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Care for Clothes: Get the most out of your wardrobe

July 28, 2020 by Moumous |

Hi everyone,

Having invested time and money in your clothes, you will want to make sure you get the maximum use out of them. And knowing how to take care of your clothing is just as important as selecting quality items in the first place. Have you ever washed one of  your favorite clothes and it came out of the washing machine or dryer all shrinked? Following the instructions on your garments’ care labels is key to ensure they are long-lasting. Today I am sharing some of the most popular care label symbols and meanings.

  1. Washing symbols – the basin and water symbols – offer instructions on how to wash the garment.
  2. Bleaching symbols – the triangle symbols – offer instructions on whether bleach may be used and which type.
  3. Drying symbols – the square symbol, often with a circle inside – offer instructions on how to dry and/or tumble dry the garment.
  4. Ironing symbols – the iron symbol – offers instructions on whether the garment may be ironed and at what setting.
  5. Professional cleaning symbols – the circle symbols – offer instructions for professional cleaning processes (wet and dry cleaning).

Washing instructions


These are recognisable as the basin and water symbols.

Machine cycles

A cross through the basin means that the garment cannot be safely washed under normal household conditions. Usually, it will need to be dry cleaned instead.

A hand in the basin signifies that the garment may only be washed by hand using warm water (not above 40°C) and detergent or soap.

The basin and water are the washing symbol. When there is no temperature or dots in the symbol, and no line underneath, the garment may be washed with the hottest available water temperature, as hot water washes better than cold. Absence of bars also indicates maximum agitation (i.e., cotton wash).

A single bar beneath the basin signifies that the garment should be laundered in the “permanent press” cycle. This cycle normally involves a cold rinse before a reduced spin cycle. Medium agitation (synthetics cycle). Garments which have been permanently shaped (are wrinkle resistant)

A double bar underneath the basin means very gentle handling. Wash only on the gentle cycle, involving a reduced spinning cycle and gentle agitation. A double bar indicates very minimal agitation (silk/wool cycle). The bar symbols also indicate the level of spin recommended with more bars indicating lower preferred spin speed.

Water temperatures

When 30 or one dot (USA) is shown, the recommended maximum temperature for washing the garment is 30°C (85°F).

When 40 or two dots (USA) are shown, the recommended maximum temperature for washing the garment is 40°C (105°F).

When 50 or three dots (USA) are shown, the recommended maximum temperature for washing the garment is 50°C (120°F).

When 60 or four dots (USA) are shown, the recommended maximum temperature for washing the garment is 60°C (140°F).

When 70 or five dots (USA) are shown, the recommended maximum temperature for washing the garment is 70°C (160°F).

When 95 or six dots (USA) are shown, the recommended maximum temperature for washing the garment is 95°C (200°F).

Bleaching instructions

Bleaching is the triangular symbol with instructions on whether bleach is allowed.

A triangle signifies that any (chlorine or non-chlorine) bleach may be used when needed on the garment.​

A crossed triangle means that the garment is not able to withstand bleach and may therefore not be bleached.

When CL is shown inside the triangle, the garment may be bleached with chlorine. It is important however to make sure that you use the recommended strength solution, which is usually 1 part bleach to 100 parts of water.

Two oblique lines in the triangle or alternatively, a crossed out triangle with CL inside prohibit the use of chlorine bleach on the garment. Only non-chlorine, colour-safe bleach may be used on the garment when needed.

Drying instructions

Drying is the square symbol and tumble drying instructions will have a circle in the square.

Natural drying

A crossed out garment signifies that the garment may not be wrung to dry.

A semi-circle inside the square means the garment should be hung to dry.

A horizontal bar inside the square means the garment should be laid out flat to dry.

Three vertical bars inside the square mean the garment should be hung to dry, without shaping or smoothing it.

Two diagonal, oblique lines signify that the garment is to be dried in the shade, away from direct sunlight. This symbol may also appear in conjunction with Line or Drip Dry.

