Washing
This symbol indicates whether domestic washing is possible and applies both to hand and machine washes.
The numbersin the wash tub specify the maximum washing temperatures in degrees celsius which must not be exceeded.
One bar below the wash tub characterises a milder cycle with reduced mechanical action (e.g. mild washing process). The bar identifies washing cycles which are particularly suitable for “easy-care” and mechanically sensitive articles. The double bar describes a very mild washing cycle (e.g. woollens).
z
Do not wash. Articles marked in this way must not be washed. They may be sensitive to any kind of wet treatment or be unsuitable for washing in a domestic washing machine because of their size.
C
Hand wash ambient temperature . Hand wash at a water ambient temperature between around 20 to 30°C. First dissolve a fine detergent in plenty of water. Allow the textiles to float in the solution and agitate carefully. Do not rub, pull and wring out. Then rinse the textiles well, press the superfluous water out very carefully and pull into shape. Treat coloured and sensitive pieces rapidly and do not leave lying in the wet state.
t
Hand wash (at 40°C). Hand wash at a water temperature at a maximum of 40° C. First dissolve a fine detergent in plenty of water. Allow the textiles to float in the solution and agitate carefully. Do not rub, pull and wring out. Then rinse the textiles well, press the superfluous water out carefully and pull into shape. Treat coloured and sensitive pieces rapidly and do not leave lying in the wet state.
r
30°C very mild fine wash. Articles made, e.g. of machine-washable wool. This washing cycle ensures a much reduced mechanical treatment. Select an appropriate washing program. Reduce the quantity of laundry substantially.
e
30°C mild fine wash. For articles, e.g. in modal, viscose, polyacryl, polyester and polyamide. Reduce the quantity of laundry. Select an appropriate washing program. Avoid spinning or do spin for short periods only to minimise the risk of creasing.
w
30°C fine wash. Washing cycle, e.g. for dark coloured articles in cotton, polyester, mixed fabrics etc. Select an appropriate washing program.
q
40°C very mild wash. For articles e.g. in machine-washable wool. This washing cycle ensures a much reduced mechanical treatment. Reduce the quantity of laundry substantially. The drum should be not more than on-third full. Select an appropriate washing program.
9
40°C mild wash. Fine laundry, e.g. in modal, viscose, synthetic fibres (polyacryl, polyester and polyamide). Reduce the quantity of laundry. Select a suitable washing program. Prewash only heavily soiled textiles. Avoid spinning or do spin for short periods only to minimise the risk of creasing.
8
40°C coloured wash. Washing cycle e.g. for dark coloured articles made of cotton, polyester, mixed fabrics etc.
4
60°C coloured wash. Coloured articles which must not be washed at boiling temperature e.g. made of cotton, modal, polyester and mixed fabrics.
5
60°C coloured wash. “Easy care” coloured wash: reduce the quantity of laundry. The drum must not be more than two-thirds full. Set the appropriate washing program (careful wash). Prewash only if the textiles are heavily soiled. Avoid spinning or do spin for short periods only to minimise the risk of creasing.
3
70°C boil wash. Articles e.g. in cotton or linen, white, suitable for boiling, dyed or printed. Fill the drum completely. Set an appropriate washing program (normal washing cycle). Pretreat stubborn stains. Energy-saving method.
2
95°C boil wash. Articles e.g. in cotton or linen, white, suitable for boiling, dyed or printed. Fill the drum completely. Set an appropriate washing program (normal washing cycle). Pretreat stubborn stains.
Bleaching
The triangle indicates whether the article may or may not be bleached.
i
Only oxygen bleach allowed. The triangle with two oblique lines indicates that oxygen bleach (contained in universal detergents) is permitted but not chlorine bleach.
u
Any bleach allowed. The empty triangle is the symbol for chlorine and oxygen bleach.
o
Do not bleach. The triangle with a diagonal cross (St. Andrews Cross) indicates that bleaching is not allowed. Use only bleach-free detergent.
Drying
Tumble drying
The square is the symbol of the drying process. The circle in the square is a reference to tumble drying.
The dots in the dryer drum indicate the severity of the to temperature of the tumble drying process.
In the absence of a tumble dry symbol, the symbols for washing and ironing give indications as to drying. The more intensive the permitted method of treatment, the simpler drying will be; the lower the washing and ironing processes, the more caution is necessary when drying. The program text does not at present permit a clear determination for all appliances as to which textiles are suitable for tumble drying (household appliance).
