Laundry Symbols Explained: Your Complete Guide to Washing Symbols
If you’ve ever been puzzled by the cryptic symbols on your clothing tags, you’re not alone. These small icons are meant to help you understand how to take care of your clothes so they can last longer and stay in good condition. Here’s a complete guide to help you understand and interpret these laundry symbols.
Washing Symbols
Washing symbols let you know how to best clean your clothes without affecting the quality.
- Tub with Water: This icon, resembling a tub filled with water, indicates that the item can be machine washed.
Other variations of this symbol include the below:
- Numbers in the Tub (30, 40, 60, etc.): These indicate the maximum temperature (in Celsius) at which you should wash the item.
- Single Horizontal Line beneath Tub: If a single line is shown under the tub this means the garment should be washed using a Synthetics Cycle
- Double Horizontal Line beneath Tub: A double line under the tub means a Gentle or Wool Cycle should be used.
- Hand in the Tub: If there’s a hand in the tub, it means the garment should be hand-washed only.
- Crossed Out Tub: Do not wash. The item may need dry cleaning.
Related symbols:
- Crossed Out Twisted Cloth: This symbol means; Do not wring the item.
Bleaching Symbols
Bleaching symbols are there to inform you as to whether you can use bleach on the fabric or not.
- Triangle: A standard triangle means you can use any type of bleach on the item.
Other variations of this symbol include the below:
- Triangle with Two Lines: Non-chlorine bleach only.
- Crossed Out Triangle: Do not bleach.
Drying Symbols
Drying symbols guide you on the most suitable way to dry your clothes after washing.
- Square with a Circle: This represents a tumble dryer.
Other variations of this symbol include the below:
- Dots inside the Circle: One dot means dry on low heat, two for medium, and three for high.
- Single Line Under Tumble Dry Symbol: The item must be dried on a Permanent Press / Synthetics Cycle
- Double Line Under Tumble Dry Symbol: This symbol means the garments must be dried on a Delicate / Gentle cycle
- Crossed Out: Do not tumble dry.
Related symbols:
- Square with Three Vertical Lines inside: Drip dry.
- Square with Single Horizontal Line inside: This means the item must be dried flat to prevent stretching.
- Square with Curved Line from Top Left to Top Right Corner: Hang to dry.
Ironing Symbols
Ironing symbols indicate whether the clothing items should be ironed and if so what setting to use.
- Iron: This symbol suggests the item can be ironed.
Other variations of this symbol include the below:
- Dots inside the Iron: One dot for low temperature, two for medium, and three for high.
- Crossed Out Iron: Do not iron.
- Iron with two crossed out lines emanating from the bottom: This symbol is designed to indicate that you should not use steam when ironing the garment
Dry Cleaning Symbols
Dry cleaning symbols indicate whether a garment should be dry cleaned.
- Circle: A plain circle means the item can be dry cleaned.
Other variations of this symbol include the below:
- Letter Inside Circle: These letters indicate the type of solvent that should be used.
A: Any Solvent can be used
P: Any Solvent Except listed solvents
F: Petroleum Based Solvents Only
- Crossed Out Circle: Do not dry clean.
Additional Symbols
Some additional dry-cleaning symbols might appear to give you more specific care instructions.
- Circle with Diagonal Line Outside of Circle on Bottom Left: Short Cycle
- Circle with Diagonal Line Outside of Circle on Top Right: Reduced Moisture
- Circle with Diagonal Line Outside of Circle on Bottom Right: Low Heat
- Circle with Diagonal Line Outside of Circle on Top Left: No Steam Finishing
Top Tips for Doing Laundry
Doing laundry is a chore that everyone must tackle, but with the right approach, it can be made easier and more efficient. Here are some top tips to help you get the best results when doing your laundry:
- Sort Before Washing: Always sort your laundry by fabric type and colour before washing. This helps prevent damage and colour bleeding.
- Treat Stains Immediately: Apply stain remover or a little detergent directly on the stain before washing and be sure to rinse stains with cold water as hot water can set the stain.
- Check Symbols Before Buying: When shopping, check the care labels. If an item requires special care that you’re not willing to provide, it might be best to skip it.
- Invest in Laundry Bags: For delicate items, use laundry bags to provide extra protection in the wash.
- Avoid Overloading the Washer: Proper Load Size: Overloading can prevent clothes from getting clean and may damage the washer. Leave some space for clothes to move freely.
Conclusion
Understanding and following the symbols on your clothing tags can significantly extend the life of your garments. These icons, though small, provide crucial information to help you care for your clothes properly. Next time you’re doing laundry, keep this guide handy to ensure you follow the best practices for your wardrobe. Happy laundering!