Clothing care: meaning of clothing label symbols

Clothes are an investment, and we want them to last. That’s why it’s essential to take proper care of your clothes so that they last as long as possible. In addition, a significant part of the environmental impact of your clothes depends on your washing habits.

In this article, we will tell you what each label symbol means and give you some tips on how to care for your clothes to make them last longer:

Care labels and how to read them

Following the label instructions is essential to prolong the garment’s life. However, different brands may use various symbols, varying from country to country. Our easy-to-use guide will help you simplify these cryptic codes – laundry doesn’t have to be a chore!

Clothing care labels laundry cosh — Fuente: Loved Clothes Last

Washing symbols

From heat level symbols to how to wash delicate laundry, here we explain each symbol:

What do 30, 40, 50 and 60 in the laundry symbols mean?

The numbers inside the bucket signify the maximum degree to which the garment can be washed.

Drying symbols

There are also symbols related to the drying process. If you cannot hang the laundry to air dry, here we explain the symbols corresponding to the use of the tumble dryer:

Ironing symbols

Ironing day? Here are the ironing symbols and their meanings.

Dry cleaning symbols

If you need professional help when cleaning, these circular symbols are easy to follow for dry cleaning:

An A means they can use any solvent, an F means any solvent except trichloroethylene, and a P indicates they should use petroleum solvents only.

Easy tips for washing clothes

Use more, wash less: Often, the urge to wash clothes after each use is more a matter of routine than necessity. Sometimes, just airing it out and shaking it out is enough to put it back on.
Fill your washing machine: Wait until you have a lot of laundry to wash rather than doing many small washes to reduce water and energy consumption in the laundry. However, be careful not to overload it, as heavy loads can damage the laundry and cause a lousy wash.
Use organic products: Choose environmentally friendly detergents and avoid excessive amounts. An overdose will not affect the cleanliness of your clothes. Fabric softeners are very popular, but be aware that chemical fabric softeners can damage the garment and the environment. If necessary, use environmentally friendly fabric softeners.
Use anti-microplastic wash bags: Garments made from synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, release microplastics during washing. To prevent these microplastics from polluting our oceans, it is advisable to use anti-microplastic laundry bags, such as the GUPPYFRIEND bag, in every wash.
Classify and optimise: Different types of laundry have different needs, so it is essential to sort the laundry according to these needs. Sort by colour, but also by type of garment (e.g., work clothes and delicates) or wash temperature (e.g., warm and cold). Prevent garments from damaging each other in the washing machine by emptying pockets and closing zips.
Avoid dry cleaning: Except for outerwear with insulating materials in the lining, we do not recommend dry cleaning. Instead, air dry and spot clean at home to save energy and materials. If you do need to dry clean, look for environmentally friendly dry cleaners that use alternative methods such as CO2 or water as the main solvent.
Avoid tumble drying, air dry: Not using the tumble dryer is probably the most important choice, both from an environmental point of view and to keep garments in good condition. Air drying is always the best option!
Steam instead of ironing: Depending on the fabric, some materials crease more than others. When necessary, choose steam rather than ironing, as it is gentler on the fabric’s fibres. You can also find a programme on your washing machine that helps to reduce creasing and avoid over-spinning your clothes so they don’t get over-wrinkled.