EN-promoguide-web (MP)

TIPS & FACTS (washing advice label)

The washing label always contains important information about the textile composition and care. Therefore, always consult the label before washing. Everyone knows them but what do these symbols actually mean? If you follow the instructions you will keep your clothing in the best condition possible. Washing at the right temperature is always important.

WASHING The symbol that looks like a washtub tells you two things: • The maximum wash temperature for the garment. • The correct wash programme for the garment, indicated with: no, one or two lines under the symbol.

Maximum wash temperature 30 °C. No line under the washtub means the garment is suitable for regular main wash (non-wrinkle-resistant items), provided it is washed at the indicated temperature. Maximum wash temperature 40 °C. One line under the washtub means the garment is suitable for the synthetics cycle (anti-crease programme), provided it is washed at the indicated temperature. Maximum wash temperature 60 °C. Two lines under the washtub mean the garment is suitable for wool wash (minimum spin speed), provided it is washed at the indicated temperature.

A hand in the washtub means the garment is only suitable for a quick hand wash.

A cross through the washtub means: do not wash or soak.

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PRINTED TEXTILE

To keep designs beautiful it is strongly advised to wash and iron a printed or otherwise edited garment inside out.

MOST OCCURRING PROBLEMS • Shrinkage: mainly caused by overspeed or by washing, drying or ironing too hot. Never wash or iron too hot and always follow the prescribed care. Cotton in particular has a tendency to ‘shrink wet’, i.e. the fibres absorb water and become shorter and thicker. The remedy is to pull the garment back into shape while still wet (possibly also carefully shake). • Pilling: because of rubbing and lack of regular maintenance, pills appear on the surface. Remove carefully with a small brush.

• Faded aspect: the sun has an irreversible adverse effect. Avoid leaving clothing in direct sunlight and follow all other instructions.

• Stains: only wash garments with like colours. Never let wet clothes come into prolonged contact with each other.

STAIN REMOVAL The majority of stains disappear by soaking in cold water if the material is washable. However, you have to react very quickly. Never use warm water because the heat will set the stain. Lay the stain on a piece of fabric or blotting paper. To avoid rings, keep treating the surface around the stain before treating the stain. This is to avoid the stain from spreading over the garment.