-chlorine bleach, while a circle with an X over it must be do not dry clean. Once you get the basics down, it’s pretty easy.
Now you’re fully equipped to take care of your very own fabric. From silk chiffon to cotton chambray, you can take care of any garment like a pro!
Got any fabric care tips? Share them with us in the comments!
Image by Kilian Goltra