“Under penalty of law, this tag not to be removed”

What It Means: You have probably seen this ominous label on your mattress, pillow, or upholstered furniture, but maybe you missed the qualifier “except by consumer.” Ryan Trainer, executive vice president of the International Sleep Products Association, explains that this tag, which discloses the materials used in the product, prevents manufacturers from reusing old stuffing in “new” mattresses.
If You Remove This Tag: No, you won’t go to jail, says Trainer.

“Do not use in microwave”

What It Means: This warning often serves to alert consumers to the presence of metals in dishware. Some cookware has a subtle metal trim or glaze, and even recycled-paper products and Styrofoam trays can contain tiny metal flecks.
If You Microwave It: The microwaves will bounce off the metal particles and may create sparks that can damage the oven and the cookware or even cause a fire.

“Wash before wearing”

What It Means: The initial wash is usually meant to eliminate excess dye or to give the garment a softer texture and a better fit, says Steve Boorstein, a clothing-care expert and former dry cleaner in Bethesda, Maryland.
If You Don't Wash Before Wearing: The garment may transfer dye to other clothing (picture a white shirt tucked into dark pants).

“Top-rack dishwasher-safe”

What It Means: Some plastic items indicate that you should put them only on the top rack of the dishwasher.
If You Use the Bottom Rack: They may end up too close to the machine’s heating element, which could cause them to warp or melt.

“Not tested on animals” or “cruelty-free”

What It Means: In general, a company using one of these labels does not test ingredients or finished products on animals, or conduct business with laboratories that do. “But since there are no regulations in the United States that cover the labeling of cruelty-free products, consumers have no way of knowing for sure what these claims mean,” says Ann Marie Dori, a coordinator with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Still, some organizations keep lists of companies that meet their standards for humane practices, by “formulating their products using ingredients on the Food and Drug Administration’s ‘generally recognized as safe’ list, working with human volunteers, and using sophisticated nonanimal test methods,” explains Dori. PETA (www.caringconsumer.com) and the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (www.leapingbunny.org) offer free shopping guides.