Laundry and Fabric Care Terminology

Care Label

• A temporary label that can be removed after purchase.

• A permanent label attached to or printed on a garment, providing wash/dry clean information.

• A decorative label that indicates the brand of the garment.

• A label that provides information about the fabric type only.

Fragrance Free and Dye Free

• Detergents used for sensitive skin.

• Detergents that are highly scented.

• Detergents with bright colors.

• Detergents that are antibacterial.

Pressing

• The process of lifting and lowering the iron onto areas of the fabric.

• A technique used to sew two pieces of fabric together.

• The method of folding fabric to create a hem.

• A way to apply heat to fabric to remove wrinkles.

Mend

• Repair.

• Destroy.

• Neglect.

• Ignore.

Mildew

• A type of mold that grows on damp fabrics, causing stains.

• A type of bacteria that thrives in dry environments.

• A type of insect that damages plants in wet conditions.

• A type of algae that grows in freshwater bodies.

Bleeding Colors

• A color that releases some of its dye onto other fabrics, causing fading of garments.

• A color that remains vibrant and does not transfer onto other fabrics.

• A color that is resistant to fading and washing.

• A color that enhances the brightness of other fabrics.

Snag

• A loop or yarn pulled out of a fabric.

• A type of fabric weave.

• A decorative stitch used in embroidery.

• A method of knitting.

Fabric Softeners

• Can only be used in liquid form

• Are used to increase fabric durability

• Can be liquid and used in the washing machine or dry sheets used in the dryer; reduce static, make fabrics softer, and reduce wrinkling.

• Are primarily used for scenting clothes

Tumble Drying

• Drying clothes in an automatic dryer.

• Hanging clothes outside to dry.

• Using a hairdryer to dry clothes.

• Ironing clothes to remove moisture.

Dry Clean

• To clean using chemicals rather than with water and detergent.

• To wash clothes in hot water and soap.

• To remove stains using only water.

• To clean using steam and no chemicals.