Tumble drying

A circle inside a square signifies that the garment may be tumble dried at the hottest available setting.

A crossed out circle and square signifies that the garment may not be tumble dried. Usually one of the alternative, natural drying symbols will be supplied in addition.

A single bar beneath the square and circle signifies that the garments may be dried in the tumble dryer, but only on the “permanent press” setting.

Two bars beneath the square and circle signify that the garment may be dried in a tumble dryer, but only on the “gentle” or “delicate” setting.

An oblique circle inside the square means that the garment may be tumble dried only at the cold “No Heat” or “Air Only” setting.

One dot inside the circle means that the garment may be tumble dried only at a low heat.

Two dots inside the circle mean that the garment may be tumble dried up to a medium heat only.

Three dots inside the circle mean that the garment may be tumble dried at a high heat.

Ironing instructions

Ironing instructions are depicted through an iron symbol.

The iron signifies that the garment may be ironed at any temperature, using steam or dry.

A crossed out iron prohibits ironing of a garment.

One dot inside the iron indicates that the garment should be ironed at the low setting, using steam or dry. This is usually 110°C (230°F), and is most suitable for use on acrylics, nylons and acetates.

Two dots inside the iron means that the garment should be ironed at the medium setting, using steam or dry. A warm temperature is typically 150°C (300°F). You will usually see this symbol on the care label of garments made from wool and polyester mixes.

Three dots is the maximum iron temperature, which is 200°C (390°F). The garment should be ironed at the high setting, using steam or dry. This setting is the one most frequently displayed on care labels, as it is used for clothes made from cotton and linens.

Three vertical bars underneath the iron signify that the garment may be ironed using steam.

A crossed out iron with three vertical bars beneath signifies that the garment may be ironed, but only dry. Steam may damage the garment.






Outfit Details

Suit @AttitudebyLory | lace cami (same)

Handbag (same but love those colors here, here, here) | 

Shoes (here, also love this one)

Professional cleaning instructions are not included. I will cover those in an upcoming post. So did you know what your clothing label symbol means? Have you ever paid close attention to them? Have you ever messed up a piece of clothing by not taking proper care of it? Comment below and let me know. Also, please let me know if this post was useful.  

Thanks for stopping by.

XoXo,

Moumous

Linking up with those wonderful ladies here

Moumous
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Filed Under: fashion, Uncategorized

Comments

  1. Dgie says

    July 29, 2020 at 4:33 am

    I always paid close attention to my clothes since one day, I was still in high school, the laundry lady messed one piece of clothing that I saved to buy. After that, I was like never again.
    I like everything abouth this look Moumouss: the lace cami (you know that right), the suit, the bag, even the shoes. The outfit is screaming boss lady 🙂

    • Moumous says

      August 3, 2020 at 7:34 pm

      Thank you 🙂

  2. mummabstylish says

    July 30, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    Wow, just wow! Liking the cute little lace top under your jacket – nice look Hun. Jacqui x

    • Moumous says

      August 3, 2020 at 7:35 pm

      Thank you Jacqui

  3. the 4 M's says

    July 31, 2020 at 12:19 pm

    I need to pay more attention to these symbols: some of my clothes would last longer!
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    • Moumous says

      August 3, 2020 at 7:36 pm

      🙂

  4. Shelbee on the Edge says

    August 3, 2020 at 10:46 am

    Moumous, this suit is amazing! I love the lace top and the leopard shoes. You look absolutely stunning in this outfit. I have learned the hard way to be more diligent about following washing instructions and now I find that even cheap clothes can last much longer when you take the time to care for them properly. Great post! Thanks for linking up.

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Moumous says

      August 3, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      Thank you Shelbee

  5. Sandy says

    August 5, 2020 at 11:55 am

    You look lovely in the white outfit. Thanks for such an informative post, full of good advice. It's so important to look after our clothes especially now with the accent on sustainability.

