Washing fabrics by fibre type and care symbol
Most laundry mistakes come down to one of two things: ignoring the care symbol, or treating every fibre the same. This guide groups washing decisions by fibre so the choices stay consistent whether you are cleaning a cotton sheet or a wool jumper.
Start with the care label
Care symbols are standardised. Internationally they follow ISO 3758; in North America many garments also carry the ASTM D5489 symbols, which is why a label sold in Canada may show both. The washtub symbol covers washing, and the number or dots inside it indicate the maximum temperature.
| Symbol cue | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Washtub with a number (e.g. 30, 40) | Maximum wash temperature in degrees Celsius |
| Washtub with one hand | Hand wash only |
| Washtub with a cross through it | Do not wash; clean by another method |
| Bar(s) under the washtub | Reduced or gentle mechanical action |
Match water temperature to the fibre
When the label allows a range, the fibre helps you choose within it. Warmer water cleans heavy soil better but raises the risk of shrinkage and dye bleeding.
| Fibre | General washing tendency |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Tolerates warm to hot water; durable but can shrink on first hot wash if not pre-shrunk |
| Linen | Washes well in cool to warm water; creases readily and softens with use |
| Wool | Sensitive to heat and agitation; cool water and a wool or hand-wash cycle reduce felting |
| Polyester and blends | Cool to warm water; holds colour well but can retain odours and oils |
Sort before you load
- Separate by colour: keep new or saturated colours away from whites and pale items.
- Separate by soil level: heavily soiled work clothes wash better apart from lightly worn items.
- Separate by fabric weight: towels and denim can abrade delicate fabrics in the same load.
- Close zippers and fasten hooks to limit snagging.
Detergent and water hardness
Water hardness varies widely across Canadian municipalities. In harder water, detergents are less effective and may leave residue, so the dose on the package is a starting point rather than a fixed rule. Using more detergent than needed does not clean better and can leave films on fabric, especially on towels, where it reduces absorbency over time.
If towels feel stiff or less absorbent, the cause is often detergent or fabric-softener buildup rather than the towels wearing out. Washing them with less detergent and skipping softener for a few cycles usually restores absorbency.
A repeatable washing routine
- Read the label and note the wash symbol, temperature limit, and any bleach restriction.
- Sort by colour, soil, and weight, and pre-treat visible stains before they set.
- Choose the cycle that matches the most delicate item in the load.
- Dose detergent to the load size and your local water hardness.
- Remove promptly at the end of the cycle to limit creasing and mildew odour.