Tvättmärkningen

Tvättmärkningen, often referred to as care symbols or laundry symbols, is a standardized system of pictograms used on textile labels to indicate how a garment should be cleaned and cared for. These symbols provide essential information to consumers, helping them maintain the quality and longevity of their clothing and other textiles. The system is internationally recognized, though variations in specific design elements can exist between different regions and manufacturers.

The primary categories of symbols cover washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and professional cleaning. The washing symbol typically depicts a basin of water, with numbers indicating the maximum recommended water temperature and lines underneath suggesting the intensity of the washing cycle. A cross over the symbol signifies that the item should not be washed. Bleaching symbols use a triangle, with a plain triangle indicating any bleaching agent is permitted, while a triangle with diagonal lines suggests non-chlorine bleach only. Crosses over the triangle mean no bleaching.

Drying symbols often use a square, with a circle inside representing tumble drying. The number of dots within the circle indicates the heat setting, and a crossed-out circle means no tumble drying. For line drying, symbols might show straight or wavy lines within the square, representing hanging or drip drying, respectively. Ironing symbols are represented by an iron pictogram, with dots inside indicating the recommended heat level. Professional cleaning symbols, typically a circle, use letters within the circle to specify the type of cleaning agent suitable for the fabric, such as 'F' for solvent-based cleaning or 'W' for wet cleaning. Adhering to these instructions helps prevent damage, shrinkage, and color loss.