    • Moumous says

      August 16, 2020 at 1:45 pm

      You welcome Sandy. Taking care of our clothes is important. Xo,

  6. Gail Is This Mutton? says

    August 6, 2020 at 7:03 am

    Pretty lace top and classy monochrome white outfit. Love! Thanks for sharing these tips at #WowOnWednesday.

    • Moumous says

      August 16, 2020 at 1:42 pm

      Thank you Gail 🙂

  7. Mica says

    August 10, 2020 at 11:16 am

    Great advice – it's important to take care of our clothes! 🙂

    Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup!

    Away From Blue

    • Moumous says

      August 16, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      Thank you Mica

  8. Life's a shoe says

    August 12, 2020 at 9:18 am

    This is such a super helpful post! Thank you for sharing!

    Life is a Shoe

    • Moumous says

      August 16, 2020 at 1:40 pm

      You are very welcome

  9. Demi Fine Jewelry says

    August 13, 2020 at 4:08 am

    Love your informative post and tips!
    Your monochrome white look is absolutely stunning!

    INXSKY | Gold Stackable Rings

    • Moumous says

      August 16, 2020 at 1:38 pm

      Thank you

  10. Bella says

    May 19, 2021 at 11:30 am

    nice

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Last night, Aby told me that her friends always say she’s lucky to have a cool mom. I smiled and told her, “You make it so easy for me.” She looked at me and said, “I’m just grateful for the greatest mom.”

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To every mom out there — whether by blood, by choice, or by love — Happy Mother’s Day. You’re doing more than you think, and you are appreciated more than you know. 💛

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Chaque maman a son style… Et cette année, chez Chaque maman a son style… 
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Bitter and sweet… my heart walks in shadows and light, but my soul remains draped in red and blue. We carry our flag in our eyes, even when the days feel heavy. 🇭🇹

Wearing the flag not just on me, but within me. Honoring Haiti, always.

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#mothersdaywishes #happymothersday❤️❤️❤️ #haitianmothersday
Mother’s Day Reflection 💐 Today, I’m just Mother’s Day Reflection 💐

Today, I’m just sitting in gratitude for the blessing of experiencing motherhood. I may not be the perfect mom, but I’ve somehow been trusted with the greatest kids — and that’s more than enough.
They keep surprising me, making me proud, and showing me love in ways that melt my heart.

Last night, Aby told me that her friends always say she’s lucky to have a cool mom. I smiled and told her, “You make it so easy for me.” She looked at me and said, “I’m just grateful for the greatest mom.”

Who’s cutting onions? 😭💕

To every mom out there — whether by blood, by choice, or by love — Happy Mother’s Day. You’re doing more than you think, and you are appreciated more than you know. 💛

#MothersDay #GratefulHeart #MomLife #ProudMama #LaMoumousMoments
NEW BLOGPOST 🚨 🚨 🚨 The woman who sits lik NEW BLOGPOST 🚨 🚨 🚨 The woman who sits like this… has been through things.

She’s walked through fire, in heels and grace.
Now, she doesn’t dress to be seen — she dresses to honor who she’s become….

Check out the full post on the blog. Link in bio or www.lamoumous.com/bio

👜 👝 @luminescence_haiti 
😎 @beloptik 
📍 @do_kay_haiti 

📸 @eddy_p_photography 

Style is soul work.
And I’m here for every woman ready to reclaim her presence, one outfit at a time.

Ready when you are: info@lamoumous.com

#LaMoumousStyle #PowerInPresence #StyleWithDepth #stylecoach #personalshopper #imageconsultant #personalstylist
Chaque maman a son style… Et cette année, chez Chaque maman a son style… 
Et cette année, chez @glamurboutiquehaiti on le célèbre avec panache ✨
Edgy, dramatique, classique, flamboyante ou naturelle — il y a une tenue pour chaque vibe maternelle.

Dis-moi, laquelle te ressemble le plus ?

#FêteDesMères #LaMoumousStyle #PersonalStyling #WardrobeMagic #mothersdaystyle  #stylecoaching #personalshopper #personalstylist
Happy Haitian Flag Day! Mi figue, mi raisin… le Happy Haitian Flag Day!

