This general guidance provides the user with basic information on the safe use, care and maintenance of selected products.
Detailed guidance for the use and maintenance of specific items are provided on product care tags, guidelines and manufacturer's manuals.
IMPORTANT! It is the buyer's responsibility to check the goods received comply with the purchase agreement and there is no concealed damage or damage caused during transport. Any issues shall be reported to WITTCHEN immediately.
Full grain leather – types:
Corrected (top) grain leather, coated – this type of leather is produced by buffing away the top of the grain surface and then building a new surface using a polybutadiene resin coating. The resin finish can be varnished or foiled.
Brush-off leather – is a type of leather that has pigment applied via a brush. This creates a unique pattern of colour on each piece. The variations might be in gradient, blending, or overall tone.
Genuine leather – type of leather that has the surface sanded several times with sandpaper. The following are:
Leather and materials with high hygroscopic properties are used for linings and inner soles.
Outer sole leather is made of vegetable-tanned cow hides. They are highly hygroscopic (air and water vapour permeability). For optimal wear, the leather sole should be secured with a thin rubber, PVC, thermoplastic or polyurethane compounds.
Other materials – this type of sole is characterized by high resistance to damage and low abrasion.
Rubber – the bottom of a shoe made of rubber offers much-needed benefits like slip resistance, protection against abrasions as well as high thermal insulation.
Always put on and take off your shoes unlaced or with their zippers open. During all-day wear, the leather absorbs a large amount of moisture. Leather shoes should have one full day (24 hours) to dry out from natural foot perspiration. Intensive use of one pair of shoes can lead to its premature wear. Do not wear the same shoes on two successive days.
Water proof your shoes before the first time you wear them with specially designed shoe care products for each leather type.
It is not allowed to wash shoes. Avoid getting your shoes extremely wet, as it deprives the material of elasticity, causes cracking and weakens the adhesive compounds. In case of getting wet, shoes should be dried at room temperature, away from any heat sources such as radiators, heaters, stoves, etc. Using self-polishing lotions (liquid) is not recommended as it can damage the top layer of the leather.
Begin by wiping away as much dirt as you can with a damp cloth or brush. Try to avoid soaking the shoe with water. Let it dry at room temperature, away from heat sources. Next we recommend you apply a thin coating of shoe cream (shoe polish) all around the shoe with a cloth, allow it to dry and rub it in well. Remember to use a cream that matches the colour of your shoes. Shoes should be polished with a delicate cloth. It is recommended to use only shoes polishes and creams containing beeswax for daily footwear conditioning.
Shoes made of suede are characterized by low resistance to soaking and require cleaning with special sprays exclusively designed for this type of leather. For regular maintenance, use a suede brush to remove any dirt and buff using the back (rubber) side of the brush if you have a stubborn mark. The most important way to maintain your suede shoes is to use a suede protector spray to help the leather repel dirt and water, do not use shoe cream polish. Stubborn dirt can be removed with slightly damp cloth, avoid soaking the shoe with water. Let it dry at room temperature, away from heat sources. Apply a suede protector spray evenly. White salt marks should be removed with special products.
At the end of the season, shoes should be thoroughly cleaned, dried and polished/conditioned. Use shoe trees or stuff shoes up with paper to help them retain their shape and then put them in the original shoe box or a breathable dust bag. Store footwear in a dry place away from heat sources.
1. Leather | ![]() |
2. Coated Leather | ![]() |
3. Textiles | ![]() |
4. Other materials | ![]() |
1) Source: Regulation of the Council of Ministers of November 28, 2000 on the detailed conditions of labelling footwear for sale to the consumer.
Natural hide leather is sourced from farm animals. It goes through a tanning and finishing process in order to increase its durability and enhance its aesthetic values.
Leather is characterised by:
– water vapour permeability,
– durability, elasticity.
Natural leather – types:
PU leather, “vegan leather’, faux leather – is a type of synthetic leather made generally of polyurethane resins and coated with a polymer layer.
To ensure that leather products do not age prematurely and become unsightly, attentive impregnation, maintaining and care is a must. Before using the product, it should be impregnated.
Do a quick cleaning briskly sweeping your leather bag with a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth. Do not use too much water, let it dry at room temperature, away from heat sources. To prevent flaking and wrinkling, apply leather conditioner (gel or cream) to a soft cloth and gently rub over entire bag. Remember to use a conditioner that matches the colour of your handbag. Using self-polishing lotions is not recommended as it can damage the top layer of the leather. The most important way to maintain your suede or nubuck leather handbags is to use a suede protector spray to help the leather repel dirt and water. Use a suede brush to remove any dirt. Stubborn dirt can be removed with slightly damp cloth, avoid soaking the shoe with water.
