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What are the five basic shirt care labels?

  1. Washing instructions
  2. Bleaching instructions
  3. Drying instructions
  4. Ironing instructions
  5. Dry cleaning instructions

Overview

  • Care labels on shirts provide essential instructions for washing, drying, ironing, and bleaching, helping to maintain the garment’s quality.
  • The five basic shirt care labels include washing, drying, ironing, bleaching, and dry cleaning.

Have you ever wondered how to keep your favorite shirt looking its best? The answer lies in a small but important tag: the care label. This label acts as a guide, using symbols and words to tell you exactly how to wash, dry, iron, and even bleach (if safe) your shirt. By following these instructions, you can ensure your shirt stays looking sharp for a long time.

Don’t worry if your label is missing, this article will explain the five basic shirt care labels you’ll find on most shirts, so you can wash with confidence!

Washing Instructions

Washing Instructions

The washing symbol resembles a side profile of a tub with waves indicating water. It’s essential for proper shirt cleaning. When doing laundry, look out for these three possible details in the washing symbol:

One of the tips and tricks for laundry is water temperature. Cold water is always the safest temperature but it does depend on the fabric of your shirt.

Bleaching Instructions

Shirt stains are inevitable, but your laundry tag can help. The bleaching symbol (180-degree shape of a triangle), indicates whether bleach can be used and how to care for your fabric, as bleach can be quite strong.

If you’re hesitant about the bleach you have at home, you can try homemade solutions. Maybe the simple vinegar, baking soda, and lemon mixture can do the trick!

Drying Instructions

It is normal for Filipino households to make this step easy. The sun is always a friend to our drying needs in this tropical country. But during wet seasons, looking at your care labels is essential.

The drying symbol looks like a square with a circle inside, representing a simplified dryer. However, there are various symbols for drying, detailed as follows:

Tumble drying and wringing can stretch certain fabrics. Being more gentle with delicate pieces is best in your drying routine.

Ironing Instructions

Ironing Instructions

Sometimes we often make a fuss about looking sleek. But not all fabrics are meant to be ironed or steamed. For fabrics like spandex and lycra, high temperatures are a no-go. They can melt under your iron leaving a big hole!

If you’re thinking of ironing your shirt, look out for the ironing symbol. It looks like what it is exactly– an iron! The instructions usually talk about the temperature level.

Ironing can be a frustrating chore. But you can avoid this by choosing wrinkle-free shirts!

Dry Cleaning Instructions

If professional care is recommended, it will be indicated in the dry cleaning instructions, usually located near the washing symbols.

The dry cleaning symbol is a square with a circle inside, but the circle is smaller than the drying symbol. Sometimes, this symbol is accompanied by a letter, which is intended for professionals and specifies the type of solvent they should use.

Key Takeaway

The five basic shirt care labels are essential for maintaining the quality of your shirts. They provide simple guidelines to ensure your shirts last longer. Following these instructions will help preserve your favorite fabrics.

At Lifeline, we offer shirts designed for hundreds of wears, not just a one-time outfit. Our versatile shirts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an office barbecue, a playdate with your kids, or a romantic date. Don’t be embarrassed about repeating outfits—it’s a sign of confidence. Visit us today and contact us with any inquiries!

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