Decoding Care Labels

Laura Dizon • December 30, 2013

Are you at a loss for words when it comes to reading the care label on the inside of your favorite sweater or shirt? A lot of people have this trouble! With so many symbols printed on a small piece of fabric to make sense of, taking the best care of your clothes can be hard.

 

Our job here at Pilgrim Cleaners is helping you look your best. So, we are lending a hand and decoding these clothing care label symbols for your convenience.

 

Here is a little care label history for you…

 

In 1997, the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) required manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments. The FTC came up with symbols that could be used in place of words on labels. The universal symbols were developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and are used by the detergent, textile, apparel, and appliance industries around the world.

 

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