wasinstructies

Wasinstructies are the guidelines that tell consumers how to wash, dry, and care for textiles. They are typically found on care labels sewn into garments or printed on packaging, and they aim to prevent damage such as shrinking, color fading, or fiber wear. The instructions can be presented as symbols, text, or a combination of both.

Care labels usually cover several areas: washing method, water temperature or heat setting, bleaching, drying, ironing, and professional cleaning. Symbols are standardized in many regions and are designed to be understood regardless of language. In addition to pictograms, some labels provide plain-language directions or warnings for delicate fabrics or special finishes.

Interpreting common care symbols: the washing symbol, often a tub or bucket, indicates whether the item can be machine washed or must be hand washed; the presence of dots or a number suggests the maximum temperature. A crossed-out tub means do not wash. Bleaching is shown with a triangle; a crossed triangle means no bleaching. Drying is represented by a square, sometimes with a circle inside for tumble drying; dots denote heat level, and a cross indicates not allowed. Ironing uses an iron symbol with one to three dots to show permitted temperatures; a cross means do not iron. Cleaning symbols use a circle, and additional letters or a W inside (such as P, F, or W) indicate specific professional cleaning methods or solvents.

Standardization and usage: ISO 3758 and related labeling standards guide the design of care symbols to promote consistent interpretation across brands and regions. While most textiles follow these standards, some items may include only text instructions or country-specific variations. Following wasinstructies helps extend garment life and conserve resources.