Q3: Care Labels

Question 1

Care labelling

Answer 1

Most textiles now have care instructions on a label. The South African Bureau of Standards has published a textile care labelling code based on the international care symbols.
The care labelling symbols were designed to standardise care instructions. The care label attached to an article does not only depend on the fibre or combination of fibres used, but also on the dyes and finishes applied to the fabric.

Question 2

Wash tub:

Answer 2

the washing process

Question 3

Triangle:

Answer 3

chlorine bleaching

Question 4

Iron:

Answer 4

ironing

Question 5

Circle:

Answer 5

dry-cleaning

Question 6

Square:

Answer 6

drying

Question 7

Washing

Answer 7

Hand wash only

Do not wash

95° C Wash in very hot water, that is, water heated to near boiling point

60° C Wash in hot water, hotter than the hand can bear. This is the temperature of the water from many domestic hot water taps

50° C Wash in hand hot water, as hot as the hand can bear

40° C Wash in water pleasantly warm to the hand

Question 8

Bleach

Answer 8

This symbol means that an ordinary household chlorine bleach such as Jik, Ace or Javel may be used.

A bleach should not be used.

Question 9

Iron

Answer 9

Iron with a cool iron – 120° C.

Iron with a warm iron – 160° C.

Iron with a hot iron – 210° C.

Do not iron.

Question 10

Dry Cleaning

Answer 10

Can be dry-cleaned. The letter in the circle refers to the solvent that may be used. This is important information for the dry- cleaner, not to the consumer.

Do not dry-clean.

Question 11

Drying

Answer 11

Can be tumble-dried.

Do not tumble-dry.

Hang to dry.

Hang soaking wet to drip-dry.

Dry on a flat surface.

Question 12

White cotton or linen with- out special finishes

Answer 12

Sheets, napkins, towels

Symbols

Question 13

Cotton, linen or rayon colour-fast at 60° C

Answer 13

Sheets, tablecloths, towels, dresses, shorts, under- wear, nightwear

Question 14

Nylon, cotton/nylon, cotton/polyester, polyester, polyester/rayon, cotton, linen or rayon with special finishes

Answer 14

Various garments and household items; drip-dry items

Question 15

Acrylic, acrylic/cotton, acrylic/nylon, acetates

Answer 15

Various garments and household items; knitwear, curtains

Question 16

Machine-washable wool- lens, wool mixtures with cotton or rayon, silks

Answer 16

Blankets, knitwear

Question 17

Hand-washable woollens, wool blends

Answer 17

Hand-knits, delicate items, lace

Question 18

Essentially dry-cleanable materials and composites, often with linings and interlinings

Answer 18

Suits, costumes, blazers overcoats; lined curtains

Question 19

Special fabrics and garments

Answer 19

Swimsuits, girdles, nylon hosiery, glass fibre cur- tains, plastic lined baby waterproofs