What must all items be marked with before laundering?

Before laundering, all items must be marked with a permanent marker to ensure that identifying information remains intact throughout the cleaning process. The durability of the permanent marker is crucial, as it withstands water and detergent during laundering, which helps to prevent the loss of important identification that aids in returning items to their rightful owners.

Using washable materials like water-soluble ink or pencil would not be effective, as these can easily dissolve or smudge during washing, leading to confusion or loss of ownership. Therefore, the requirement for marking items with a permanent marker ensures that the necessary information remains legible and secure, enabling proper tracking and management of laundered items.