A Guide to Laundry Symbols on the Washing Care Label

A guide to the Laundry Symbols on the Washing Care Label

Ever wonder what those symbols on the care label of your clothing means? Look no further, this post will try to explain them all.

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 dry clean symbol.

Can I Wash This Garment?

Some garments, usually the finer ones, needs some extra care when they get dirty. Some of them should not be machine washed while others must be taken to the dry-cleaners for a chemical treatment.

These symbols tells you what extra precautions need to be taken when cleaning the garment.

Machine Wash

Hand Wash

Do Not Wash

The machine wash symbol is usually combined with the temperature and cycle marks below.
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.  Some modern washing machines have special hand wash programs that will allow washing delicates, like wool, in the machine, just check the user guide of your washer for directions.

A do not wash symbol means that piece of clothing shouldn’t be washed in water, not even hand washed. The do not wash symbol is usually accompanied by a dry cleaning symbol that tells the dry cleaner what dry cleaning processes are acceptable.

Machine Wash Cold, 75F/30C Machine Wash Warm, 105F/40C Machine Wash Hot, 120F/50C Machine Wash Hot, 140F/60C Machine Wash Hot, 160F/70C Machine Wash Hot, 200F/95C

Washing Temperature Using the right temperature is essential for getting the best washing result. Too high water temperature will often destroy the textile or make the colors bleed or fade. Too low temperature may leave the clothing item with stains still on it. The dots inside the wash symbol tells you the highest temperature the garment will take before being damaged.

Wash Cycle

Delicate Cycle Wash your delicate items using the delicate cycle on your washing machine and separate from other clothing. You can try putting delicates inside a pillow case and close with a knot to protect them from the washing machine.

Bleach Symbols

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 Bleach You may bleach this garment with any laundry bleach. Just follow the instructions carefully as too much chlorine based bleach can destroy your garments.

Do Not Bleach Do Not Bleach Do not bleach Do not use any kind of bleaching agents on this garment.

Non-Chlorine Bleach Only   Non-chlorine bleach only On this garment, use only bleaches that do not contain chlorine. They are not hard to find, search for a bleach marked no chlorine or color safe in the supermarket.

Dry Symbols

Dry There is four ways you can dry what you have washed. The two most common is in the tumbler and on the line. Some clothing demand more serious drying, like dripping wet hanging on a line or flat drying. If your clothes demand special drying this is the symbol to search for on the care label. If it’s not present you can use line drying and in most cases the tumbler will work as well.

Tumble Dry, Low Heat Tumble Dry, Medium Heat Tumble Dry, High Heat   Tumble Dry The dots indicate the maximum heat setting. If there is no dots you can use any heat setting.

Do Not Dry! Do Not Tumble Dry Do Not Dry You have to dry your clothes eventually if you want to wear them, so this symbol has a bit of a misleading name. When you see a “do not dry” or “do not tumble dry” symbol it means you shouldn’t put that piece of clothing in a machine dryer. Most of the time there will be an additional symbol with the recommended drying method.

Iron Laundry Symbols Iron The ironing symbols tells you what the best temperature is for ironing your laundry. If you use a higher temperature than the one indicated on the label you could destroy both the clothing and the iron. If the fabric contains syntetic fibres it can even melt and make a sticky mess of the iron and board. Some garments must not be steam ironed and there’s a special symbol for that. Some garments you are not allowed to iron at all, they will have the do not iron symbol on the label.

Do Not Iron! Do Not Iron! When you see this symbol, do not iron that item!

Dry Cleaning Symbols

Dry Clean If one or several of the dry-cleaning symbols are present it is usually accompanied with a do-not-wash symbol.Most of the time you don’t need to understand the different symbols for dry-cleaning as a professional dry-cleaner will know what they mean when you take the garment there.

Do Not Dry Clean

Do not dryclean!

Don’t put this item in drycleaning solvents

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How to Improve Your Merchandising Skills [Part-1]

It was long since Arman Mahmud has published his last article on apparelmakers.org blog. Last few months the writer was busy with his regular desk work with his apparel merchandising jobs. There was lots of thing he had to do to organize his desk. In his recent experience, he felt that - to do well in merchandising job as well enjoying the life, one has to improve in certain areas of doing work (or process). So, his new writing is about "how to improve merchandising skills." This is the first part of five part series.

How to improve Merchandising Skills?

