Dry Cleaning Symbols

How to read labels: dry cleaning

Knowing how to read the dry-cleaning symbols on labels is very important in order to understand when to seek the help of the laundry.

Dry Cleaning vs Water Washing

Fabrics cannot always be washed in water and some stains need more special treatment to be completely removed and leave no marks. In these cases, dry cleaning comes into play.

Dry Cleaning Symbols

The symbol indicating this type of washing is the circle, inside which the solvent that can be used to treat your garment is identified:

• Circle with letter F: with petroleum-based solvents of type R113, hydrocarbons and trichloroethane.
• Circle withletter P: with Perchloroethylene, a solvent normally in use.
• Circle with letter A: with all solvents.

Obviously, all these substances must be used with care, which is why it is necessary to go to a launderette or dry cleaner to carry out these types of treatment.

Conscious choice

However, knowing these labels can also be very useful before making a purchase, making your choice more conscious. In fact, by reading the label and recognising these symbols, you will be able to choose whether or not to buy a garment that requires dry cleaning or one that is easier to clean and requires less polluting and more delicate treatments.