What are some tips for understanding fabric care instructions?

The laundering symbols guide at TextileAffairs.com helps you understand fabric care instructions on clothes. The symbols relate to various aspects of fabric care, such as machine washing, dry cleaning and ironing.

The symbols may include instructions such as ideal washing temperatures. They may also be used to suggest a delicate wash or hand wash. Clothes that must be dry cleaned have a "do not wash" symbol.

Other symbols on the label indicate how the garment should be bleached, if at all, and dried. Some items are safe to tumble dry, while others must be dried flat, on a line or in the shade. Once the item is dry, the label provides further information on optimal ironing temperatures.