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Washing care label symbols


Laundry Symbols Explained: Complete Care Label Guide

Before reading this guide, let me ask you:

If the responses are yes, well, this laundry symbols guide will definitely help you!

All laundry symbols have a specific meaning so, with the very best London Dry Cleaners, we have put together a downloadable essential guide that you can use today to maximize the lifetime of your most prized threads.

  1. Dry cleaning symbols
  2. Ironing symbols
  3. Drying symbols
  4. Hand washing symbols
  5. Synthetic washing symbols
  6. All-in-one laundry symbols

DRY CLEANING

Why not leave your dry-cleaning in our expert hands and book a collection with our industry professionals. 

IRONING

We know how much you hate ironing, so why not get a crisp, professional press from an expert and instead spend that time doing something you love.

DRYING

HAND WASHING

SYNTHETIC WASHING

If these laundry symbols seem like too much hard work, our on-demand laundry service is on hand to help. We can collect, clean and deliver your laundry back to you, freshly washed and smelling fabulous.

In the meantime, you can download our complete care label guide and print it out for reference.

Download Care Label Guide

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Your Guide to Laundry Symbols (Plus a Handy Washing Symbols Chart!)

You know those hieroglyphic-like laundry symbols on clothing labels? They relay important cleaning information.

Here's what they mean and how to use them.

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but sometimes it’s more confusing than text. That goes double when it’s one of the many laundry symbols found on the care label of your clothes. What are all those circles, squares, and triangles—and why should you care about them?

Clothing manufacturers use washing symbols to help you extend the life of your clothes. Sure, you may think you know how to wash clothes, how to use a washing machine, how to separate laundry, and how to put liquid fabric softener in the fabric softener dispenser. You might even use the best laundry detergent and take the time to set the washing machine temperature just right. But that doesn’t guarantee your clothing will stay in the same condition, color, or size.

“You risk destroying your clothes by not following the laundry care instructions,” says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean. “What might happen if you put a dry-clean-only garment in a washing machine? The garment could shrink—not just a little, but significantly. Garments made of wool can shrink two to three sizes or more, and drapes can shrink to half their size.” Instead of making it a guessing game—no, that’s not an envelope, suggesting you send the item to your mom to clean; it’s the sign for “hang to dry”—we asked the experts to decipher the most common washing instruction symbols. Here’s your comprehensive laundry symbols guide, complete with laundry symbols charts.

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What are international laundry care symbols?

Because people do laundry all around the world, the industry has created a standard of five basic symbols that form a kind of universal language. To make it even easier, laundry symbols are always featured in the same order on a label. From left to right, they are:

“As you go through the five basic international symbols, you’ll start to see a pattern,” said Annette Grant and Sarah Karakaian, full-time short-term rental managers and hosts of the “Thanks for Visiting” podcast. “It’s like its own language where, for example, two lines under an icon or three dots inside an icon always mean the same thing. Once you learn these, you’ll be fluent in care tags in no time.”

According to fashion stylist Leena Alsulaiman, one of the most important symbols to pay attention to is a large X. “When a symbol is crossed out,” she warns, “that’s your sign not to do that thing.”

Laundry symbols for how to machine wash clothes

The washtub symbol indicates instructions for every step of the washing process, whether you’re using a traditional or HE washer. If the garment is machine washable, you’ll see either dots or numbers inside it, representing the recommended maximum water temperature.

Lines under the washtub signify that the garment needs to be washed on a special cycle.

“Just remember, the more lines under the washtub, the more careful you should be,” says Alsulaiman. And finally, if your washtub has an X through it, back away from the washing machine. This means “do not wash.”

rd.com, Getty Images

Laundry symbols for how to hand-wash clothes

If you see a hand reaching into the washtub, that means your garment should be hand-washed only. Do not put it in the washing machine. There’s another washing symbol that indicates how to hand-wash clothes: If you see an icon that looks like a wrapped, hard candy with an X through it, don’t wring or twist the garment. Gently squeeze the water out after hand-washing it.

rd.com, Getty Images

Laundry symbols for how to bleach clothes

The triangle tells you everything you need to know about bleaching an item. Here’s how to decipher the symbols:

rd.com, Getty Images

Laundry symbols for how to dry clothes

Everything you need to know about how to dry an item can be found in the square on the care label. Be sure to check this before tossing your clothing in the wash to avoid shrinkage—unless, of course, you’re trying to shrink clothes. First, look for a circle in the square, which tells you it’s okay to dry the item in the dryer. If your square has both a circle in its center and an X through it, do not put the item in the dryer.

