The Yumibio Blog
How to wash laundry in the washing machine: guide to the symbols on the label
When purchasing a new item of clothing and underwear, it is important to learn to read the label and know the symbols represented to avoid ruining or deteriorating it. The label is a real identity card of the garment since we find various information written on it: the name or manufacturer of the brand, the composition of the fabric in percentage, the washing symbols, the dry cleaning symbols, the bleaching symbols, the drying symbols and the ironing symbols. In this article we will give you the right indications to learn to recognize the symbols as a small guide to maintain and treat the garment in the best conditions. Washing Symbols Dry Cleaning Symbols Bleaching Symbols The Symbols of Drying Ironing Symbols Washing symbols The washing symbols are represented by a basin full of water which symbolizes the possibility of washing the item in the washing machine. There are three types of washing machine cycles : simple basin (Normal Cycle), basin with a line underneath (Medium Cycle) and basin with two lines underneath (Delicate Cycle). This is usually accompanied by the insertion of the temperature or by one or more black dots indicating the washing temperature : a small ball (cold water 30°), two scoops (warm water 40°-50°) and three dots (hot water over 60°). If the symbol represents a basin full of water with a hand then the garment must be washed by hand only at a maximum temperature of 40°. If the washing symbol represents a basin full of water crossed out with an X then it means that the item cannot be washed with water. Dry cleaning symbols Dry cleaning is a professional wash that must be done without the use of water and is indicated by the circle symbol . If the item can be dry cleaned it will have this symbol, vice versa if this is prohibited there will be an X on the circle. Inside the circle there may be letters that symbolize the solvents with which the garment or linen can be treated: The A symbolizes the possibility of using any solvent, The P symbolizes the use of any solvent except tetrachlorethylene, The F only symbolizes the use of petroleum solvents W dry clean only with water. Bleaching symbols The bleaching of a garment is indicated by the symbol of a triangle . If there is a simple triangle then the item can be bleached with any substance while if there is an X on the symbol it means that bleaching is not possible . If the triangle symbol is enriched with lines inside it, it means that bleaching can be done without the use of chlorine , while if inside the triangle symbol we find the letters CL it means that bleaching can be done using chlorine-based products . The symbols of drying Drying on the label is indicated by the symbol of a square with a circle inside. This symbol can be enriched with dots indicating the permitted temperature: a dot (low temperature), two dots (medium temperature) three dots (high temperature). If the item cannot be tumble dried there is an X above the drying symbol . On the garment label we can find instructions on how to dry the garment naturally: a square with a line inside (drying the garment on a flat surface), a square with three vertical lines (natural drying and not centrifuged) a square with three oblique lines (dry without exposing to sunlight or heat sources). If there is a semicircle at the top inside the square it means that the garment should be hung up to dry . If on your label you find a symbol that represents a wrung out garment with an X over it, it means that the garment should not be wrung out. Ironing symbols Ironing is represented on the label with the iron symbol . If there are one or more dots inside the Ironing Symbol , attention to the temperature is required: a dot (maximum temperature of 110°), two pellets (maximum temperature of 150°) and three dots (maximum temperature of 220°). If there is an X under the ironing symbol with two lines then it means that the garment cannot be steam ironed . If there is an X on the ironing symbol, it means that the item cannot be ironed .