Mi figue, mi raisin… le cœur en clair-obscur, mais l’âme toujours drapée de rouge et bleu. Nou pote drapo a nan je nou, menm lè tan an lou...
----
Bitter and sweet… my heart walks in shadows and light, but my soul remains draped in red and blue. We carry our flag in our eyes, even when the days feel heavy. 🇭🇹

Wearing the flag not just on me, but within me. Honoring Haiti, always.

Camera @frederickalexis (archives 2021 :-))

#HaitianPride #FlagDay #OurHopeLivesOn
Idées tenues pour l’été déjà disponible che Idées tenues pour l’été déjà disponible chez @glamurboutiquehaiti 

#personalstylist #stylecoach #personalshopper
🌸🌸🌸 Happy Mother’s Day to every kind of 🌸🌸🌸 Happy Mother’s Day to every kind of mama out there:  The biological, the adoptive, the spiritual, the selfless aunties, the grandmas, the big sisters, and all the women who pour love, strength, and wisdom into someone else’s life. Today, we honor your sacrifices, your sleepless nights, your quiet prayers, and your unconditional love. You are the heartbeat of the world. 💖

#mothersdaywishes #happymothersday❤️❤️❤️ #haitianmothersday
Mother’s Day Reflection 💐 Today, I’m just Mother’s Day Reflection 💐

Today, I’m just sitting in gratitude for the blessing of experiencing motherhood. I may not be the perfect mom, but I’ve somehow been trusted with the greatest kids — and that’s more than enough.
They keep surprising me, making me proud, and showing me love in ways that melt my heart.

Last night, Aby told me that her friends always say she’s lucky to have a cool mom. I smiled and told her, “You make it so easy for me.” She looked at me and said, “I’m just grateful for the greatest mom.”

Who’s cutting onions? 😭💕

To every mom out there — whether by blood, by choice, or by love — Happy Mother’s Day. You’re doing more than you think, and you are appreciated more than you know. 💛

#MothersDay #GratefulHeart #MomLife #ProudMama #LaMoumousMoments
NEW BLOGPOST 🚨 🚨 🚨 The woman who sits lik NEW BLOGPOST 🚨 🚨 🚨 The woman who sits like this… has been through things.

She’s walked through fire, in heels and grace.
Now, she doesn’t dress to be seen — she dresses to honor who she’s become….

Check out the full post on the blog. Link in bio or www.lamoumous.com/bio

👜 👝 @luminescence_haiti 
😎 @beloptik 
📍 @do_kay_haiti 

📸 @eddy_p_photography 

Style is soul work.
And I’m here for every woman ready to reclaim her presence, one outfit at a time.

Ready when you are: info@lamoumous.com

#LaMoumousStyle #PowerInPresence #StyleWithDepth #stylecoach #personalshopper #imageconsultant #personalstylist
Chaque maman a son style… Et cette année, chez Chaque maman a son style… 
Et cette année, chez @glamurboutiquehaiti on le célèbre avec panache ✨
Edgy, dramatique, classique, flamboyante ou naturelle — il y a une tenue pour chaque vibe maternelle.

Dis-moi, laquelle te ressemble le plus ?

#FêteDesMères #LaMoumousStyle #PersonalStyling #WardrobeMagic #mothersdaystyle  #stylecoaching #personalshopper #personalstylist
Happy Haitian Flag Day! Mi figue, mi raisin… le Happy Haitian Flag Day!

Mi figue, mi raisin… le cœur en clair-obscur, mais l’âme toujours drapée de rouge et bleu. Nou pote drapo a nan je nou, menm lè tan an lou...
----
Bitter and sweet… my heart walks in shadows and light, but my soul remains draped in red and blue. We carry our flag in our eyes, even when the days feel heavy. 🇭🇹

Wearing the flag not just on me, but within me. Honoring Haiti, always.

Camera @frederickalexis (archives 2021 :-))

#HaitianPride #FlagDay #OurHopeLivesOn

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