It can be very important to follow the recommendations on your clothing tags. Here is a guide to help you interpret the apparel and textile care symbols (from the Canadian General Standards Board).

WASHING SYMBOLS

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 95 C, at normal setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 95 C, at permanent press setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 70 C, at normal setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 60 C, at normal setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 60 C, at permanent press setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 50 C, at normal setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 50 C, at permanent press setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 50 C, at delicate/gentle setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 40 C, at normal setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 40 C, at permanent press setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 40 C, at delicate/gentle setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 30 C, at normal setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 30 C, at permanent press setting.

Wash in commercial machine in water not exceeding 30 C, at delicate/gentle setting.

Wash gently by hand in water not exceeding 40 C.

Wash gently by hand in water not exceeding 30 C.

Wash in any domestic or commercial machine at any temperature, at normal setting.

Do not wash.

BLEACHING SYMBOLS

Use any bleach when needed.

Do not bleach.

Use only non-chlorine bleach
when needed.

DRYING SYMBOLS

Tumble dry at high heat
(not exceeding 75 C)
at normal setting.

Tumble dry at medium heat
(not exceeding 65 C)
at normal setting.

Tumble dry at medium
heat (not exceeding 65 C)
at permanent press setting.

Tumble dry at low heat
(not exceeding 55 C) at
permanent press setting.

Tumble dry at low heat
(not exceeding 55 C)
at delicate setting.

Tumble dry at any heat.

Tumble dry no heat/air dry.

Do not tumble dry.

After extraction
of excess water,
line dry/hang to dry.

Hang up the
soaking wet article
to “drip” dry.

After extraction
of excess water,
dry the article on a
suitable flat surface.

Dry in the shade
(symbol added to line dry,
drip dry, or dry flat).

Do not dry.
(To be used with
“Do not wash” symbol).

IRONING/PRESSING SYMBOLS

Iron with or without steam
by hand, or press on
commercial equipment,
at a high temperature
(not exceeding 200 C).

Recommended temperature for
cotton and linen textiles.

Iron with or without steam
by hand, or press on
commercial equipment,
at a medium temperature
(not exceeding 150 C).

Recommended temperature
for polyester, rayon, silk,
triacetate and wool textiles.

Iron with or without steam
by hand, or press on
commercial equipment,
at a low temperature
(not exceeding 110 C).

Recommended temperature
for acetate, acrylic, modacrylic,
nylon, polypropylene, and
spandex textiles.

Do not steam.

Do not iron or press.

PROFESSIONAL CARE SYMBOLS

Dry-clean, normal cycle.
Any solvent except trichloroethylene.

Dry-clean, normal cycle.
Petroleum solvent only.

Do not dry-clean.

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