Natural drying
The symbol containing horizontal or vertical line(s) in the square indicate the natural drying process, line drying, drip line drying, flat drying, drip flat drying. The oblique line symbolizes the respective natural drying process to be carried out in the shade.
x
Drip flat drying in the shade. e.g. woolen jackets
l
Drip line drying in the shade e.g. delicate textiles like silk
y
Flat drying in the shade. e.g. woolen or delicate textiles
j
Drip flat drying e.g. colourfast but delicate textiles
k
Line drying in the shade. e.g. textiles which are not colourfast (silk)
h
Flat drying. e.g. heavy, colourfast textiles
f
Line drying. e.g. all colourfast textiles
g
Drip line drying. e.g. colourfast, large textiles to dry them without wrinkles.
p
Natural drying. The symbol containing horizontal or vertical line ( s ) in the square indicate the natural drying process, line drying, drip line drying, flat drying, drip flat drying. The oblique line symbolizes the respective natural drying process to be carried out in the shade.
a
Normal drying process. Drying in the tumbler is possible under normal load and temperature (80°) without limitations.
s
Mild drying processes. Caution is appropriate when tumble drying. Select mild process with reduced thermal action (temperature (60°), duration of treatment).
J
Tumble drying The square is the symbol of the drying process. The circle in the square is a reference to tumble drying. The dots in the dryer drum indicate the severity of the to temperature of the tumble drying process.
d
Do not tumble dry Articles unsuitable for tumble drying.
Ironing
The dots indicate the temperature ranges for ironing (regulator, steam, travel irons and ironing machines).
The maximum temperature must be selected solely on the basis of the care label and not according to the fibre content of a textile article.
If no care label is provided, it is preferable to be guided by the number of dots rather than the fibre content. Caution is also appropriate when the fabrics have embossed effects or applications (note the care label).
However, some articles must not be ironed.
m
Do not iron. Irreversible changes must be expected if an iron is used.
B
Iron at low temperature without steam. Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 120 °C without steam. Corresponding to the “Polyacryl, polyamide (nylon), acetate” setting: if necessary, shiny or pressure-sensitive pieces should be ironed with a press cloth or inside out.
n
Iron at low temperature. Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 120 °C. Corresponding to the “Polyacryl, polyamide (nylon), acetate” setting: if necessary, shiny or pressure-sensitive pieces should be ironed with a press cloth or inside out. Steam iron may cause irreversible damage
b
Iron at moderate temperature. Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 160 °C. Corresponding to the “wool/silk/polyester/viscose” setting: iron under a moderately moist intermediate cloth. A steam iron can be used. Avoid heavy pressure.
v
Hot Iron. Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 210 °C. Corresponding to the “Cotton/linen” setting; iron whilst damp; treat and if necessary moisten; shiny or pressure-sensitive pieces should be ironed with press cloth or ironed inside out. A steam iron may be used.
Professional Care
The symbol gives information on the possibility of professional dry- or wet-cleaning. The circle symbolizes the dry-cleaning and wet-cleaning process for textile articles carried out by professionals. It provides information different cleaning processes.
A
Do not wet-clean. No professional wet-cleaning allowed.
P
Very mild professional wet-cleaning. Wet cleaning techniques for very sensitive textiles with much reduced mechanical action.
O
Mild professional wet-cleaning. Wet cleaning technique for sensitive textiles with reduced mechanical action.
I
Professional wet-cleaning. Normal wet cleaning methods with no restrictions.
Q
Wet-cleaning The symbol for wet cleaning is used for articles which may be treated in water by a professional wet-cleaning process. The requirements placed on the professional equipment, the aids used and the finishing methods cannot be achieved in household washing machines. The following symbols appear (if they are used) immediately below the dry cleaning symbol.
U
Do not dry-clean. No professional dry-cleaning allowed. Do not use stain removers which contain solvents.
Z
Professional dry-cleaning in: hydrocarbons (heavy benzines). Mild cleaning process with stringent limitation of added humidity and/or mechanical action and/or temperature. Commercial stain removers on a solvent base may not be used.
T
Professional dry-cleaning in: hydrocarbons (heavy benzines). Normal cleaning process with no limitations. Commercial stain removers on a solvent base may not be used.
E
Professional dry-cleaning in: perchloroethylene, hydrocarbons (heavy benzines). Mild cleaning process with stringent limitation of added humidity and/or mechanical action and/or temperature. Commercial stain removers on a solvent base may be used with some restrictions. A trial on a concealed part of the article is advisable beforehand.
W
Professional dry-cleaning in: perchloroethylene, hydrocarbons (heavy benzines). Normal cleaning process with no restrictions. Commercial stain removers on a solvent base may be used with some restrictions. A trial on a concealed part of the article is advisable beforehand.
Q
Dry-cleaning The letters within the circle are intended for professional textile cleaners. They give information on the solvents that can be used during the cleaning process. The bar below the circle indicates that certain limitations in the dry-cleaning process are required. These may concern mechanical action, addition of moisture, and/or drying temperature. When choosing the cleaning process, the professional textile cleaner must also take into account the nature of the textile materials and the degree of soiling (normal/mild process).
