How to read garments care labels

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.

Hand wash at a water temperature between 30° C and a maximum of 40° C, depending on the particular article. 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.

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.

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.

Washing cycle, e.g. for dark coloured articles in cotton, polyester, mixed fabrics etc. Select an appropriate washing program.

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.

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.

Washing cycle e.g. for dark coloured articles made of cotton, polyester, mixed fabrics etc.

“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.

Coloured articles which must not be washed at boiling temperature e.g. made of cotton, modal, polyester and mixed fabrics.

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.

e.g. woolen jackets

e.g. delicate textiles like silk

e.g. woolen or delicate textiles

e.g. colourfast but delicate textiles

e.g. textiles which are not colourfast (silk)

e.g. heavy, colourfast textiles

e.g. all colourfast textiles

e.g. colourfast, large textiles to dry them without wrinkles.

Drying in the tumbler is possible under normal load and temperature (80°) without limitations.

Caution is appropriate when tumble drying. Select mild process with reduced thermal action (temperature, duration of treatment).

Articles unsuitable for tumble drying.

Irreversible changes must be expected if an iron is used.

Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 110 °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. Caution when using steam irons (as a rule, work without steam).

Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 150 °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.

Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 200 °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.

No professional wet-cleaning allowed.

Wet cleaning techniques for very sensitive textiles with much reduced mechanical action.

Wet cleaning technique for sensitive textiles with reduced mechanical action.

Normal wet cleaning methods with no restrictions.

No professional dry-cleaning allowed. Do not use stain removers which contain solvents.

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.

Normal cleaning process with no limitations. Commercial stain removers on a solvent base may not be used.

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.

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.

The triangle with two oblique lines indicates that oxygen bleach (contained in universal detergents) is permitted but not chlorine bleach.

The empty triangle is the symbol for chlorine and oxygen bleach.

The triangle with a diagonal cross (St. Andrews Cross) indicates that bleaching is not allowed. Use only bleach-free detergent.