ASTM D 3136 : 2004 : R2008 : EDT 1

1.1 This standard is a compilation of all terminology developed by Subcommittee D13.62 on Labeling and related to refurbishing and labeling for apparel, textile, home furnishing, and leather products other than upholstered furniture and floor coverings.

1.2 This terminology provides a uniform language for the disclosure of care instructions on labels that are to be attached to apparel, textile, home furnishing, and leather products.

1.3 In the United States, apparel care labels must be attached permanently except when exempted by Federal Trade Commission regulation (see section 2.2).

1.4 These definitions and descriptions employ common meanings used not only by textile technologists but also by consumers.

1.5 These instructions may apply to some accessory products.

1.6 The standardized terminology should be used on the label in a logical refurbishing sequence (wash, bleach, dry, iron, dryclean, wetclean), in order to disclose maximum information in a small label space and to help the consumer understand recommended practices.

1.7 Preliminary instructions may be necessary for proper care of certain products (see Table 1, Preliminary Instructions).

1.8 The wording on a care label should be brief. Manufacturers are encouraged to place more detailed explanations in or on package covers, or in some temporary form of communication such as a sticker or hangtag. The terms used should be consistent with those used on care labels.

1.9 The word “only” in any care label term limits that portion of the procedure to the stated instruction.

1.10 A care instruction for a product is applicable to all components of the product including nonremovable linings, trim, and other details. Any exceptions should be a part of the labeled instruction. An intentionally removable component, such as a zip-out liner, is expected to be separately labeled when it must be cared for differently from the garment itself, or when there could be serious doubt about what procedure to use (see Federal Trade Commission Trade Regulation Rule).

1.11 Laundering temperatures are maximum and vary widely in national and international practice (see Table 2). Consumers may obtain water temperatures in their washing machines which are frequently below and sometimes higher than the stated maximum temperature. The actual water temperature obtained when using the washing machine settings of hot, warm, and cold vary in North America by region, season, water heater settings (including solar), and regulations governing factory-set mixes. In general, North American washing machines do not have internal heaters.

1.12 This terminology is unique to the care of textile and leather products. Meanings of the same terms outside the industry can be found in other compilations or dictionaries of general usage.

1.13 In addition to being a specialized dictionary, Terminology D 3136 is also useful for managing the subcommittee's terminology.

1.14 Terms listed are under the jurisdiction of SC D13.62.

1.15 For definitions of other textile terms, see Terminology D 123.

TABLE 1 Label Terms and Detailed Instructions

TABLE 2 Laundering Water Temperatures In Common Use^A

^A The laundering temperatures in Table 2 are maximum.

^B The ISO standard, “ISO 3758 Textiles—Care Labeling Code Using Symbols,” does not associate the terms hot, warm, and cold with water temperatures for laundering. The ISO washing symbols provide maximum water temperature options of 95°C, 70°C, 60°C, 50°C, 40°C, and 30°C in Celsius only. Guide D 5489 requires as a minimum the laundering water temperatures reported within the washtub symbol in degree Celsius and a dot system symbol. The water temperature may also be reported in degrees Fehrenheit.

^C The AATCC temperatures are test temperatures for home laundering, whereas the FTC and Canada temperatures are meant to reflect the upper end of temperatures in actual use, including temperatures used in commercial laundering.

^D The AATCC temperatures in Celsius have a range of ± 3 degrees Celsius and the water temperatures in Fahrenheit havea range of ± 5 degrees Fahrenheit.