Care instructions

OVERVIEW

What is this field?

The Care Instructions field describes how a product should be washed, dried, ironed, and maintained. This information directly affects product longevity and customer satisfaction.

Care data should be stored as structured, separate values — not as a single block of text. Each care instruction should be independently identifiable.

Accurate care instructions reduce complaints, returns due to damage, and customer frustration.

BUSINESS VALUE

Why this field matters

• Customers check care instructions before purchasing to assess convenience

• Incorrect or missing care data leads to product damage complaints and negative reviews

• AI assistants and chatbots need structured care data to answer customer questions

• Care instructions are legally required on labels in many jurisdictions

• Structured care data enables filtering (e.g., show only machine-washable items)

• Sustainability-conscious customers evaluate care requirements as part of environmental impact

TECHNICAL SETUP

Recommended setup

Field type: List of single-line text entries

Namespace: custom.product

Key: care_instructions

Multi-value: Yes — allow multiple entries where applicable

STEP-BY-STEP WALKTHROUGH

How to create the Care Instructions field in Accentuate

Follow these steps to create and configure this metafield in your Accentuate dashboard.

Step 1: Navigate to metafield definitions

Open your Accentuate dashboard and go to the metafield definitions section. Select the "Product" resource type to add a new product-level metafield.

Accentuate dashboard — navigate to Product metafield definitions

Step 2: Create a new metafield

Click the "Add definition" or "Create metafield" button. Enter the namespace "custom.product" and the key "care_instructions". Set the display name to "Care Instructions".

Click “Add field” to create the “Care Instructions” metafield

Step 3: Select the field type

Set the field type to "List of single-line text entries". Enable the "List" or multi-value option so merchants can enter multiple values.

Select the data type for “Care Instructions”

Step 4: Configure validation and description

Add a helpful description for merchants: "How to wash, dry, iron, and maintain this product (e.g., Machine wash cold, Lay flat to dry)." This will appear as helper text when merchants edit the field on a product.

Description and validation settings for “Care Instructions”

Step 5: Save and verify

Save the metafield definition. Then navigate to any product and confirm that the "Care Instructions" field appears in the metafields section, ready to accept values.

The “Care Instructions” field visible on a product editing page, empty and ready

STRUCTURING GUIDANCE

How to structure the values

Store each care instruction as a separate entry rather than combining them into a single paragraph.

Use clear, action-oriented language: “Machine wash cold” rather than “Can be machine washed at cold temperatures.”

Group instructions by category when displaying: washing, drying, ironing, special care.

Align care instructions with the actual material composition.

USAGE CONTEXT

When to use this field

• Every apparel product must have care instructions

• Home textiles (towels, bedding, curtains, cushion covers)

• Accessories made from materials that require specific care

• Footwear where cleaning method matters

• Any product where improper care could cause damage or dissatisfaction

REFERENCE VALUES

Example values

The following values are recommended starting points. Adapt them to your product catalog as needed.

Value	When to use
Machine wash cold (30°C)	Standard washing for most casual cotton and synthetic garments
Machine wash warm (40°C)	Slightly warmer wash for durable cottons and workwear
Hand wash only	Delicate fabrics; silk, fine knits, embellished items
Wash inside out	Protects prints, embroidery, and surface finishes during washing
Do not bleach	Bleach will damage the fabric color or fiber integrity
Tumble dry low	Machine drying on gentle heat; suitable for most cottons
Lay flat to dry	Prevents stretching; knitwear, wool, and delicate fabrics
Line dry / Hang dry	Air drying on a line or hanger; reduces fabric stress
Do not tumble dry	Machine drying will damage, shrink, or distort the garment
Cool iron	Low heat ironing; synthetics and delicate fabrics
Steam iron medium heat	Medium setting; cotton blends and mid-weight fabrics
Do not iron directly on print/embroidery	Heat will damage decorated areas
Dry clean only	Professional cleaning required; structured garments and delicate materials
Dry clean recommended	Professional cleaning preferred but gentle home wash may be acceptable
Do not wring	Wringing distorts shape; gently squeeze excess water
Wash with similar colors	Prevents color transfer; important for first washes

The “Care Instructions” field populated with example values

RECOMMENDATIONS

Best practices

• Store each instruction as a separate data entry, not one long string

• Use standard, widely understood phrases consistent with care label symbols

• Include temperature specifics where relevant (30°C, 40°C)

• Verify care instructions match the actual material composition

• Include special care notes for decorative elements

• Review care instructions when supplier or material changes occur

AVOID THESE

Common mistakes

• Storing all care instructions as one block of text that cannot be parsed

• Copying generic care instructions without verifying they match the product

• Missing critical “do not” instructions that prevent damage

• Using vague terms like “wash carefully” instead of specific instructions

• Not including drying instructions alongside washing instructions

• Ignoring care requirements for trims or linings that differ from the main fabric

IN CONTEXT

Example: How it appears on a product

Women’s Cashmere V-Neck Sweater Care: Hand wash only, Do not bleach, Lay flat to dry, Cool iron, Do not tumble dry Material: 100% Cashmere Fabric weight: Fine knit, Lightweight Season: Autumn, Winter

Care Instructions data displayed on the storefront via Custom Liquid