Understanding Fabric Care Icons

How to Read Care Labels for Custom-Printed Fabrics

Unlike your clothing, most custom-printed table covers and fabric display graphics do not come with standard care instructions. However, since our graphics are printed on 100% premium polyester fabric, using ubiquitous care instructions makes cleaning your custom fabric graphic products as easy as doing your laundry.

The graphic below shows a list of commonly recognized care icons that indicate various fabric cleaning methods. We have highlighted the icons we suggest for cleaning your dye sublimation printed graphics and displays. This guide will help you quickly identify the symbols in the attached image and understand how to care for your custom-printed fabric graphics. Proper maintenance keeps your presentations looking their best, extends the life of your graphics, and ensures they are always ready for use.

1. Washing Symbols

• Hand Wash Normal: A hand inside a washtub. Wash gently by hand.
• Machine Wash, Normal: A plain washtub symbol. Safe for a standard machine cycle.
• Machine Wash, Permanent Press: A washtub with a line underneath indicates a gentler spin and reduced wrinkles.
• Machine Wash, Gentle: A washtub with two lines underneath. Use the mildest cycle to protect custom printed fabric, embellishments, and fasteners.
• Do Not Wash: A washtub with an “X” over it. Avoid machine or hand washing.
• Temperature Indicators: A washtub with numbers (e.g., 30°C) or dots. Follow the indicated maximum temperature.
• Do Not Wring: A twisted symbol with an “X.” Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric to prevent damage.

2. Bleach Symbols

• Bleach: A triangle with no marking. You can use any bleach if needed.
• Do Not Bleach: A triangle with an “X.” Bleach is not allowed.
• Non-Chlorine Bleach: A triangle with two diagonal lines. Use only non-chlorine or oxygen-based bleaches.
• Chlorine Bleach: A triangle with “CL.” You may use chlorine bleach with care.

3. Drying Symbols

• Tumble Dry, Normal: A square with a circle inside. Normal dryer settings are fine.
• Heat Levels: One, two, or three dots indicate low, medium, or high heat.
• Tumble Dry, No Heat: A circle in a square labeled “No Heat.” Air-only drying.
• Do Not Tumble Dry: A crossed-out circle in a square. Use air drying instead.
• Line Dry / Shade Dry: A line inside or under a square. Hang dry; shaded when needed.
• Drip Dry / In Shade: Multiple vertical lines indicate drip drying.
• Dry Flat / In Shade: A horizontal line inside a square. Lay flat to maintain shape.
• Natural Dry: A blank square. Dry in open air.
• Do Not Dry: A square with an “X.” Avoid all drying methods.

4. Ironing Symbols

• Iron: Basic iron symbol. Standard setting is safe.
• Heat Levels: One to three dots indicate allowable heat levels.
• Do Not Iron: Iron with an “X.” Avoid ironing to prevent damage.
• Steam / Do Not Steam: Iron with steam lines or crossed-out steam. Follow accordingly to protect prints.

5. Dry Cleaning & Wet Cleaning Symbols

• Wet Clean: A “W” inside a circle. Indicates professional wet cleaning levels.
• Dry Clean: Plain circle or one with letters (A, P, F) for solvent types.
• Dry Clean, Any Solvent: Circle with “A.” All solvents acceptable.
• Petroleum Only: Circle with “F.” Use petroleum-based solvents.
• Exclude Trichloroethylene: Circle with “P.” Avoid trichloroethylene.
• Additional Instructions: Indicate gentle cycles, no steam, or temperature conditions.
• Do Not Dry Clean: Circle with an “X.” No solvent cleaning allowed.
• Do Not Wet Clean: “W” in a circle with an “X.” No professional wet cleaning.

Folding and Storing Custom-Printed Fabric Graphics

• Follow Existing Seams: Fold along natural bends and seams.
• Roll When Possible: Helps prevent creases and protects graphics.
• Combination Method: Fold then roll if needed to reduce wrinkles.
• Cool, Dry Storage: Store in a clean, shaded, and temperature-controlled area.

Understanding these icons will help you efficiently maintain your custom-printed polyester items. Proper washing, drying, and handling will ensure your graphics remain vibrant and professional, maximizing their longevity and keeping your presentations on point.