Store your leather accessory away from direct sunlight as this can cause fading and from artificial sources of heat, e.g. radiators can cause leather to dry and crack. Handbags should be stored in a dust bag to avoid scratches. Avoid using plastic bags as they prevent good ventilation.
All WITTCHEN jackets and coats have an internal clothing label with detailed cleaning instructions.
WITTCHEN jackets are made of selected, high quality natural leather: lamb, sheep, goat and pig skins. Natural leather product it is not a garment which you should wear in heavy rain therefore it is excluded from rainproof products. Fading, wrinkling, cracking, as well as physical changes such as: creasing, abrasions, stains on the edges, minor cuts are not considered a defect.
First, you need to be clear about what type of leather you are dealing with as leather is prone to all kinds of dirt and grease, which are very difficult, and often even impossible to remove. Cosmetics stains (creams, powders, perfumes) can cause a permanent build-up of dirt and grease. You can try to clean this type of stains with a slightly damp cloth and soapy water. Blot rather than rub and avoid over-wetting the leather. Dry the leather naturally but do not allow it to remain damp for long. Let it dry away from artificial sources of heat, as they can cause leather to dry and crack. You should condition your leather clothes by applying a commercially available care products. Remember to test any leather conditioner, on a small inconspicuous area of your leather garment before smearing the cleaner onto larger areas. Leather is not resistant to sweat and may transfer the colour in the areas in contact with the user's skin (elements of the sleeve, collars).
Sweat stains are a common nuisance that occurs around the edges of collars and arm cuffs on leather materials. Removing sweat stains requires delicate care so that the fragile material is not damaged. If you own leather clothing and intend on keeping it for a long period of time, it is essential that you regularly clean and condition it at the specialist cleaner.
Store your leather clothing away from direct sunlight as this can cause fading and from artificial sources of heat. Always hang your clothes on a padded hanger so that it is not stretched out of shape. Store your jacket in a cool dry place, and never wrap it in plastic as this will cause it to dry out.
Wool is a type of fabric derived from the hairs of sheep. It has balanced thermal insulation properties - meaning it is warm in winter and cool in the summer. Wool resists wrinkles - wool is like a spring, it has a natural crimp that allows it to return to its natural shape. However, the product stretches due to soaking. Over the time, the wool fibres may stretch, fatten, felt or pill.
Dry-clean only at reputable dry cleaner points. It is recommended to ventilate the product frequently. It is not recommended to soak the product.
Store your clothing away from direct sunlight and from artificial sources of heat. In the summer months, the product should be protected against moths. Always hang your clothes on a padded hanger so that it is not stretched out of shape. Store your clothes in a cool dry place, and never wrap it in plastic bag.
Sheepskin is used for the manufacturing of sheepskin and fur coats.
Fur coat should be cleaned by a professional cleaner who specialises in cleaning fur. Often hang to ventilate.
Store your clothing away from direct sunlight and from artificial sources of heat. In the summer months, the product should be protected against moths. Always hang your clothes on a padded hanger so that it is not stretched out of shape. If not worn for a longer period of time, store your clothes in a cool dry place, possibly in a material dust bags and never wrap it in a plastic bag.
Material made of synthetic fibres which are extremely strong. It is resistant to stretching and shrinking (when wet or dry), wrinkle resistant, mildew and abrasion resistant. Polyester is hydrophobic in nature and quick drying.
Material made of synthetic fibres which are extremely strong. It is resistant to stretching and shrinking, wrinkle resistant, mildew, bacteria and abrasion resistant. In addition, it dries quickly compared to other materials.
Clean the product according to the information given on the label tag. Minor stains can be removed with a damp cloth. It is recommended to dry-clean at dry cleaner points.
Store your clothing away from direct sunlight and from artificial sources of heat. Always hang your clothes on a padded hanger so that it is not stretched out of shape. If not worn for a longer period of time, store your clothes in a cool dry place, possibly in a material dust bags.
Surface stains can be removed with a soft and damp cloth. Avoid soaking with water. Let it dry in a cool and dry place. The linings are made of materials that ensure the best comfort of use (vapour exchange).
The care label attached to clothing indicates how a particular item should best be cleaned without damaging the textile. The 4 or 5 symbols show instructions for: washing, bleaching, ironing and dry-cleaning. A milder than specified treatment is always acceptable. However, it does not guarantee complete removal of dirt and stains.
Stylized washtub symbol: machine wash.
Number in the tub means the maximum wash temperature (degrees Celsius)
A bar under the tub signifies a gentler treatment in the washing machine (e.g. delicate wash or synthetic wash program)
A double bar signifies very gentle handling.
A hand in the tub signifies that only (gentle) hand washing is allowed.