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How to Remove Stains from Fabrics: An Eco-Friendly and Natural Guide by Yumibio
Today on the Yumibio blog we talk about how to remove stains from fabrics , using ecological and natural detergents . Traditional detergents are often formulated with ingredients that pollute the environment, are toxic to aquatic species and are harmful to humans. Eco-friendly detergents are very different from traditional detergents because they contain natural ingredients that respect the skin and the environment and because they are more concentrated so you need to use less product. And what about effectiveness? Eco-friendly detergents are now as effective as traditional detergents and you can safely use them throughout your home and for your laundry, even that of the little ones. Here's how to use eco-friendly detergents to remove the most common stains from your fabrics. How to remove coffee and tea stains How to remove sunscreen stains How to remove ink stains How to remove oil and grease stains How to remove crayon stains How to remove marker stains How to remove lipstick and makeup stains How to remove blood stains How to remove sweat stains and rings How to remove red wine stains How to remove coffee and tea stains It is always advisable to proceed promptly to remove coffee and tea stains when the stain is still fresh since these are drinks that tend to oxidize easily in a few minutes. Here are natural remedies to remove coffee and tea stains. First of all, it is important to proceed by dabbing the stain with a dry and clean cloth in order to remove the excess dirt. Then proceed to apply a degreaser or a stain removal solution to work on the stain with a clean cloth. You can use Marseille soap with water to rub on the stain until it dissolves completely. You can dilute 1 dose of apple cider vinegar with 3 doses of distilled water, pour it into a spray bottle and spray it on the stain. Leave it to act for about ten minutes, rubbing until the stain disappears. In the case of fine fabrics, we recommend soaking it in hot water and apple cider vinegar, leaving it to soak overnight and avoiding washing in the washing machine. To treat cotton fabrics we recommend combining hot or warm water with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide on the stained area. Finally, proceed with normal washing in the washing machine, following the cycle recommended on the garment labels, with the aid of eco-biological detergents. If the stain is on carpet or rugs, it is best to treat the stain with a mixture of lye and salt, cover it and let it act for about half an hour. After removal and cleaning the area with a clean cloth. How to remove sunscreen stains Proper sun exposure requires the use of sunscreens that can sometimes cause stains that are difficult to remove. The risk of staining clothes with sunscreen occurs whether you use physical filters or chemical filters, unless the specific company offers sunscreen products formulated so as not to stain clothes. When we realize that we have stained a garment with sunscreen, the first thing to do is to act promptly to be sure of having our garment clean again. Here are natural remedies to remove sunscreen stains . Marseille soap : moisten the area with cold water and gently rub the Marseille soap. Finally, cover the area with sodium percarbonate and let it absorb. Then wash the garment in the washing machine. Stain remover : Dilute in the washing machine with detergent or apply a small amount to the stain to be treated, leaving it to act for at least an hour. Then proceed with washing. Multipurpose Spray : Ideal as a pre-treatment to spray on the stain to be treated, leave to act for a few minutes and proceed with washing in the washing machine. Laundry detergent : use a laundry detergent that can degrease dirt without altering or ruining fabrics. It is recommended to apply a small amount to the stain to be treated, rubbing gently. Then proceed with washing. Cornstarch : On dry fabric, apply cornstarch evenly to the stain. Leave to act for about 5 minutes and then proceed to scrub the area with a brush, for about 2 minutes. Then apply a pre-treatment stain remover. Then complete the wash by hand or in the washing machine. How to remove ink stains Ink stains are stubborn and difficult to remove because the ink is a pigment formulated with a quick-drying water and oil-based thinner, along with additives, colorants and other substances. It is important to be able to treat the ink stain while it is still fresh to prevent it from penetrating the fabric of the garment. You can proceed by dabbing a soft cloth on the excess ink. Subsequently, the area is pre-treated with the help of various useful allies such as Marseille soap, milk, lemon juice and talcum powder. Here are natural remedies to remove ink stains. Marseille soap is an excellent stain remover that can be rubbed gently into the stain, left to act for a few minutes and then rinsed with warm water. Milk is an excellent ally in which to immerse the garment for about 5 or 6 hours with a stain-removing action to completely remove the stain, dabbing to eliminate any dirt residue. Lemon juice has whitening and cleaning properties that act on the stain as a pre-treatment. It is recommended to combine it with salt that together with the lemon will be able to trap and attract the dirt particles that will be attracted to the surface, ready to be eliminated. Furthermore, the combination of talcum powder and fine salt is ideal, to be left on for about a minute and then brushed delicately to remove ink residue. After pre-treating the