What do the symbols on Bleach labels mean?
Such symbols are written on labels, known as care labels or care tags, attached to clothing to indicate how a particular item should best be cleaned. Also Know, what happens if you bleach something that says do not bleach?
What is the meaning of bleach?
Bleach. Bleach is the generic name for any chemical product which is used industrially and domestically to whiten clothes, lighten hair color and remove stains. It often refers, specifically, to a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite, also called "liquid bleach". Many bleaches have broad spectrum bactericidal properties,...
What are the symbols connected to bleching?
There are only three symbols connected to bleching. Bleach, do not bleach and no chlorine bleach. If no symbol is present it usually menans that bleaching is ok. You may bleach this garment with any laundry bleach.
What is the history of bleach?
Chlorine-based bleaches, which shortened that process from months to hours, were invented in Europe in the late 18th century. Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered chlorine in 1774, and in 1785 French scientist Claude Berthollet recognized that it could be used to bleach fabrics.
What is the bleach symbol on washing machine?
The bleach laundry symbol is notated by a small triangle. If the triangle is open and blank, it means you can bleach the laundry with any type of bleach. If the triangle has two lines inside of it, it means you should only use non-chlorine bleach.
What is the Do not bleach symbol?
A triangle symbol means 'bleaching allowed' when necessary in a dilute solution, so one with a cross through it is the 'do not bleach symbol'. One with diagonal lines means you can use a non-chlorine colour-safe bleach only.
Why is bleach a triangle?
This symbol means that you may use bleach on the item; a triangle with diagonal stripes means that only non-chlorine bleach may be used. A black triangle with an X running through it means that it may not be bleached. The Dry symbol often features a circle inside it to show which cycle you should tumble dry your item.
What do the laundry symbols mean?
A circle in the square symbolizes a clothes dryer. One dot requires drying at reduced temperature and two dots for normal temperature. The crossed symbol means that the clothing does not tolerate machine drying. In the U.S. and Japan, there are other icons for natural/line drying.
What is the triangle symbol on clothes?
Bleaching symbolsBleaching symbols on washing labels If you see an empty triangle, that means you can safely use bleach on your piece of clothing when necessary. Diagonal lines inside the triangle refer to the use of non-chlorine bleach, however in the case when the triangle is crossed out by two lines, you shouldn't use bleach at all.
What's the dry clean symbol?
a circleDry Clean. The Dry Clean Symbol is a circle and indicates a garment is best cleaned by a professional dry cleaner. Avoid washing anything marked with this symbol in your washing machine as it can damage or destroy certain fabrics.
What does the crossed out triangle mean?
Source. A triangle with diagonal lines inside indicates to use color safe, non-chlorine bleach only. Source. A triangle that is crossed out means do not use any type of bleach. The garment is not colorfast, or the material is unable to hold up to bleach.
What does a circle inside a square mean on clothes?
tumble dryDRY. A square represents the best way to dry your clothing. One dot inside the square means tumble dry on low heat, two dots mean medium heat, and three dots mean high heat. If you see a square around a fully colored-in circle, it's okay to tumble dry — but don't use heat.
What does F with a circle around it mean?
A single line beneath a dry clean symbol (a circle with a P or F) calls for a mild cycle, and two lines under a wet clean symbol (a circle with a W) means very mild cycle. By the way, the P or F indicate which dry cleaning solvent to use: tetrachloroethylene or petroleum (P) or petroleum solvent only (F).
Where do you put bleach in a washing machine?
0:371:48Clorox Presents Dr. Laundry: Bleach for Beginners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip2 add 3/4 of a cup of bleach with the detergent as the washer is filling with water but beforeMore2 add 3/4 of a cup of bleach with the detergent as the washer is filling with water but before adding the laundry. Number 3 for best results dilute 3/4 of a cup of bleach with a quart of water.
How do you read laundry symbols?
Here's how to interpret the various air-dry laundry symbols: One horizontal line: Lay it flat to dry. Three vertical lines: Hang it to drip dry. A square that looks like an envelope: Line dry it....Laundry symbols for how to dry clothesOne dot: Cold.Two dots: Warm.Three dots: Hot.
Does P mean dry clean only?
A circle with a 'P' inside means that your chosen dry cleaner must not use trichloroethylene during any steps of the cleaning process. Trichloroethylene is a colourless liquid chemical that can be damaging to delicate items of clothing. They will instead use safer solvent alternatives.
Should I wash my new bed sheets before use?
Washing your bed sheets is a good idea before using them because washing removes any chemical residue. During the production process, a chemical sm...
What does a triangle with an “X” mean on a care label?
A triangle with an “X” means that you should never wash your bedding with bleach. Bleach can remove color, resulting in a type of stain. These stai...
What is the symbol for “no tumble drying”?
A circle inside of a square with a large “X” in front is the symbol for “no tumble drying.” If your bedding has this symbol on the care tag, it wou...
What is the symbol for fabric softener?
There is currently no symbol for fabric softener; it’s better not to use fabric softener at all. Fabric softener is a liquid chemical added to the...
What does “40” mean on a laundry tag?
With regards to initial water temperature, some laundry symbols may list the actual measurement. This is commonly seen outside of the United States...
What does the washing symbol mean?
