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Laundry Symbols Guide

What do all those symbols mean?

Laundry care symbols are standardized icons found on clothing labels that tell you how to properly wash, dry, iron, and care for your garments. Understanding these symbols helps prevent damage and keeps your clothes looking their best.

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Washing Symbols

The wash tub symbol indicates how to wash the garment. Lines underneath indicate gentleness, dots or numbers indicate temperature.

Machine Wash (Normal)

Safe to machine wash on normal/regular cycle.

Machine Wash Cold (30°C / 85°F)

One dot means cold water. Gentle on colors and delicate fabrics.

Machine Wash Warm (40°C / 105°F)

Two dots mean warm water. Good for everyday items.

Machine Wash Hot (50°C / 120°F)

Three dots mean hot water. For sturdy whites and heavily soiled items.

Permanent Press / Synthetic

One line underneath means gentle cycle. Reduces wrinkling.

Delicate / Gentle

Two lines underneath means delicate/gentle cycle. For fragile fabrics.

Hand Wash Only

A hand in the tub means hand wash only. Do not machine wash.

Do Not Wash

An X through the tub means do not wash with water. Dry clean only.

Bleaching Symbols

The triangle symbol indicates bleaching instructions. This is important for stain removal and whitening.

Any Bleach Allowed

Empty triangle means any bleach can be used when needed.

Non-Chlorine Bleach Only

Diagonal lines mean use only oxygen/color-safe bleach. No chlorine.

Do Not Bleach

An X through the triangle means no bleach of any kind.

Drying Symbols

The square symbol indicates drying instructions. A circle inside means tumble dry, lines indicate air drying methods.

Tumble Dry (Normal)

Circle in square means tumble dry is safe.

Tumble Dry Low Heat

One dot means low heat. Gentle on delicates.

Tumble Dry Medium Heat

Two dots mean medium heat. Standard for most items.

Tumble Dry High Heat

Three dots mean high heat. For sturdy cottons and towels.

Do Not Tumble Dry

An X means do not use a dryer. Air dry instead.

Hang to Dry / Line Dry

Vertical line means hang on a clothesline to dry.

Dry Flat

Horizontal line means lay flat to dry. Prevents stretching.

Ironing Symbols

The iron symbol indicates ironing instructions. Dots inside show the maximum temperature setting.

Iron (Any Temperature)

Plain iron means ironing is safe at any temperature.

Iron Low (110°C / 230°F)

One dot means low heat. For synthetics, silk, wool.

Iron Medium (150°C / 300°F)

Two dots mean medium heat. For polyester, wool blends.

Iron High (200°C / 390°F)

Three dots mean high heat. For cotton, linen.

Do Not Iron

An X through the iron means do not iron. May damage fabric.

Do Not Steam

Iron with crossed steam lines means no steam. Use dry iron only.

Professional Care Symbols

The circle symbol indicates professional dry cleaning or wet cleaning instructions. Letters inside specify the solvent type.

Dry Clean

Empty circle means professional dry cleaning is recommended.

P

Dry Clean - Any Solvent

P means any solvent except trichloroethylene can be used.

F

Dry Clean - Petroleum Solvent Only

F means use petroleum-based solvents only. More gentle.

W

Professional Wet Clean

W means professional wet cleaning is safe. Water-based process.

Do Not Dry Clean

An X through the circle means do not dry clean.

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