Care for Your Labels

Want to know more about care labels for clothing and textiles as well as understand what all the symbols mean? Follow this link (or copy paste into your browser):

https://www.productsafety.gov.au/consumers/use-cosmetic-and-fashion-products-safely/care-labelling-on-clothing-and-textiles-guide

Label Care Tips:

🧼 Before Applying Labels

Pre-wash new garments (especially dark colours like navy, black, red, indigo denim) to rinse out excess dye before attaching labels.
Use a colour-catcher sheet in the wash – these absorb loose dyes so they don’t float around and stain labels. You can find them here:
- Supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, IGA in Australia) – usually in the laundry aisle near detergents.
- Big W, Kmart, Target – they often carry them in the cleaning section.
- Chemists/Pharmacies – some larger ones stock them in their home care/laundry section.

👕 When Washing Clothes with Labels

Wash dark and light garments separately – this reduces the chance of dye bleeding onto lighter labels.
Cold water washes are gentler and reduce colour bleed compared to hot washes.
Turn garments inside out to reduce friction that could press dye against labels.

🧴 Detergents & Additives

Use a detergent designed for colour protection – these slow down dye release.
Add a colour-safe oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach) for whites with labels, to brighten and lift minor stains without damaging the label.

🔧 Label-Specific Care if you dye your fabrics

TPU labels → if any dye sits on the surface, it can usually be wiped with mild soap or rubbing alcohol.
Polyester labels → light stains may fade over repeated washes; avoid harsh scrubbing as it can damage the weave.
Cotton labels → hardest to rescue once stained; prevention (washing before labelling, colour separation) is the best approach.