Do you read the care label before making a clothing purchase? An average of 50% of people do just that, according to a 2006 study by Cotton Incorporated's Lifestyle Monitor.™ So much in fact you may pass over a really cute blouse or pants because you don't understand how labeling really works.

If you've read our article on how to read laundry symbols you probably have a general idea of what they mean. You may have even printed out our laundry care symbols guide, but there is more to caring for your garments than just reading the label. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments—and its requirements may surprise you. Here are a few things you may not already know.

Dry clean vs. dry clean only

Did you know that articles of clothing cannot be marked "Dry Clean Only" unless there is proof that washing is harmful to the garment? Furthermore, if a garment can be washed and dry cleaned, the manufacturer must only include one of these instructions. Dry Clean instruction on the label does not mean that the garment cannot be cleaned by washing, but rather that dry cleaning is an appropriate cleaning method.

If you intend to wash your "Dry Clean" items, you should probably consider shrinkage, fabric treatments and colorfastness. Often, a manufacturer will label a garment "Dry Clean" because it provides some protection when they aren't sure how it will react to traditional laundering.

You don't have to go to a professional dry cleaner to dry clean your clothes. You can use Dryel® to freshen "Dry Clean Only" items and delicate garments.

Washing by hand vs. machine

All labels must say whether a garment should be washed by hand or machine, and must also include a water temperature setting if regular use of hot water will do harm. If you have a delicate item that must be washed by hand, it is not a good idea to attempt washing it in your machine.

To bleach or not to bleach

If all commercially available bleaches can be used on a regular basis without harming the garment, the label does not have to mention bleach. If using chlorine bleach on a regular basis would harm the garment, but using non-chlorine bleach on a regular basis would not, the label must say, "Only non-chlorine bleach, when needed." If all commercially available bleaches would harm the product when used on a regular basis, the label must say "No bleach" or "Do not bleach."

Drying

Unless regular use of a high temperature will harm the garment when machine dried, the label doesn't have to indicate a temperature setting. The label must always say whether a garment should be dried by machine or some other method. If specific drying instructions are given such as "Dry flat," the manufacturer isn't required to state "Do not tumble dry."

Ironing

If regular use of a hot iron will not harm a product, it is not necessary to indicate a temperature setting. Ironing information must be given on a care label if ironing will be needed on a regular basis. If a garment will be harmed by ironing, even if ironing is not regularly needed, the label should state "Do not iron" if a consumer could reasonably be expected to iron the product.

Warnings

If a consumer could reasonably be expected to use a car procedure that would harm the product, the FTC requires a warning be issued on the label i.e., "Do not," "No," "Only," to warn against harmful procedure. If a procedure on one garment could cause harm to another being washed with it, a warning must be indicated. Some examples of these warnings are "Wash with like colors" or "Wash separately."

Reading between the lines

The minimum washing instructions required on a care label include a method of washing and drying, for example "Machine wash. Tumble dry." How is this interpreted according to the FTC? The garment can be machine washed and tumble dried at any temperature, ironing isn't necessary, any type of bleach can be used, and no warnings are required.

Now that you have the labeling requirements clear in your mind, you should be able to make your clothing purchases with confidence. You'll not only know how to extend the life of your clothing with the proper care, you'll look marvelous!