What does the “machine wash prohibited” icon mean (crossed out bowl of water): explanation and care recommendations, how to clean the item and not spoil it

Manufacturers place recommendations for the care of textile products on tags made of durable material. Deciphering the symbol on clothing labels in the form of a crossed out bowl of water (the “Do not wash in a washing machine” icon) is not difficult for the consumer, since the meaning of the picture is obvious. But not everyone understands how to clean such things. There are many nuances that must be taken into account when caring for products marked with a do-not-wash sign.

General information and recommendations

The type of symbols printed on clothing labels is determined by the international standard. That is, no matter in which country and by what brand the item was produced, the prohibited washing icon (as well as other symbols) always looks the same. In this case, it is a crossed out basin of water. Labels are placed in the side seams, in the neck area or next to the belt (if we are talking about trousers, skirts, leggings, leggings, etc.).

Things are marked with a symbol in the form of a crossed out basin for various reasons. For example, when the product is made of a material that cannot be exposed to large amounts of water (suede, nubuck, fur).

The second reason is that the fabric tolerates moisture, but machine washing is prohibited.This applies to items made of wool, natural silk, guipure, satin, cambric, cashmere and other delicate materials.

Items that are decorated with non-removable elements (beads, sequins, pendants) or have a complex cut and voluminous dimensions (ballroom and wedding dresses, carnival costumes, etc.) should not be machine washed.

When choosing a method for cleaning things marked with a crossed out basin, you need to focus on the reason for the ban. If the material does not tolerate moisture well, dry cleaning is allowed, and for items made of delicate fabrics, with decor or a complex cut, hand washing is acceptable, subject to a number of precautions. You can also turn to specialists for help.

Description of the icon and rules for caring for items that cannot be washed

In accordance with the rules, washing is indicated by a symbol in the form of a basin of water. If this cleaning method is allowed, the icon is supplemented with numbers indicating the recommended temperature. Items that cannot be sent to the machine are marked with a basin and the image of a palm. And diagonal lines crossing a container filled with water indicate that washing the product is prohibited and other methods must be used to remove dirt and stains.

Olga

Question to the expert

What can you do

The easiest, but most expensive way to clean a product marked with a “Do not machine wash” icon is to take it to the dry cleaner. But if this option does not suit you, you can find others.

Clothes that cannot tolerate moisture can be cleaned with a brush or purchased a dry wash kit. The main thing is to choose a kit that includes products approved for use on this type of material. By following the attached instructions, you can thoroughly clean the product yourself.

If wetting the fabric is not contraindicated, the item can be washed by hand, proceeding in the following sequence:

1. Dilute shavings of laundry soap, powder for delicate materials or washing gel in a bowl of cold(!) water, beat the foam.


2. “Drown” the item in the container so that the soap solution covers it completely, and leave for 2-3 minutes until completely wet.


3. Take the clothes out several times and put them back into the basin. If there are stains, gently rub them off with your fingers.


4. Rinse the product, changing the water several times until traces of powder are completely washed away.


5. Wrap the item in a terry towel and gently squeeze until water stops dripping from it.

Products made from materials subject to stretching are best dried on a horizontal surface. And things made from more durable fabrics can be hung on hangers.

What not to do

In order not to spoil clothes that the manufacturer prohibits from being washed in a machine, a number of restrictions must be taken into account:

• do not clean products made of suede, leather, fur, feathers and down using “wet” methods;


• When washing things by hand, use only cold water to avoid shrinkage;


• When removing stains, do not use hard brushes or products with aggressive ingredients;


• when doing push-ups, do not twist the material or apply large mechanical forces;


• dry clothes only naturally, away from heating devices and direct sunlight.

The result of violating the prohibitions can be shrinkage, loss of shape, the appearance of stains on clothing and damage to the fibers of the material, including the formation of holes.