Washing symbols are depicted as a tub filled with water. These symbols tell you the washing machine setting and the ideal water temperature for bedding. The following symbols refer to how to wash a piece of bedding, the right heat level, the best machine setting, and whether you can add bleach.
What does the black dot on the water signify?
A warm water washing cycle is symbolized by two black dots, with the water temperature reaching up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm water is best for knit materials, like cotton jersey, because the heat can better penetrate fibers to remove dirt. Hot Water. Three black dots represent hot water.
What is the symbol for a washing machine?
Warmer temperatures are better for more durable fabrics, including cotton and linen. The symbol for “washing machine” is a tub filled with water. The temperature level is represented by the number of dots inside the tub icon.
What does the black dot on the water heater mean?
Three black dots represent hot water. This heat level is one of the highest at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. While there’s a higher risk of shrinkage, hot water is a good temperature if you’re trying to kill off dust mites and bed bugs. These pests die when exposed to high temperatures.
Where to find laundry care symbols?
Laundry care symbols are found on care tags attached to your be dding. They give instructions from the manufacturer on how best to care for your bedding. So, next time you’re placing your bedding in the washing machine, you’ll know what those strange symbols mean. This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice ...
Does bleach kill bacteria?
It also disinfects bedding by killing bacteria. Not all bedding needs bleach, or if it does, your bedding may need a specific kind of bleach, like non-chlorine. For instance, sweat residue may cause lingering yellow stains on your sheets. If you use a basic bleach, the chemical reaction worsens these stains.
What does the bleach symbol mean on clothes?
This bleach symbol is usually found on white clothes with a hard wearing fabric. You may notice an indicator below the triangle that states “as needed” or “bleach when needed”, which indicates you should bleach sparingly only on an as-need basis to prevent damage.
What does the machine wash symbol mean?
Machine Wash. The Machine Wash Symbol appears as a bucket filled with water. This symbol will also tell you recommended water temperature with a series of dots in the middle, and what cycle type to set your washing machine to with lines added underneath the bucket.
What does the tumble dry symbol mean?
Tumble Dry. The Tumble Dry Symbol is a square with a circle in the middle of it. As with the washing symbols, the number of dots inside the circle will tell you the appropriate heat setting to use, and lines beneath it will indicate any specific cycle settings.
What does the dry clean symbol mean?
Dry Clean. The Dry Clean Symbol is a circle and indicates a garment is best cleaned by a professional dry cleaner. Avoid washing anything marked with this symbol in your washing machine as it can damage or destroy certain fabrics. Instead, take it to a professional dry cleaners and enjoy your item for years to come.
What does the "never wash" sign mean?
The Never Wash Symbol shows the standard Wash Symbol crossed out with an “x” mark. Items with this symbol should never be washed. To clean, you may be able to spot treat trouble areas. Many times an item with this symbol will instead show a Dry Clean Symbol recommended for cleaning the material.
What is the dry in shade symbol?
The Dry in Shade Symbol is a square with one horizontal line in the middle. The Line Dry In Shade Symbol will also have a curved line seen in the standard Line Dry Symbol. These garments can be damaged by prolonged direct sun exposure and should be dried in a warm shady location.
Where is the dry flat symbol?
The Dry Flat Symbol is a square with two diagonal lines in the upper left hand corner. Reshape your garment and place flat to dry on a clean white towel for best results.
History
The earliest form of bleaching involved spreading fabrics and cloth out in a bleachfield to be whitened by the action of the sun and water.
Mechanism of action
Colors of natural organic materials typically arise from organic pigments, such as beta carotene. Chemical bleaches work in one of two ways:
Environmental impact
A Risk Assessment Report (RAR) conducted by the European Union on sodium hypochlorite conducted under Regulation EEC 793/93 concluded that this substance is safe for the environment in all its current, normal uses. This is due to its high reactivity and instability.
Disinfection
Sodium hypochlorite solution, 3–6%, (common household bleach) is typically diluted for safe use when disinfecting surfaces and when used to treat drinking water.
Color safe bleach
Color safe bleach is a chemical that uses hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient (to help remove stains) rather than sodium hypochlorite or chlorine. It also has chemicals in it that help brighten colors.
Health hazards
The safety of bleaches depends on the compounds present, and their concentration. Generally speaking, the ingestion of bleaches will cause damage to the esophagus and stomach, possibly leading to death. On contact with the skin or eyes, it causes irritation, drying, and potentially burns. Inhalation of bleach fumes can damage the lungs.
What does bleaching mean?
Bleach. Bleaching makes the clothing more white and is useful when white textiles have become dull and grey. There are only three symbols connected to bleching. Bleach, do not bleach and no chlorine bleach. If no symbol is present it usually menans that bleaching is ok. Bleach.
What does the wash symbol mean?
The Wash Symbol. Wash. This symbol shows you if the item can be machine washed or if it has to be hand washed. It also tells you what the maximum washing temperature is and what cycle to use when machine washing. The symbol can also indicate that the clothing item must not be washed. If that’s the case it is usually accompanied with an appropriate ...
What does it mean when you stumble upon a hand wash symbol?
When you stumble upon a hand wash symbol it means the clothing is too delicate to stand the somewhat rough environment in the washing machine and you have to wash it by hand.