stain, proceed to machine washing with your eco-biological detergent, preferring to wash only that garment to avoid staining or dirtying other items. If during washing the stain has not completely disappeared, proceed to repeat the operation avoiding the use of the dryer which could fix the stain even more to the fabrics. < How to remove oil and grease stains Oil and grease stains can be difficult and annoying to remove. These are stubborn stains that can damage the fabrics of our garments despite being very common. Here are natural remedies to remove oil and grease stains. Talcum powder is a great way to remove oil from fabric. Simply cover the stain with talcum powder and, when it starts to solidify, remove it with a spoon or paper towels. Wash the area with a little liquid soap and water and then brush the area with a toothbrush. Finally, put the garment in the washing machine following the instructions on the label. Salt is another effective remedy for removing oil and grease stains from fabrics. Proceed by rubbing absorbent paper in the affected area and covering it with a little salt. Leave it to act for about five minutes and then proceed to place the garment in a basin with warm water and liquid soap for at least 30 minutes. Finally, proceed to rinse. Marseille soap is also a perfect pre-treatment that can dissolve and remove any stain. Wet the affected area and rub the soap on the stain, leaving the product to act for at least half an hour. Finally, rinse and do an intensive wash in the washing machine. Oil and grease stains can be treated with liquid soap : pour a small amount directly onto the stained area and leave it to act for a few minutes. Then soak the garment in warm water for at least half an hour, rub the stain, and put it in the washing machine. The stain should then disappear. If a small halo remains, repeat the operation to remove it completely. Baking soda can also remove grease and stubborn dirt, preventing the fabric from absorbing it. Simply rub it on the damp stain and then brush it over the area. How to remove crayon stains The color of the wax crayon is a bit annoying because it tends to create a double stain due not only to the wax but also to the colored dye that damages the fabric. Here are natural remedies to remove crayon stains. First of all, it is important to proceed with the removal of the wax , avoiding leaving the garment stained with color. You can put the garment in the freezer for about 30 minutes, in order to harden the wax of the pastel and scrape to remove it all. It is advisable to proceed, scraping in the opposite direction with the aid of a blunt tool to avoid damaging or piercing the fabric. Instead, in the case of very delicate garments such as silk, it is better to use a spoon. Another alternative is to place a piece of absorbent paper on the stain and run a hot iron over it to attract the dirt residue that will stick to the absorbent paper. If the garment remains dirty after removing the wax, we recommend applying a detergent or stain remover to pre-treat it before washing in the washing machine at the highest temperature, depending on the fabric of the stained garment. Alternatively, you can apply baking soda to the stain, leave it to act for a few minutes. Rub the fabric and then wash it in the washing machine. If the garment remains stained after the first wash, do not tumble dry it as this will tend to set the stain even more. How to remove marker stains The marker stain is very simple to treat and remove if you proceed immediately, so as to avoid the color adhering to the fabric fiber. Here are natural remedies to remove marker stains. Yogurt : proceed by dabbing a handkerchief on the fabric to absorb as much color as possible. Then apply yogurt to the stain and then proceed with the normal wash. Toothpaste and Baking Soda : proceed by dabbing a handkerchief on the fabric to absorb as much color as possible. Then apply to the stain and then proceed with normal washing. Alcohol : for dry and more resistant stains, dab a cloth soaked in alcohol on the stained fabric and rub gently to avoid ruining the garment. Then proceed to washing. Milk, Vinegar and Lemon Juice Solution : prepare a solution of milk, vinegar and lemon juice by combining the three ingredients using equal doses. Apply the mixture directly to the stain with a sponge for a few seconds and then proceed to wash. Stain remover : It can be sprayed directly onto the stain as a pre-treatment and left to act for a few minutes before proceeding with the classic washing in the washing machine. Vinegar : use it for resistant fabrics, leaving the garment to soak for at least an hour. Dish soap : Use a drop of this detergent on the marker stain before putting it in the washing machine. How to remove lipstick and makeup stains Make-up is one of the main causes of stains on clothes which can occur by putting on or taking off an item of clothing or simply by placing it next to our cosmetics. Here are natural remedies to remove makeup stains. If the stain is fresh, you can proceed to remove it by dabbing with a damp cloth and rinsing with fresh water. It is important to avoid rubbing the stain which could degenerate and spread even more. White Vinegar is a great ally for removing lipstick and makeup stains from washable clothes and even delicate items. Proceed by dabbing the stain with a damp cloth soaked in White Vinegar and then rinsing with warm water. Corn Starch is a useful ally to use to treat garments and clothing such as jackets, coats, trousers with fabrics such as Suede or Leather. It is recommended to spread it on the area until it is