To help consumers understand the new symbols, the FTC says manufacturers must include written explanations of those symbols on hang tags or elsewhere on garments for the next 18 months. Select any of the five care label symbols on this page to view the chart that decodes the new symbols. Care labels are required on most textile clothing. However, many manufacturers of these items provide care information voluntarily. The care label must be attached firmly to a garment, be easy to find, and readable for the useful life of the garment.
Some garments have more than one piece.
Otherwise, only one label is necessary. In addition to giving one safe cleaning method, care labels must list any necessary warnings about that cleaning method. The label does not have to warn about unsafe cleaning methods. Care instructions apply to all permanently attached parts of the garment, such as buttons, lining, or decorative trim. If the retailer won't cooperate, ask for the manufacturer's name and address, and write to the company.