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