The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires manufacturers to attach a permanent label to textile garments that provides directions for their care. According to the 1972 Care Label Rule and its 1984 amendment, manufacturers and importers must list at least one method of safe care for a garment. The Rule covers all textile clothing except footwear, gloves, hats, suede and leather clothing, and household items, such as linens.

The Care Label Rule stipulates that the care label is easily found, will not separate from the garment, and will remain legible during the garment's useful life. The label must warn about any part of the recommended care method that would harm the garment or other garments being laundered or dry cleaned with it. It also must warn when there is no method for cleaning a garment without damaging it.

Symbols also may appear on a care label to supplement written instructions. When a garment carries an international symbol tag, all care methods will usually be listed. If you are not sure of a symbol's meaning, ask your local cleaner to explain it to you.

For some, care labels may seem like the Greek alphabet, but for our experts, they’re a second language.

International Care Labels Meanings: Dry Cleaning

Guide to Apparel/Textile Care Symbols Wash Bleach Dry Iron Dryclean

Cleaning Methods and Definitions

Dry Clean
Uses normal dry cleaning fluid found in any commercial or coin-operated dry cleaning establishment. The process may include moisture added to the fluid, hot tumble drying (160'F), and pressing by steam press or steam air-form finishing.

Professionally Dry Clean
Restricts the dry cleaning process to methods possible only in commercial dry cleaning plants. "Professionally Dry clean" must be accompanied by further information, such as "use reduced moisture," "low heat," or "no steam finishing."

Machine Wash
Indicates use of either a commercial or home washing machine. Other information may be added giving specific washing temperatures, size of the load, or drying procedures.