What Do Laundry Symbols Mean? A Simple Guide to Care Labels

Care labels look like a code. Once you know the basics, they are easy to read.

The washing symbol

A tub of water. The number is the maximum temperature in degrees Celsius, for example 30 or 40. A hand in the tub means hand wash. A cross through it means do not wash.

The bleach symbol

A triangle. An empty triangle allows bleach, a crossed triangle means no bleach.

The drying symbol

A square. A circle inside means tumble dry, with dots for heat level. A cross means do not tumble dry. Lines inside the square show line drying or drying flat.

The ironing symbol

An iron. Dots show the heat: one is low, two medium, three high. A cross means do not iron.

The dry cleaning symbol

A circle. A cross through it means do not dry clean. Bars under symbols mean a gentler cycle.

Quick answers

Where is the care label?

Usually inside the side seam or at the neck.

What if it is missing?

Wash cool and dry flat.

Are symbols the same worldwide?

Mostly, yes.

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