Apparel industry is the largest export earning industry in Bangladesh. A huge number of people are working as merchandiser and now-a-days it is one of the best job in Bangladesh. The job pays well, challenging too. Merchandisers are the heart of a Garments or Textiles. A good merchandiser can even change the fate of a garments factory or garments trading company. But if we analyze, we will find at least 70% of top position in this industry is grabbed by foreign managers. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have quality merchandisers or merchandising managers. The real scenario is our merchandisers are lacking few criteria. What I mean is there is some opportunity for improvements. Now these improvements can be done with academic knowledge or by skills development with individual’s hard work. Here I won’t talk about academic things. What I believe is academic degree or course will only help one to get a merchandising job, but for further improvements, one has to develop his/her own individual (personal) skills

Let's see the improvement points, those are -

• Developing Vision 
• Get updated about the market everyday
• Get idea of cost accounting
• Organize thyself
• Personal developments
• Positive mentality to technology

Developing Vision: At least 80% of the merchandisers working in this trade are not from textile background or degree, no degree from any textile college or textile university. I am not telling this is not suitable trade for them. What I wanted to say is - of those 80%, most of the merchandisers came into this industry, as they did not get any chance to be a doctor, engineer, pilot, or a banker. In most of our child hood, we have learned to dream about those careers only. So from the day they got the opportunity to be a merchandiser, they try to switch to a different job in another track where there is more comfort. But, working in this trade kept them busy, because of the less organized working structure in the industry. So it takes more effort and time from merchandisers to get the job done.If in first three or four years, this merchandiser don’t get any opportunity to switch the job, they stay, but meantime they have already lost important learning period.

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Do you really agree with the writer? 

Don't forget to tell us what you think about this article? In the next part, the writer will discuss about those points... So, don't miss it. Tell us what do you want to know about merchandising. 

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Who is a GOOD Merchandiser?

Who is a good Merchandiser? What are the qualities that can make you good? What can make you sustain in this challenging profession? To be a good merchandiser all those question need to be  answered. In our 50th post on 10.10.10 we have focused our readers that merchandisers are the driving force to keep the process in order along with others working in this apparel industry. Written by Arman Mahmud, an experienced merchandiser working in an well reputed garments manufacturer in Bangladesh. 

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In the apparel industry, merchandisers are the BRIDGE between the management (or industry) and the buyers. He/she builds up the relationship with the buyers, and acts as a seller. Merchandiser plays a vital role in an apparel business in a sense that they bear more responsibility than others in regard to the execution of an order.

Merchandiser has to look after every job, such as - buying the raw materials (required to produce the products), making the garments, finishing it, documenting (over all views) all the relevant papers and records, finally shipping out the goods.

Merchandisers are the responsible person to make the products.

See what Wikipedia says about merchandising -- 

Merchandising is the methods, practices, and operations used to promote and sustain certain categories of commercial activity.[1]  In the broadest sense, merchandising is any practice which contributes to the sale of products to a retail consumer. At a retail in-store level, merchandising refers to the variety of products available for sale and the display of those products in such a way that it stimulates interest and entices customers to make a purchase.

Image (C) myfashionmarketingcareers.com

In my view, the merchandiser is who creates a good relationship between exporters & buyers. The responsibilities that Merchandiser bears on the jobs -

• Represents as a buyer to the factory
• Represents as a seller to the buyers
• Looking into the business to flourish more in future
• Offer the deal in a more competitive mode without compromising the Quality
• To satisfy the buyers to progress more of the future business.

Merchandises aim is to impress the buyers by means of –  

1. Right product
2. Right quality
3. Right quantities
4. Schedule time

Required inner quality needed for a good Merchandiser:

Forecasting Ability

While more methodical than fortune telling, merchandising does require forecasting ability in many sense. A thorough knowledge of trends of the previous season and an awareness of current industry developments will serve you well in a merchandising career.

Analytical Ability

Problem solving and analytical ability also comes in handy in this field. A good sense of style would be an obvious help. However, a merchandiser must also determine how things fit into a budget, and whether they meet the functional needs of consumers. Other criteria may also influence merchandising decisions, so a merchandiser will need to be able to analyze a complex set of issues and stand behind his/her choices.

Communication Skills

Merchandising also requires good communication skills. From negotiating with manufacturers to getting your marketing message out to customers, there is ample opportunity to exercise the power of communication in the merchandising field - 

• Good command over English and an adequate knowledge of technical terms (we will publish a docs for the terms) for accurate and efficient communication. Especially good command in the language where the merchandise will be shipped. Now Japan is the most potential customer for Bangladesh, not only for apparel exports but also for other goods such as leather goods, shoes etc. So, right now, learning Japanese language would be the wisest and trendy decision in this trade.

• Good knowledge of Fiber, Yarn. Fabric, Dyeing, Printing, Finishing, Dyes and chemicals, Colorfastness, Garments production, etc. This knowledge can be acquired through both reading and practical experience. Apparel Makers’ blog would be your good choice for current industry news and information.

• You should have clear conception of the usual potential quality problems in the garments manufacturing.

• Good knowledge of the usual raw materials inspection systems & garments inspection systems. Relationship with the testing authority working in Bangladesh and knowing their process can be a definite advantage.

• Knowledge of the quota system used in each of the producing countries', duty rates, customs regulations, shipping and banking documentation etc.

That’s only a short description in which we have given you an idea who is good merchandisers for the industry. Our apparel industry needs you to be more skilled and capable in managing things well. This sector earns us more then 76% (appx.) of our foreign earnings and you are in the driving force to keep this process up. It is you, not the production who faces the buyers and meets their requirements with good customer service attitude in mind.

