Candidate Support Pack - Scottish Qualifications Authority

3.14
Care labels for laundering
There are British standard wash process symbols that are found on the care labels
attached to most modern fabric items. These recommendations are given by the
manufacturer of the garment or article to help the purchaser to clean it without causing
any unwanted change to its appearance, shape, colour or fabric.
You should use these labels to help you to decide the most suitable classification, but if
you are unsure about your selection always confirm your choice by discussing it with your
supervisor or manager.
A fabric item that is permanently damaged by washing with the wrong classification will
result in a customer complaint, or even a possible compensation claim. The laundry will
have to wash a lot of standard pillowcases to make up for the lost profit paid out to
compensate the heartbroken owner of a damaged, antique pillowcase, regarded as a
family heirloom. That customer will probably be lost forever. And they'll tell their friends
about their experience …
You should be able to understand and read the washing process symbols. The following
pages detail these symbols and their meanings.
The recommendation for processing fabrics classified as delicate will usually include a bar
beneath the washtub, containing a recommended temperature.
This bar is very important because it means reduced mechanical action, gradually
reduced temperature (cool down) and reduced spin.
The only chemical indication given on the care labels is for chlorine bleach or dry cleaning
chemicals. You should consider the effects of industrial alkali detergents on some fabrics.
Wool and animal hair fibres are extremely sensitive to alkali, which is the main ingredient
of most industrial washing products.
Some items may be washable but if you have a dry cleaning plant this may offer a better
option of cleaning a garment or article successfully without causing damage. Always
consult your supervisor before redirecting an item to the dry cleaning department, as the
customer may need to be consulted.
Some stains or heavily soiled areas on garments or articles that will not be given a heavy
wash process may benefit from spotting or special treatment before they are washed.
These treatments should be followed immediately by a normal wash to prevent possible
chemical damage from the treatment chemicals. Badly soiled collars, rust and ink stains
are typical problems that benefit from pre-treatment.
GC8N 22 — Laundry Operations Level 2