Washing Symbols
Understanding how to wash your clothes is the first step to keeping them in great shape. The symbols below tell you how to wash an item, what temperature to use, and what cycle is best.
General Symbols:
Machine Wash:
This symbol means it's safe to wash the item in a standard washing machine. Always check for other symbols that specify water temperature or cycle type.
Tip: Turn garments inside out to protect colors and designs.
Hand Wash:
Indicates that the item should be washed by hand, usually due to delicate materials like silk, wool, or lace.
Tip: Use cold or lukewarm water, gentle detergent, and avoid wringing the fabric. A mesh bag on the "hand wash" setting may be acceptable — but always test with caution.
Do Not Wash:
This means the garment is not meant to be washed in water, whether by hand or machine.
Tip: Bring the item to a professional cleaner to avoid damage.
Dry Clean Only:
The item must be professionally dry cleaned. Do not attempt to wash it at home.
Tip: This symbol is often found on structured garments, wool suits, or pieces with delicate trims.
Do Not Dry Clean:
Garments with this symbol should not be exposed to the chemicals used in dry cleaning.
Tip: Wash on a gentle machine cycle and avoid strong detergents or bleach.
Temperature Guidance:
Wash Cold (65°F–85°F):
Use cold water for items that are prone to shrinking or fading.
Tip: Great for dark colors, delicates, or activewear.
Wash Warm (up to 105°F):
Use warm water for regular clothing like cotton, denim, and poly blends.
Tip: Helps remove body oils and stains while still being gentle on fabric.
Wash Hot (up to 120°F):
Hot water is best for heavily soiled whites, towels, or sheets.
Tip: Avoid using hot water on synthetic or delicate fabrics to prevent damage.
Machine Cycles:
Normal Cycle:
A standard setting suitable for everyday clothes like T-shirts, jeans, and cotton blends.
Tip: Safe for most machine-washable items.
Permanent Press Cycle:
Uses a slower spin to reduce wrinkles. Ideal for synthetic fabrics like rayon or polyester.
Tip: Pair with warm water and remove garments promptly to avoid creases.
Delicate/Gentle Cycle:
A light wash setting for fragile items like lingerie, silks, or beaded fabrics.
Tip: Always use a mesh laundry bag and avoid overloading the machine.
Drying Symbols
The way you dry your clothes is just as important as how you wash them. These symbols explain whether you can tumble dry, what temperature to use, and if the item needs to hang or lay flat to dry.
General Symbols:
Tumble Drying Allowed:
Clothing can be safely dried in a machine dryer.
Tip: Use the appropriate temperature setting based on other symbols.
Do Not Tumble Dry:
Avoid using a machine dryer — air drying is required.
Tip: Lay flat or hang to prevent fabric damage or shrinkage.
Hang to Dry:
Let the item drip dry on a hanger or drying rack.
Tip: Avoid direct sunlight if the fabric is prone to fading.
Dry Flat:
Lay the garment on a flat surface to air dry. Helps maintain the shape of delicate knits or sweaters.
Tip: Place a towel underneath to absorb moisture.
Do Not Wring:
Twisting or wringing the fabric could damage fibers or cause stretching.
Tip: Gently press out excess water with a towel.
Temperature Settings:
Any Heat / Low / Medium / High:
Indicates which heat setting is safe in the dryer.
Tip: When in doubt, stick to low heat to preserve the fabric’s integrity.
No Heat / Air:
Dry the item using a cool setting with no heat.
Tip: Best for activewear, elastics, or waterproof fabrics.
Tumble Dry Cycles:
Normal / Perm Press / Delicate Cycle:
Tells you which dryer setting to use based on fabric type.
Tip: Always match the dryer cycle to the washer setting for consistent care.
Bleaching & Ironing Symbols
These symbols tell you if you can use bleach and how to safely iron your clothes without damaging the fabric.
Bleaching Symbols:
Bleaching Allowed:
You can use any type of bleach, including chlorine.
Tip: Best for whites and colorfast fabrics.
Use Non-Chlorine Bleach Only:
Stick to oxygen-based bleach (often labeled “color-safe”).
Tip: Always check your detergent label.
Do Not Bleach:
Avoid bleach altogether — it may weaken or discolor the fabric.
Tip: Spot clean with mild soap if needed.
Ironing Symbols:
Iron Low / Medium / High:
Specifies the safe temperature range for ironing.
Tip: Always test on an inconspicuous area first and avoid ironing over logos or embellishments.
Do Not Iron:
The item will be damaged by heat from an iron.
Tip: Use a steamer to remove wrinkles if needed.
No Steam Added to Iron:
Iron the fabric without using steam.
Tip: Use a dry iron setting, especially on water-sensitive materials like wool or suede.
Why Laundry Symbols Matter
Ignoring laundry labels can lead to shrinkage, fading, damage to delicate fabrics, and melted prints or logos.
By following the care instructions, you help your clothes last longer and look better — and avoid those laundry mishaps we all dread.
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