Just like with the washtub, the number of dots signifies the maximum temperature to be used:

You may also notice lines beneath the square. As with the washtub icon, these indicate the proper dryer settings to use.

All of that explains how to machine dry an item (and if you should). But if your square doesn’t have a circle at all, it should air-dry. Here’s how to interpret the various air-dry laundry symbols:

rd.com, Getty Images

Laundry symbols for how to iron clothes

With the abundance of wrinkle-free garments options, you might not spend much time wondering how to get wrinkles out of clothes. But there comes a time when your clothes really need to be ironed. The iron is the most self-explanatory of all the clothes-washing symbols. Once again, the number of dots signifies the maximum temperature that can be used.

And, of course, an X means don’t iron it at all. When it comes to wrinkles, the steamer vs. iron debate comes down to fabric—and therefore the laundry symbols you see on your clothing tag. The following symbols relate to whether or not you should use steam on a garment. (P.S.—here’s how to clean an iron so your clothes don’t get damaged.)

rd.com, Getty Images

Laundry symbols for dry cleaning clothes

You can try your hand at dry cleaning at home, but chances are you’ll want to leave it to the pros, so pay attention to the clothing label. The symbol for dry cleaning is a circle, and if it doesn’t have an X through it, it means you can take it to the dry cleaner. If the label specifies “dry clean only,” you should definitely take it to the dry cleaner. An item with this label is one of the things that should never end up in your washing machine.

Sometimes there are letters inside the circle, but don’t worry about those. They indicate the kinds of chemicals that can be used on a garment and are meant for professionals. Your dry cleaner will understand.

rd.com, Getty Images

Sources:

Designation of symbols on the label - decoding of symbols on the clothing label

How to properly care for clothes, bed linen and other fabric products, what do the symbols for washing, drying, cleaning clothes mean? Bonus: how ordinary people perceive these symbols.

In order for a thing to last as long as possible, you need to properly care for it. How exactly, the clothes care symbols placed on a special label (ribbon) on almost any item will best tell you. They can be woven, embroidered or printed. These signs are duplicated on a paper label. Everything is important: washing temperature, type of washing, drying method and other indicators. When buying new clothes, study them and try to follow these micro-instructions.

Clothing care symbols are regulated by the international standard GOST ISO 3758-2014 (this is an adaptation of the international ISO 3758:2012).

Can you tell right off the bat what a circle means and what a triangle means?

A survey conducted among subscribers of Roskachestvo social networks showed that only the icons associated with the temperature regime of washing and ironing do not cause difficulties. None of the respondents could identify some other signs.

“Square”, “bricked pig”, “cyclops” - this is how our respondents defined some symbols of drying.

In the tables below, we provide not only a complete decoding of the meanings of symbols, but also how ordinary people perceive these designations! We have selected the most interesting answers from those presented. If you have your own version, you can write it in the comments to this material.

What do the symbols on clothing labels mean?

There are only five basic, basic characters.

In addition to the basic five, additional symbols are used: one or two lines, dots (numbers) and the cross of St. Andrew.

Symbols on laundry labels

The symbols on laundry labels are the easiest to understand. The number on the "Water basin" symbol indicates the maximum allowable water temperature for washing. As a rule, the number varies from 30°C to 95°C.


Drying and spinning

The square image indicates the drying process. The symbols will tell you whether the clothes can be wrung out and dried directly in the washing machine, or only normal drying is possible.

If there is no circle in the square, this indicates that clothes should be dried in natural conditions, not in a typewriter.


The image of a circle inscribed in a square indicates tumble drying after the washing process, the maximum temperature being indicated by one or more dots placed inside the symbol.


Ironing

The image of an iron indicates domestic ironing and pressing processes with or without the use of steam, the maximum temperature levels are indicated by one, two or three dots inside the symbol.

