In 1972 the care label amendment required manufacturers and importers to list at least one method to safely care for a garment. This rule covered all textile clothing except footwear, gloves and household items, such as linens. The rule stipulated that care labels be easily found and remain legible during the expected life of the garment. Additionally it states that the garment must state the safest way to clean the garment, as well as warn when there is no method for cleaning without causing damage to the garment.
Textile garments are required to have a care label attached to the garments. By removing the label it may create a risk to the garment because there are no longer instructions for you or your cleaner to follow. Furthermore in 2000 the care label was amended to include care symbols on the care label. They are,
Cold- Initial water temperature up to 86 Fahrenheit
Warm-Initial water temperature ranging from 87- Fahrenheit to 1111- Fahrenheit
Hot-initial water temperature ranging from 112 Fahrenheit to 145 Fahrenheit
Cleaning recommendations typically discuss machine washable or dry-cleaning methods. Machine washable indicates use of either a commercial or home washing machine with recommendations about specific washing temperatures and drying procedures. Dry-clean restricts the dry-cleaning process to methods possible only in commercial accommodations.
Remember a manufacture or importer is only required to list one method of safe care no matter how many other methods could also be used, So when in doubt always ask your dry cleaner.
