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These cycles are meant for more delicate garments that could be prone to damage and uses low agitation, slow spin, and colder temperature water to wash clothes and protect fabric. The Permanent Press cycle uses warmer water and slower spin cycles to release and reduce existing wrinkles.ĭelicate Cycle: This wash cycle symbol is a tub with water and two lines underneath. “Permanent Press” clothing is usually made from synthetic fibers like polyester that are specially treated to guard against wrinkles. Permanent Press Cycle: This wash cycle symbol is a tub with water and a single line underneath. These cycles typically provide more agitation and work harder to remove dirt and grime. It is reserved for stronger, more durable garments like t-shirts, socks, or jeans that can simply be tossed in and washed. Normal Cycle: This wash cycle symbol is simply a tub with water in it and no lines underneath. You can also place inside a mesh bag or turn the garment inside out, running it on a short, delicate cycle to clean. This will minimize agitation and potential damage to the fabric. If your garment is precious, vintage, or otherwise irreplaceable, take it to a professional cleaner.ĭo Not Wash: Garments or fabrics with this laundry symbol should not be washed in a machine or tub but should be taken to a professional dry cleaner when they become dirty.ĭry Clean Only: Dry clean only garments must be taken to a dry cleaner for removal of dirt or other stains.ĭo Not Dry Clean: Clothing with the do not dry clean symbol should be washed using the gentlest setting on your washer. You can also try putting the garment in a mesh bag or washing it alone to further protect it. It may be safe to machine wash on a “hand wash” cycle setting if your machine has one, but care should be taken to protect the garment. Typically, this symbol applies to delicate garments made from fabrics like silk or linen. Hand Wash: The hand wash laundry symbol means you should not wash the garment in a machine and instead wash it by hand.
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Machine Wash: This symbol indicates it is safe to wash the garment in a machine using the temperature and cycle indicated by other symbols.
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