Guide to washing labels and tricks to wash clothes

On their labels, all garments include their own particular washing instructions to show you how to 'treat' them so they stay in good condition. It is worth reading each symbol so that you can provide the right care and so you can enjoy your clothes for longer.

The Symbols

1) Washing

The bucket of water: Indicates the recommended type of washing: machine washing (the recommended temperature will appear in degrees), by hand (a drawing of a hand will appear on the bucket) or if dry cleaning is required (the bucket will appear crossed out).

The triangle: Tells you whether or not you can use bleach or whiteners on the garment. If the triangle is crossed out, it means you should not use bleach.

2) Drying

The square: This icon indicates how the garment should be dried: hung (3 vertical lines), horizontal on a table (horizontal line) and even if it has to be dried in the shade (shaded corner).

The square with a circle inside: Indicates whether the garment can be tumble-dried or not (if not, it will be crossed out). It will indicate the ideal temperature represented with up to 3 points (one point, low temperature; two points, medium; three points, high temperature)

3) Ironing

The iron: Indicates the temperature at which the garment should be ironed (by means of small dots, from lower to higher temperature). If it is crossed out, that garment should not be ironed; if the cross appears below, it means that you should not use steam.

Practical Advice

And if you are one of those people who always cuts out the label before wearing a new garment, follow these practical tips for washing according to each fabric.

• Cotton: The 30º programme is perfect, but don't forget that dark or coloured garments will fade in the first wash. Wash them separately to avoid problems, or use colour capture sheets. If you use hot water, you will end up with a garment which is a few sizes smaller.
• Synthetics: Polyester, lycra and similar materials are always washed in cold water. They do not fade and fit perfectly with the garments in the previous section so you can wash them together and easily save light and water.
• Wool: Requires cold water. The 30ºC programme is ideal so you could combine cotton, acrylic and wool in one wash.
• Silk: This material is as beautiful as it is complex to handle, especially if it's mixed with something else. The washing of delicate garments can be ideal as long as it is with cold water. However, dry the garment by hanging it on a hanger in the shade and avoid wringing it by hand to extend its useful life.

And to maintain the softness and elasticity of your garments remember to add a little softener to the last rinse.