Washing Symbols Explained
The washing symbol is a stylized bucket or tub of water. A plain tub means the garment can be machine washed at any temperature. Dots inside the tub indicate temperature: one dot means cold (up to 30 degrees Celsius), two dots mean warm (40 degrees), three dots mean hot (50 degrees), and four dots or more indicate very hot water is safe.
Lines under the tub indicate the required wash cycle: one line means permanent press or synthetic cycle, two lines mean delicate or gentle cycle. A hand reaching into the tub means hand wash only. An X through the tub means do not wash with water at all.
- Plain tub: Machine wash normal
- Tub with one line underneath: Permanent press cycle
- Tub with two lines: Delicate/gentle cycle
- Hand in tub: Hand wash only
- Tub with X: Do not wash
Bleaching Symbols
The bleaching symbol is a triangle. An empty triangle means any bleach is safe. A triangle with two diagonal lines means only non-chlorine or oxygen-based bleach is safe. A solid black triangle or a triangle with an X through it means do not bleach. Following these guidelines prevents accidental color loss or fabric damage.
Drying Symbols
A square represents drying instructions. A circle inside the square means tumble dry is acceptable. Dots inside the circle indicate heat level: one dot for low, two for medium, three for high. A square with a horizontal line means dry flat. A square with a curved line at the top means hang to dry. An X through the square means do not tumble dry.
Ironing Symbols
The ironing symbol looks like an old-fashioned iron. Dots inside indicate temperature: one dot for low heat (suitable for synthetics), two dots for medium heat (suitable for wool and silk), three dots for high heat (suitable for cotton and linen). An X through the iron means do not iron. An X under the iron specifically means do not use steam.
Dry Cleaning Symbols
A circle indicates dry cleaning instructions. An empty circle means dry clean with any solvent. Letters inside the circle (P, F, or W) specify which solvents are safe. An X through the circle means do not dry clean. These symbols are primarily for professional cleaners but can help you decide whether a garment needs professional care.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is ignoring care labels entirely and washing everything on the same hot cycle. The second most common mistake is assuming dry clean only means the garment cannot be washed at all; many dry-clean-only items can be carefully hand washed. Third, many people use bleach on items that specifically prohibit it, causing permanent damage. When in doubt, choose the gentlest option or bring the garment to our professional team for expert care.