In the fourth blog of our Textile Care Icons Demystified Series, we will be looking at Bleaching Icons. The bleach icon is always featured as standard on MIP product labels, coming in 3 different versions. (see Bleaching Icon Key below).
The bleaching icon is identified as a triangle, this symbol on its own means chlorine bleach is allowed, this tends to be included on white clothing with hard wearing fabrics.
When the bleaching icon features two diagonal lines in the triangle this means only non-chlorine bleaches should be used with this textile.
The third symbol you will likely see on most MIP product labels is the bleach icon with an X over the top of it, indicating that this textile should not be washed with bleach at all. When it comes to MIP textiles such as our sheets and towels, we generally advise users not to wash them using any bleaches or fabric softeners as it will cause fading, discolouration and damage to the textile and in turn inhibit the performance of the textile and shorten it’s lifespan. Fabric softeners will also coat the fibres in oils and waxes which can damage the fabric and make it less absorbent, so with our MIP bed pads and clothing protectors this is especially important to consider when washing.
Many care home facilities may use chemical dosing units to help with infection control, these again can use bleach or bleaching agents, so bear this in mind when washing your textiles with these systems. Another chemical to be mindful of when caring for your MIP textiles are dyes or optical brighteners. Though these are not classed as ‘bleach’, many of these dyes contain bleaching agents which can damage your textile.
You can always check the ingredients and risk assess the chemicals you use in your facility by checking its COSHH sheet. Every chemical substance has a COSHH sheet which every supplier will share with you when the chemical is first ordered.
You can view our Bleaching Icons Key below.
If you would like any additional information, please contact your MIP UK customer service team representative via email, direct dials, or the main office number on 01525 218146.