A cross through washtub means that the textile may not be washed under normal household conditions. Do not wash: (probably professional clearing need
Triangle symbol stands for bleaching.
An empty triangle (formerly lettered Cl) allows the bleaching with chlorine or non-chlorine bleach.
A crossed triangle (black) prohibits any bleaching.
A crossed triangle prohibits bleaching (test on small surface can be done).
Two oblique lines in the triangle prohibit chlorine bleaching.
A circle in the square symbolizes a clothes dryer.
One dot requires drying at reduced temperature (50°C).
Two dots require drying at higher temperature (70°C).
The crossed symbol means that the clothing doesn't tolerate machine drying.
Tips for sustainable drying:
The number of dots in the mark of the iron indicates the recommended ironing temperature. The iron with up to three dots allows for ironing. The number of dots are assigned temperatures: one prescribes 110 °C, 2 for 150 °C, and 3 for 200 °C. An iron with a cross prohibits ironing.
one prescribes 110 °C ; for example: „ Polyacryl, polyamide (nylon).
2 for 150 °C ; for example „ Wool / silk / polyester / viscose".
3 for 200 ° C; for example „Cotton/linen”.
An iron with a cross prohibits ironing.
The above laundry symbols are for professional cleaning. A simple circle will tell you whether the item should be dry cleaned or not.
Letter tells the dry cleaner the process.
A crossed circle: do not dry clean. Stain removers containing solvents cannot be used.
Dry cleaning and all solvents for the symbol F.
Dry cleaning, normal cycle, petroleum solvent only.
Professional wet cleaning.
Gentle cleaning.
Very gentle cleaning.
Do not dry clean.
Do not wet clean.
The following information is based on:
PN-EN ISO 3758: 2012 Textiles - labelling system using symbols.
Washing | Bleaching | Drying | Ironing | Professional cleaning |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The washing process is symbolized by the wash tub shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
The bleaching process is symbolized by the triangle shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2
The drying process is symbolized by the square shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3
A circle in the square symbolizes a clothes dryer shown in figure 4. Additional information on the natural drying symbols are shown below.
Figure 4
The ironing and steam ironing process is symbolised by the iron shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5
For professional chemical and water cleaning processes (excluding industrial washing), the symbol is the circle shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6
In addition to six symbols, there is one more symbol: the cross of St. Andrew, which means that the given process is not allowed.
Figure 7
A bar under the wash tub signifies a gentler treatment in the washing machine.
Figure 8
A double bar signifies very gentle handling in the washing machine/washing process.
Figure 9
The number within the laundry symbol shows the maximum temperature that item of clothing can be washed at. This can range from 30°C to 95°C. Additionally, the dots on washing, drying, ironing and steam ironing symbols correspond to the dots on an its temperature settings: the more dots there are, the more heat can be applied.
Figure 10
Wash tub is a symbol of the washing process (hand or machine) (see Figure 1). The sign is used to convey information on the maximum washing temperature and maximum washing intensity as shown in Table 1.
Table 1 — washing symbols
Symbol | Washing process |
---|---|
![]() |
-Wash at or below 95 ℃ -normal treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 95 ℃ -gentle treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 70 ℃ -normal treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 60 ℃ -normal treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 60 ℃ -gentle treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 50 ℃ -normal treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 50 ℃ -gentle treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 40 ℃ -normal treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 40 ℃ -gentle treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 40 ℃ -very gentle treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 30 ℃ -normal treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 30 ℃ -gentle treatment |
![]() |
-Wash at or below 30 ℃ -very gentle treatment |
![]() |
-hand wash -wash at or below 40 ℃ |
![]() |
-do not wash |
The triangle symbolizes the bleaching process (see Figure 2 and Table 2).
Table 2 — bleaching symbols
Symbol | Bleaching process |
---|---|
![]() |
-bleaching symbol (allowed for both chlorine and non-chlorine bleach) |
![]() |
-two oblique lines in the triangle prohibit chlorine bleaching |
![]() |
-if the triangle has a cross over it, the item can’t be bleached |
Tumble drying
The square is the symbol of the drying process. The circle in the square is a reference to tumble drying (see Figure 4.). The dots in the dryer drum indicate the severity of the temperature of the tumble drying process (see Table 3).
Table 3 — Tumble drying symbols
Symbol | Tumble drying process |
---|---|
![]() |
-garment can be tumble dried up to a medium setting -normal drying process |
![]() |
-garment can be tumble dried up to a medium setting -tumble drying (low temperature) |
![]() |
-do not tumble dry |
General information
Due to the global tendency to unify the method of labelling natural drying, certain symbols have been introduced for use in those countries where there is a need for their use. If they are used, it is recommended to place them below the 5-symbol marking and clearly separate them from the standard symbols. Natural drying instructions may be given in words or in the form of symbols.
