Laundry care symbols help you understand how to wash, dry, iron and care for your clothes without damaging the fabric. But the small icons on clothing labels can be confusing if you do not know what they mean. Understanding these symbols can help prevent shrinking, fading and unnecessary fabric damage.
1. Washing Symbols
The washing tub symbol shows you how a garment should be washed. A number inside the tub shows the highest recommended water temperature.
- Tub with a number: Wash at or below the stated temperature.
- Hand inside the tub: Hand wash the garment.
- Crossed-out tub: Do not wash with water.
- Lines beneath the tub: Use a gentler wash cycle. More lines generally indicate a more delicate process.
Always check the label before choosing a washing machine setting.
2. Bleaching Symbols
A triangle symbol provides instructions about using bleach.
- Empty triangle: Bleaching is permitted, subject to the garment’s care instructions.
- Triangle with diagonal lines: Only non-chlorine bleach may be used.
- Crossed-out triangle: Do not bleach the garment.
Using the wrong bleach can cause discolouration or weaken certain fabrics. When in doubt, avoid bleach unless the care label permits it.
3. Drying Symbols
Drying symbols help you choose the safest way to dry your clothes.
- Square with a circle inside: Tumble drying is permitted.
- Dots inside the circle: Indicate the permitted heat level. More dots mean a higher temperature setting.
- Crossed-out square with a circle: Do not tumble dry.
- Square with lines: Indicates a natural drying method, such as line drying or drying flat.
Heat-sensitive fabrics may shrink or lose their shape in a hot dryer. Follow the label’s instructions to reduce the risk of damage.
4. Ironing Symbols
The iron symbol shows whether a garment can be ironed and how much heat it can tolerate.
- One dot: Low heat.
- Two dots: Medium heat.
- Three dots: High heat.
- Crossed-out iron: Do not iron.
For delicate fabrics, use the recommended temperature and check the garment label before applying direct heat.
5. Professional Cleaning Symbols
A circle symbol usually indicates professional textile cleaning instructions.
- Circle with a letter: Provides professional cleaners with information about the suitable cleaning process or solvent.
- Crossed-out circle: Do not dry clean.
If a garment is marked for professional cleaning only, avoid experimenting with home washing methods.
FAQs
What are laundry care symbols?
They are icons on clothing labels that explain how to wash, bleach, dry, iron and professionally clean garments.
What does a tub with a number mean?
It indicates the maximum recommended washing temperature.
What does a crossed-out washing tub mean?
The garment should not be washed with water.
What does a triangle mean on a clothing label?
It provides instructions about whether bleaching is permitted.
What does a square with a circle mean?
It indicates instructions for tumble drying.
What do dots inside a drying symbol mean?
They indicate the permitted heat level.
What does a crossed-out iron mean?
The garment should not be ironed.
What does a circle on a care label mean?
It generally indicates professional cleaning instructions.
Can I tumble dry clothes if the label allows machine washing?
Not necessarily. Check the drying symbol separately before using a tumble dryer.
What should I do if I cannot understand a care label?
Avoid risky washing or heating methods and seek advice from a professional laundry service.
