Care labels on towels and bedding
Short answer: The care label on towels and bedding tells you how hot you may wash, whether you may tumble dry and how to iron. The number in the wash tub is the highest temperature, and the symbols follow a common standard. Read the label before you wash for the first time.
Where to find the care label
The care label usually sits on a small tag in a seam or along the edge, and it uses symbols instead of text. On bedding you often find it in the corner of the cover, and on towels at the edge. Write the details down if the tag wears out, so you can remember them.
The number in the wash tub
The symbol with a tub and a number shows the highest temperature in degrees at which you may wash. A 40 therefore means 40 degrees at most, and you may also wash colder. Bars under the tub mean a gentle programme, and more bars mean an even gentler wash.
Can it go in the tumble dryer
A square with a circle means you may tumble dry, and one or two dots show how hot it may be. If the symbol is crossed out, you must hang the item to dry. Viscose can be more sensitive to heat than other materials, so low heat or drying on an airer is often the safe way.
Bleaching and ironing
A triangle shows whether you may use bleach, and crossed out means no. The iron shows how hot you may iron, with dots for the heat, and a crossed out iron means you must not iron. If you follow the symbols, you protect both colours and fabric.
Towels and care labels
Towels often tolerate a higher temperature than other washing, but always follow the label. Look at bamboo towels, where you can read the material and the instruction on each product. Bamboo in textiles is viscose made from bamboo, so use a gentle amount of detergent and skip fabric softener if you want to keep the softness.
Bedding and care labels
Bedding is washed often, so the instruction matters a lot. Look at bamboo bedding and read the instruction on the label before you choose a programme. Turn the cover inside out, close zips and buttons, and do not overfill the machine, so the bedding can move freely.
How to sort the wash
Wash bedding and towels separately, so lint and heavy fabrics do not wear on each other. Sort by colour and temperature, and do not put light and dark items together. If you want to add sleepwear to the same wash, look at bamboo Night Shorts for Women and read the instruction on their label.
When the label is gone
If the label has worn off or been cut out, choose the mildest option: 30 degrees, a gentle programme and air drying. That is a safe rule of thumb when you are in doubt. Read the product description on the shop page, or ask customer service if you want to be completely sure.
Frequently asked questions
What does the number in the wash tub mean?
It is the highest temperature at which you may wash. You can always wash at a lower temperature, but not at a higher one.
May I tumble dry towels and bedding?
Only if the label shows a square with a circle that is not crossed out. If you are unsure, hang the items to dry or use low heat.
What should I do if the care label is gone?
Choose 30 degrees, a gentle programme and air drying, and avoid bleach. That is the safest option when you cannot read the label.