Definition
Natural drying is a process carried out after washing a garment, aimed at removing residual water by hanging the textile clothing on a line, drying without wringing or laying the product flat in the sun or in the shade.
Description and definition of symbols
The square symbolizes the natural drying process (see Figure 6).
Figure 11
The symbol containing horizontal or vertical line(s) in the square indicate the natural drying process, line drying, drip line drying, flat drying, drip flat drying. The oblique line symbolizes the respective natural drying process to be carried out in the shade, as shown in Table 4.
A square box with a small curve inside at the top to denote a fold means that garment can be hung indoors or outdoors. Square box with three vertical lines inside shows that garment can be left to drip dry indoors or outdoors.
Square box with a single horizontal line in the middle means that garment should be laid flat to dry.
Finally, square box with two diagonal lines in the upper corner means that garment can be hung to dry but must be kept in the shade.
Table 4 – natural drying symbols
Symbol | Natural drying process |
---|---|
![]() |
-line dry |
![]() |
-drip dry |
![]() |
-dry flat |
![]() |
-dry in the shade |
Test methods specifying or confirming instructions for natural drying are given in ISO 6330: 2000, line drying (ISO 6330: 2000, 8.1), dripping (ISO 6330: 2000, 8.2), flat drying (ISO 6330: 2000, 8.3)
The iron is the symbol for ironing process (see Figure 5). The dots indicate the temperature ranges for ironing. The maximum temperature must be selected solely on the basis of the care label and not according to the fibre content of a textile article.
Table 5 — ironing symbols
Symbol | Ironing process |
---|---|
![]() |
-Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 200 ℃ |
![]() |
-Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 150 ℃ |
![]() |
-Iron at maximum sole plate temperature of 110 ℃ |
![]() |
-Do not iron |
A circle (see Figure 6) identifies the possibilities of professional dry cleaning and water cleaning of textiles (except natural leather and fur). Various professional cleaning processes are shown in Table 6. The symbol of the water washing process should be used optionally.
Table 6 — professional cleaning symbols
Symbol | Professional clearing processes |
---|---|
![]() |
- dry clean any solvent except trichloroethylene - normal cleaning process with no restrictions |
![]() |
- gentle cleaning in PCE - gentle cleaning process |
![]() |
- dry clean, hydrocarbon solvent only (HCS) - normal cleaning process with no restrictions |
![]() |
- gentle cleaning with hydrocarbon solvents - gentle cleaning process |
![]() |
- do not dry clean |
![]() |
- professional wet cleaning - normal cleaning process with no restrictions |
![]() |
- professional wet cleaning - gentle cleaning process |
![]() |
- professional wet cleaning - very gentle cleaning process |
Written instructions are additional information on care labels. Following the instructions on the care labels is an assurance that the appearance and fit of the garment will be maintained after repeated cleaning treatments.
Commonly used written instructions are shown in Table 7. It is recommended to keep the number of additional written information on care label to a minimum.
Table 7 — examples of additional written instructions
- remove … before washing - wash separately - wash with like colours - wash before use - turn lining inside out - do not wring out - wet wash only - do not use fabric softener - turn garment inside out - remove promptly - do not iron on decorations - use a clothing press - lay flat to dry |
- only professional leather cleaning - do not bleach - use a mesh laundry bag - do not iron with steam - steam ironing only - do not soak - steam iron recommended - dry away from direct heat - reshape whilst damp - line dry - reshape and lay flat to dry - drip dry/do not wring dry - do not dry in direct sunlight |
When packing the suitcase, keep the heaviest items at the bottom of your suitcase near the wheels. That keeps the centre of gravity low and reduces the likelihood it will tip over and get damaged. Things that are crease-resistant should be rolled up. ABS suitcases are not flexible, so they should be packed in an optimal way - the more things inside, the better the shock absorption and lower risk of damage.
Small dirt should be removed with a soft, damp cloth, and wiped with a dry, soft cloth. More stubborn dirt should be removed with a soft brush, or with a mild solution of a detergent and water. In order to remove detergent residues, the outer shell should be thoroughly wiped with a soft, damp cloth. Dry the luggage away from heat sources. Cleaning aluminum products should be done in the same way: with a damp cloth, stronger dirt with mild detergents.
Do not use any solvents!
Dirt should be removed with a soft, damp cloth or a soft brush with a mild solution of a detergent and water. In order to remove detergent residues, the outer shell should be thoroughly wiped with a soft, damp cloth. Dry the luggage away from heat sources.
Do not use any solvents!