Important. If there is one dot on the iron symbol, then ironing should be done without steam. Steam ironing can cause permanent damage.


Whitening and professional cleaning

The triangle on the label indicates bleaching requirements, and the circle indicates professional cleaning (dry cleaning) requirements. Professional cleaning includes wet cleaning (with the exception of washing in a washing machine) and dry cleaning with various solvents.



Read HERE for advice on how to care for your clothes.

Icons and symbols on clothing labels: meaning and interpretation

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What do the washing symbols on your clothes mean?

Laundry labels contain a lot of information, but once you understand the basic logic, they are easy to decipher.

Laundry symbols on labels divided by five main categories: washing, drying, ironing, dry cleaning and bleaching. The icons on clothing labels provide detailed care instructions for each step - always read them before turning on the washer or dryer.

Explanation of icons on clothing labels and a detailed description will help you wash, clean and dry things correctly. An explanation of the individual washing symbols can be found below. Want a quick overview of icons? Download and print clothing label symbols so that they are always at hand (you can hang the icons on clothes tags on the wall or put them next to the washing machine):

Download an overview of the washing symbols (PDF).

Wash symbols

General washing symbols

Do not wash
Be careful when you see this symbol on your clothes. Clothing with this washing symbol on the label must not be washed in a washing machine. Never put them in the washing machine or wash them by hand. They will most likely require dry cleaning (see below). 		Hand wash
This wash symbol indicates that the garment can only be washed by hand. But don't worry, many washing machines have hand wash programs that are just as gentle on your clothes. 		Do not spin
If you see this symbol, do not twist the fabric to remove excess water, as spinning may damage the fibers. Instead, gently press the cloth (or roll it into a thick towel) to remove the water.

Gentle wash, delicate spin

Constant pressure cycle (gentle wash)
Washing symbol with one line under the basin symbol indicates that the laundry can be washed on a short wash cycle (e. g. program for synthetic fabrics) and short spin cycle or spin at low speed .

The basin symbol without lines means that your clothes can be washed in the washing machine . You will see this symbol on the labels of strong fabrics such as denim. The correct washing temperature is usually displayed inside the symbol (see below).

Delicate wash
The wash symbol with two lines means that your clothes require a delicate wash. Laundry should only be washed on delicate programs, e.g. for wool, and only with suitable detergents. If possible, do not use the spin cycle.
Delicate wash at the recommended water temperature
The basin symbol with one or more lines at the bottom and temperature indicates that the garment can be washed on the delicate program at the indicated temperature. If possible, do not use the spin cycle.

Wash temperature

Wash at 30°C
This symbol on the label means that your clothes can be machine washed, but only in cool water up to 30°C. 		Wash at or below 40°C
Can be washed at 40°C or less. 		Wash at or below 50°C
Can be washed at 50°C or less.
Wash at or below 60°C
Can be washed at 60°C or less. 		Wash at or below 70°C
Clothes can be washed at a maximum water temperature of 70°C. 		Wash at or below 80°C
This wash symbol allows you to wash the fabric at hot temperatures up to a maximum of 80°C.
Wash at or below 90°C
Your clothes will withstand very hot washing up to 90°C. 		Wash at or below 95°C
Your clothes can be machine washed at a maximum temperature of 95°C.

American washing symbols

Wash at 30°C
In the US, the symbol for a wash basin with a dot inside indicates that your laundry can only be washed at 30°C or below. 		Gentle wash at or below 30°C
If you see an extra line under the basin symbol with a dot inside, this means that your clothes should be washed on the delicate cycle. 		Wash at or below 40°C
The wash symbol with two dots indicates laundry that can be washed at 40°C.
Wash at or below 50°C
The three-dot basin symbol indicates garments that can be washed at temperatures up to 50°C. 		Wash at or below 60°C
Care symbols with four dots indicate that items can be washed up to 60°C. 		Washable at or below 70°C
Laundry that can be washed up to 70 degrees is identified in the US with a five-dot basin symbol.

