Fabric Care and Wash Label Quiz: Symbols, Silk, Zari and More

The five care label symbols

• Wash tub: washing. Dots or a number inside give the maximum temperature; a hand in the tub means hand wash only.
• Triangle: bleaching. A crossed-out triangle means do not bleach.
• Square: drying. A circle inside the square means tumble drying.
• Iron: ironing. One dot is low heat, two medium, three high.
• Circle: professional cleaning such as dry cleaning.

A cross over any symbol means "do not".

Washing tips by fabric

• Rayon (viscose) is weaker when wet: wash gently in cold water and do not wring.
• Dark and bright colours may bleed in the first washes: wash them separately.
• Polyester needs a low iron setting; too much heat can melt or shine it.
• Dry dark colours in the shade, as strong sun fades them.

Silk and zari sarees

• Dry clean heavy silk and zari work.
• Store them wrapped in soft cotton or muslin cloth rather than plastic, so they can breathe.
• Refold every few months along different lines, so the fabric and zari do not crack or tear along the folds.

Why sellers should care

Adding clear care instructions to the product page, tag or bill reduces complaints like "colour ran" or "shrank after washing". Add care details to every listing on your website.