How to read clothing labels: washing and care symbols
Clothing labels indicate how to wash, dry, iron, bleach, or professionally clean a garment. Understanding their symbols helps you choose the right treatment and avoid mistakes like shrinkage, color loss, or fabric damage.
In this guide, you will find the main clothing wash symbols and what each one means. If in doubt, the garment's label should always be your primary reference.
What do the symbols on clothing labels mean?
Textile care symbols are generally grouped into five categories: washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and professional cleaning. Each symbol provides an indication, and in some cases, lines, dots, numbers, or letters add specific conditions.
- A cross: indicates that the represented treatment must not be performed.
- Numbers in the tub: indicate the maximum washing temperature specified by the manufacturer.
- Lines under the tub: indicate a more moderate treatment.
- Dots: are used, depending on the symbol, to indicate temperature levels.
- Lines inside the square: indicate natural drying methods.
1. Washing symbols: the tub
The tub indicates how the garment can be washed.
- Tub with a number: indicates the maximum washing temperature.
- Tub with a hand: indicates hand washing.
- Crossed-out tub: indicates the garment must not be washed with water.
- Underlined tub: indicates a more moderate treatment should be used.
The temperature should not be chosen solely based on the level of dirt: you must respect the maximum temperature indicated on the label. For more in-depth information, check our guide on wash temperatures.
2. Drying symbols: the square
The square is used for drying instructions.
- Square with a circle: indicates the garment can be tumble dried, always respecting the temperature dots.
- Crossed-out square: do not tumble dry.
- Square with lines: indicate different ways of natural drying, such as line drying or drying flat.
For delicate garments, follow the drying instructions with special care, as heat and handling can affect the fabric.
3. Ironing symbols: the iron
The iron symbol indicates whether a garment can be ironed and the maximum recommended temperature level.
- A crossed-out iron: do not iron.
- One, two, or three temperature marks: indicate heat levels from lowest to highest.
If a garment has specific instructions regarding steam, follow that recommendation as well.
4. Bleaching symbols: the triangle
The triangle indicates whether the garment can be bleached and what type of treatment is permitted.
- Triangle: allows bleaching according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Crossed-out triangle: do not use bleach.
- Triangle with a specific indication: may limit the type of bleach permitted.
Not all bleaching products are the same. Always check the garment label and the product instructions before using them.
5. Professional cleaning symbols: the circle
The circle relates primarily to professional cleaning. The letters that appear inside the symbol inform the professional about specific processes or products that can be used.
If the professional cleaning symbol is crossed out, that treatment should not be performed. When a garment requires professional cleaning, it is recommended to provide the full information from the label to the specialized establishment.
How do I know if a garment is machine washable?
Look for the tub symbol. If it appears with a number, the garment can be washed with water up to the maximum temperature indicated. If a hand appears, it is suitable for hand washing. If the tub is crossed out, it should not be washed with water.
In addition, the lines located under the tub may indicate that you need a gentler cycle or a moderate treatment.
How do I know if I can put my clothes in the dryer?
Look for the square with a circle. If it is crossed out, do not use a dryer. The dots on the symbol indicate the permitted temperature level.
If you want to reduce the risk of deforming a delicate garment, always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions and avoid improvising with the drying method.
Common mistakes when interpreting labels
- Confusing maximum temperature with mandatory temperature: a number indicates the maximum allowed, not that you must always wash at that temperature.
- Ignoring the lines under the tub: they may indicate you need a gentler cycle.
- Using a dryer without checking the symbol: some garments do not support this treatment.
- Applying bleach or whiteners without checking the triangle: check beforehand which treatment the label allows.
- Assuming all garments are cared for the same way: fabric, construction, and finishes also matter.
Tips for better garment care
- Read the label before the first wash.
- Sort clothes by color and washing needs.
- Use the appropriate temperature for each garment.
- Choose a detergent compatible with the fabric.
- Avoid unnecessary treatments for delicate garments.
- Let clothes dry completely before storing them.
For delicate garments, you can also consult our guide on how to wash clothes by hand and the information on No. 13 laundry soap for silk and wool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the tub with a hand symbol mean?
It indicates that the garment is suitable for hand washing.
What does a crossed-out tub mean?
It means the garment must not be washed with water.
What does a square with a circle mean?
It indicates that the garment can be tumble dried, always respecting the temperature levels indicated by the dots.
What does the crossed-out triangle mean?
It indicates that bleach should not be used on the garment.
What does the circle on a label mean?
It indicates instructions primarily related to professional cleaning.
In summary
To correctly interpret a clothing label, first identify the five main symbols: tub for washing, square for drying, iron, triangle for bleaching, and circle for professional cleaning. Then, look at the numbers, dots, lines, and crosses to understand the specific conditions.
Reading the label before washing is one of the simplest things you can do to take care of your garments and extend their lifespan.