Whitening symbols

A triangle or bleach symbol usually comes after the wash symbol on a clothing label. It is important to know that whitening can be carried out in two ways: using oxygen or chlorine. Each method has its own symbol. Here is an overview of all whitening symbols:

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Bleach allowed
The triangle symbol on a clothing label indicates that any type of bleach is allowed. 		Do not bleach
The crossed triangle symbol indicates that bleach must not be used. If you see this symbol, make sure you are using a good color detergent or one that does not contain optical brighteners that would brighten your clothes. 		Do not bleach
This is the previous version of the "do not bleach" symbol that you can still find on old garments.
Bleach only without chlorine
The two diagonal lines inside the triangle mean you can use bleach to bleach clothes, but make sure it's not chlorine. 		Chlorine bleach
The letters CL in the triangle on the laundry label stand for chlorine. That is, your clothes can be bleached with chlorine bleach.

Ironing symbols

The ironing symbol on the laundry label speaks for itself - it looks like an iron. The symbol is often supplemented with dots , which define the maximum allowed ironing temperature . See them all.

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Do not iron
The crossed-out iron symbol means that ironing is dangerous as ironing can permanently damage the fabric. 		Do not iron with steam
If only the lower part of the steam iron is crossed out, the clothes can be ironed, but the steam function cannot be used. 		Ironable
The iron symbol indicates that ironing is possible.
Ironing at 110°C
The iron symbol with a dot indicates extremely gentle ironing at a maximum temperature of 110°C. On many iron models, this temperature regime is also marked with one dot. 		Iron at 150°C
The iron symbol with two dots indicates ironing at a maximum temperature of 150°C. On many iron models, this temperature setting is also marked with two dots. 		Ironing at 200°C
If the iron symbol has three dots, the highest ironing temperature up to 200°C can be used. On many iron models, this temperature regime is also marked with three dots.

Dry cleaning symbols

The empty circle is a generic symbol for dry-cleaning clothing. Letters in a circle indicate the type of dry cleaning.

Like other washing symbols, lines or stripes below the circle indicate the need for gentle care. A crossed out circle indicates that the garment should not be dry cleaned.

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Dry Cleaning
Circle is the general designation for dry cleaning on clothing labels. 		Do not dry clean
A circle with a line through means that dry cleaning is not allowed for this garment. 		Dry cleanable with any solvent
The letter "A" inside the circle means that dry cleaning is allowed with all solvents.
Dry Clean Perchlorethylene (PCE)
The letter P inside the dry cleaning symbol indicates that dry cleaning can be done with PCE or petroleum-based solvents. 		Dry Cleaning, Petroleum Solvents
The letter F inside the dry cleaning symbol indicates that dry cleaning should only be done with petroleum solvents. 		Professional wet cleaning
The cleaning symbol with a W stands for professional wet cleaning.
Dry cleaning method not permitted
If any dry cleaning method is shown with a circle through it, it should not be used. 		Mild Professional Wet Clean
A circle with a W and a line below it indicates that the garment needs a gentle professional wet cleaning. 		Very gentle professional wet cleaning
A circle with a W and two lines below it indicates that the laundry needs an extremely gentle professional wet cleaning.

Drying symbols

A square with a circle inside is a common symbol for a dryer. If this symbol is on the laundry label, the clothes can be tumble dried unless the square is crossed out. The various variations of this drying symbol provide information about the programs and temperature settings at which the laundry can be dried.

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Tumble dryable
A square with a circle in the middle means the garment can be tumble dried. 		Do not tumble dry
Clothes must not be tumble dried, indicated by the crossed out square symbol. Do not put clothes in the dryer. 		Air dry
The laundry care symbol is a simple square no circle means air dry. You must dry this laundry by hanging it on a clothesline or dryer.

Find answers to your drying questions and lots of practical advice.

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Drying symbols

Laundry icon FAQ

What should I do if the care label is missing?

If your label is missing or you can't read the markings, don't worry. The fabric of your clothes will usually give you advice on the correct washing, drying or ironing temperatures. Common fabrics such as denim or knitwear are easy to recognize. They can easily withstand washing at temperatures up to 40 degrees. If you're still unsure, you can always refer to the care instructions for single-material garments.

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Are the same symbols used all over the world?

The laundry care symbols are internationally standardized (ISO 3758:2012) and were introduced by GINETEX (International Textile Care Label Organization) in 1963.

Learn more