Care Labels

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires garment manufacturers to attach a label providing directions for at least one safe method of care. The care label must be easy to find, permanently attached, and remain legible throughout the life of the garment. The manufacturer must have a reason for the recommended care instructions and must warn about any part of the recommended care method that would harm the garment or other garments being drycleaned or laundered with it. Labels must also warn when there is no method for cleaning without causing damage; these typically read: Do Not Wash, Do Not Dry Clean.

The Care Label Rule covers all textile clothing except hats, gloves, socks, footwear, and reversible garments. It does not cover suede and leather garments, and household items, such as linens, draperies, and upholstered furniture.

American Care Symbols

The Care Label Rule allows the use of an American care symbol system. The care symbols may appear with or in place of written instructions on the care label. Care symbols and instructions vary from country to country but the American system will at least give you a clue as to whether the item can be laundered or drycleaned.

Common Care Label Terms and What They Mean

DRY CLEAN: Any drycleaning process can be used and that process may include moisture, tumble drying up to 160°F and pressing by steam or steam-air procedures.

PROFESSIONALLY DRY CLEAN: The item must be cleaned by a professional drycleaner and the normal drycleaning process must be altered so the garment is not damaged. There are a variety of ways the drycleaning process can be altered so the care label must also give specific instructions on this as well.

SPOT CLEAN ONLY: The only thing that can be done to the garment is stain removal. If the garment is either drycleaned or laundered damage may result.

HAND WASH: This is a gentle soaking process that is usually performed in a sink or small bucket. This process has very limited agitation by hand, and is safe for sensitive fabrics, garments, and trim.

MACHINE WASH: This instruction indicates the use of either a commercial or home washer. The type of cycle may be specified, such as a gentle cycle. Other information may include specific wash temperatures, bleaches that can or cannot be used, and drying requirements.

BLEACH: Care labels on washable garments will usually indicate if bleach can be used, and if so, which type of bleach is appropriate. Common label terms include "Do Not Bleach" or "Non-Chlorine Bleach Only" or "Bleach When Necessary". If the type of bleach is not specified, any type of bleach may be used.

TUMBLE DRY: Most garments have label instructions that recommend tumble or machine drying. The temperatures recommended for home drying include low, medium, durable or permanent press, hot, and no heat. If no temperature is recommended on the care label, the garment can be tumbled in a hot dryer.

LINE AND DRIP DRY: This instruction means that the garment should be placed on a clothesline or hanger when removed from the washing machine. If a garment is heat sensitive, the care label may recommend "Line Dry Away from Heat."

DRY FLAT: This instruction is usually found on garments such as sweaters that are susceptible to stretching when wet. Placing the garment on a cotton towel to absorb the moisture as it dries is one acceptable method; another is a drying rack with an open grid that allows the garment to lay flat and air to circulate underneath which comes with many dryers.

IRON: If ironing is recommended, iron settings or temperatures are usually provided. The temperature settings may include "cool/low iron", "warm/medium iron", or "hot iron". Other instructions may include "iron on the wrong side only", "steam", "do not steam", "iron damp" or "use a press cloth" (usually an old towel). If no iron temperature is provided, the garment should be able to withstand ironing at the highest temperature setting.

Does "Washable" Mean it Drycleanable and Vica Versa?

It may or may not. The manufacturer is only required to list one method of safe care no matter how many other methods also could be used safely. And they do not have to warn if other methods would damage the garment.

The guesswork would be eliminated if the FTC adopted labeling that required the manufacturer to inform consumers of all satisfactory care methods. Many European countries have this type of care labeling system.

Using a Different Care Method Than What's on the Label

If a different method is used, there is some risk. Your drycleaner may at times suggest an alternative method based on their knowledge and skill or the type of soil or stains on a garment. Or you may request a different method for a variety of reasons. Either way you should discuss it with your drycleaner and they may ask you to sign a release from responsibility form.

If There is No Care Label

All garments sold in the U.S. must have a care label-and appropriate care labels must be made available to some one purchasing fabric to sew their own clothes. Consumers may remove care labels but this entails some risk since required information or warnings regarding proper care are no longer available.

What if a Problem Develops Even After the Care Label is Followed?

If the garment is damaged or ruined at home even though the care instructions were followed, you should return the garment to the retailer for a credit. If the retailer is not helpful, you may wish to contact your local BBB or consumer protection office. Additionally, you may be able to find the phone number for the manufacturer on the Internet.

If the garment is damaged at the cleaners, speak with the manager or owner. If the cleaner did not follow the care instructions, they have a responsibility for the damage. If they did follow the care label, they may offer a settlement if you are a regular customer-or they may be able to work with you to get a settlement from the retailer.

Some of the information you may need to make the contact with the retailer go more smoothly:

• Approximately when the garment was purchased.
• An estimate of the number of times the garment has been washed or drycleaned.
• State a resolution to the problem that would be satisfactory.