# 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

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

| Care Instructions data displayed on the storefront via Custom Liquid |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- |

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