As merchandisers you need to develop yourself as well you need to march your company forward to meet its goal. You may have different opinion or suggestions, even some good experience to share with our readers’, let us know. We want to listen to you, just put your opinion into the comments box, and let’s have a discussion.

You can start discussing the same in our facebook community space at facebook.com/apparelmakers.

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Role of Merchandisers in Garments Industry (Part-2)

Here is the part-2 of "(Role of Merchandisers in Garments Industry (Part-2)" by Arman Mahmud. He is an experienced Merchandiser working in a 100 % export oriented Knit Composite  Garments Manufacturer in Bangladesh.    

[Part-1]

The main roles that merchandisers should follow is - 

Understanding Sample Order

Merchandiser has to understand the buyer's requirements after receiving specification in the sample order. In many cases, there are modifications pertaining to the specifications in the order to dispatch on time and the right quality.

He has to talk with the in-house veterans on the execution problems of sample orders, as the right information is required in decision making.

Managing Production Timetable (T&A plan)

Merchandiser has to manage every single production schedule and order route card that helps to follow-up the execution in the planned way. It is expected to be acknowledged of the various descriptions like: design, no. of modules, no. of operators, how many processes, date of dispatch, quantity, output capacity, and deadlines in the schedules.

The sub-ordinates are normally assigned to follow-up with execution of the plan. Merchandiser plans the activities depending on the essentials or non-essentials, and top priority are given to the most essential tasks. This is customary that the essential activities are handled personally or with the support of junior merchandisers/sub-ordinates.

In a "daily schedule", merchandiser has to carry-out and categorize which is the most significant and urgent task. The activity that has to be focused with full attention to sweep-off non-essential activities and have to be to be corrected by prioritizing to meet the deadlines.

Maintaining a Good Status to Schedule Activities

To get updated on the current status on the order, the route cards should be utilized. The latest status can be fed into the computers. In case, the buyer ask for the goods prior to the deadline, then merchandiser has to reorganize the schedules to accomplish tasks, output capacity, no. of pieces to be produced daily, substitute arrangements, time availability, supply time, scheduling critical ratio, etc.

Submitting Pre-production Samples

The pre-production samples should be provided on time to the concerned buyers. Quality of the sample must be verified. If required, revised samples should be made available to the buyers. Merchandiser should adjust to the required changes demanded by the buyer. The execution of bulk orders should be made only after samples are approved by the buyer.

In-process inspection denote between any tasks in order-execution. In case of non- conformation, it is better to focus on the concerns of quality. Merchandisers that works on complete orders have to check deviation to the production teams so that any amendments can be done to avoid the non-conformity.

Solving Shortage Problem

The merchandiser should know about the dearth of any commodity such as fabric, yarn, etc... from the beginning. Actions should be taken immediately to arrange required materials, after discovering the shortage. It is expected that the merchandisers should verify quality of the goods prior to execution of the order. If the material is found unavailable, the superior should be informed about the concern.

Communicating and Coordinating with Associated People and Buyer

It is essential to communicate with the buyers regarding the order. It is expected to give some time to the buyer to read the sent messages. Merchandiser should to go through the messages received from the buyer and reply on time. In many cases, merchandisers have to provide order status to the buyers. Also, merchandiser has to communicate with the people that are in-house, vendors, contractors and job-workers. Only through the right communication can one meet deadline for the concerned orders.

Conclusion

Apart from the above mention procedures, merchandiser has to assign subordinates to help him in the order execution, and direct the procedures. He has to revise his knowledge from time-to-time to know current market trends. To record preferences for all the planned activities, use daily or time log systems.

The Merchandiser should find out exact reasons for time consumption. It is necessary to keep record of time value and keeping it safe, as it is going to be shared with concerned parties/buyers. It is certain that merchandising jobs need huge time planning.

So there is a good future in in merchandising job in Bangladesh. In his next writing Arman Mahmud will write, How to be a good merchandiser.

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Other article of Arman Mahmud: 

• Importance of Quality Sample in Apparel Industry.

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8 Way to Keep Your Outlook Express Safe

In our Apparel Industry here in Bangladesh, most of us using Outlook Express and Outlook for our office email, even for personal use some cases. But, what a lot of us fail to realize is - we are not conscious to keep our INBOX safe from any data lose or corruption. So we will discuss how you can keep your Outlook Express safe.

Outlook Express requires regular maintenance to keep it working without problems. Without performing routine maintenance, Outlook Express may just choke and refuse to work. Here are some tips, 8 ways to keep your Outlook Express working well -

1. Keep your Inbox Smaller
2. Move Messages into Separate Folders
3. Delete Old Messages
4. Delete or Move Messages in Sent Folder
5. Delete the Messages and Compact
6. Keep Windows Updated
7. Outlook Express Size Limit is 2GB
8. Move the Store Folder and Backup

Here is the link to writer's original blog for the details of this tutorial...

Let us know your feedback, we believe that as an user of Outlook Express you have even better suggestions to keep your email safe. Please leave your comment and Subscribe to get your free update by Email.

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