absorbed and then proceed with normal washing in the washing machine. Sodium Percarbonate is a natural and eco-friendly bleach perfect for removing make-up stains. Simply use it as a pre-treatment on the affected stain or directly in the washing machine drum, following the washing instructions on the garment label. Marseille soap has always been the soap par excellence ideal for degreasing, cleaning and removing deep stains. In the case of lipstick and make-up stains, simply dissolve the stain with a few drops of non-oily make-up remover and proceed with the application of Marseille soap until it is completely removed. Finally, finish by washing in the washing machine. How to remove blood stains At least once in your life you will have found yourself faced with a blood stain that you don't know how to treat. The first thing to do is to rinse the garment with cold water to promptly remove excess blood from the fabric. It is important to never treat the area with hot water as this would cause the stain to bind even more to the fabric fibres. If the stain to be treated is not your blood, it is a good idea to wear gloves to avoid contracting diseases. Here are natural remedies to remove blood stains. If the blood stain is fresh then it will be easier to treat, rinsing and drying the excess blood with a damp cloth. Then proceed to treat it with cold water and Marseille soap , rubbing the area to be treated until it dissolves completely or almost completely. You can also spray a solution of cold water and salt on the area to be treated, dabbing with a dry cloth and a toothbrush to distribute the product well in the affected area. It is advisable to repeat the process until the stain has completely disappeared. If the blood stain is dry and dried, it will be important to pre-treat the area intensively before washing in the washing machine. You can use cold water with hydrogen peroxide and leave it on for a few hours, so that it acts deeply on the fibres, allowing the blood to detach. It is also an ideal treatment to use in the case of stains on the mattress, completing it with talcum powder to absorb the humidity and promote normal drying of the fabric. You can also leave the garment to soak for several hours, so as to rehydrate and moisten the blood stain, applying a towel soaked in hydrogen peroxide and passing over it with a hot iron that will dissolve the stain. The use of hydrogen peroxide is not recommended on delicate garments such as silk. How to remove sweat stains and rings Sweat stains and halos are very common in the armpit area or in the neck area. These are yellow stains that affect the fabric and cause an unpleasant odor. Here are natural remedies to remove sweat stains. Baking soda is an ingredient suitable for removing stains from synthetic clothing and neutralizing bad odors. It involves creating a solution with one part water and four parts baking soda, to be applied to the affected area with a sponge and left to act for about an hour. In the case of difficult stains, it is advisable to let the mixture act for at least two hours. White Vinegar is rich in acetic acid that dissolves stains and dirt, leaving clothes clean. Pour directly onto the stain, rub the fabric, and then put directly into the washing machine following the instructions on the garment label. Table Salt is an excellent ally for treating white and colored garments. Use 10 grams of salt on the damp fabric, rub it well so that it penetrates the fabric and let the mixture act for about 12 hours in soak. Finally, wash and remove the excess salt. How to remove red wine stains Red wine stains tend to absorb easily due to the high percentage of tannins that cling tightly to the fibers of the fabric. To remove the stain, it is important to be able to break or weaken this bond and treating it immediately is certainly the right thing to do. Treat the still damp fabric promptly with the help of a clean cloth or a piece of absorbent paper without ever rubbing the stain to avoid making the situation worse. You can remove a fresh red wine stain with a stain remover, sprayed directly on the stain before washing in the washing machine. If you are away from home, you can try distributing sparkling water on the stain, to inhibit absorption and reduce the stain. If the stain is already dry, it is important to pre-treat it before washing in the washing machine. You can do this with Marseille soap, rubbed directly on the damp garment before washing in the washing machine. Here are natural remedies to remove red wine stains. Baking Soda : using it directly on the stain helps to eliminate it completely. In the case of more serious stains, it is advisable to immerse the garment in water with baking soda. Then proceed to a washing machine wash to remove it completely. Toothpaste : This is an excellent ally for removing dry and resistant stains. It should be distributed on the stain to be treated and left to act for at least an hour before washing in the washing machine. We do not recommend the use of a whitening toothpaste that could perform an action similar to that of bleach. Lemon Juice : This is an excellent pre-treatment ingredient, to be used directly on the stain together with a few drops of liquid soap. Leave it to act for a few minutes and then proceed with normal washing in the washing machine. Denatured Alcohol and White Vinegar : This is an excellent pre-treatment solution for delicate items before washing them in the washing machine. When washing in the washing machine, avoid high temperatures that could damage the fabric of the garment.
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