A picture may be worth a thousand words, but sometimes it can also be more confusing than helpful. That goes double for those hieroglyphic-like laundry symbols on clothing care labels that relay important washing instructions. Fortunately, Business Insider explains what they all mean so that you can better understand the care instructions of your favorite pieces.
What is the Full Meaning of Laundry?
The word laundry is used to refer to any items of clothing that have been cleaned, typically in a machine or by hand card n coin laundry. The cleaning process involves agitation, washing, rinsing, drying, pressing, and ironing. The term can also refer to a room or building where clothes are washed; in some countries, this is called a launderette or a laundromat.
Laundry has a long history. Until the invention of washing machines, people washed their clothes in watercourses, letting the running water carry away dirt and stains. This method is still used in rural parts of the world. In cities, people washed their clothes in public wash-houses. These usually consisted of two basins (one for washing and one for rinsing) connected by a channel through which water was constantly flowing, and a stone lip inclined towards the water against which the laundry could be beaten.
In modern times, laundry is often done in a commercial laundry or laundromat. People can also use a washing machine in their own home, but it is more common to send the clothing to be professionally washed and dried. This is often cheaper than doing it yourself and allows the owner to focus on other chores.
What are the 2 types of washing clothes?
Washing clothes is a necessary activity that we all do regularly. However, it’s not just about dumping the clothes in the washing machine and pressing a button. There are two types of washing that you should be aware of to ensure your clothes stay clean and last longer.
The first type of washing is hand washing, which is quite self-explanatory. It involves manually cleaning the garments by soaking them in water with detergent and then gently rubbing them together. Hand-washing is ideal for delicate fabrics like silk, wool blueville laundry, or cashmere that require extra care when cleaning. This method allows you to control the amount of pressure applied to the fabric, avoiding fraying or damage caused by harsh detergents.
The second type of washing is machine washing, which most people are familiar with.