Decoding Laundry Care Symbols: The Essential Guide to Washing Right

Have you ever looked at the tags on your clothes?

They might seem like hieroglyphs at first glance, but they’re the key to keeping your clothes clean, well-preserved, and looking brand new for much longer.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand what each symbol means and how they directly impact the durability of your clothes.

Hand in the tub: hand wash only.

Numbers inside: show the maximum water temperature (30°, 40°, 60°, etc.).

One or two lines below: use a gentle or very gentle cycle.

Empty triangle: bleach can be used.

Triangle with two lines: use only non-chlorine bleach.

Triangle with an X: do not bleach.

One dot: low temperature.

Two dots: medium temperature.

With an X: do not tumble dry.

Square with a line in the middle: line dry.

Three vertical lines: drip dry.

One horizontal line: flat dry (ideal for knits).

One dot: low heat.

Two dots: medium heat.

Three dots: high heat.

With an X: do not iron.

Empty circle: dry cleaning allowed.

Letter inside the circle (A, F, or P): shows the type of solvent that should be used. The letter A means any type of solvent can be used. F stands for hydrocarbon-based solvents. P indicates the use of perchloroethylene.

Circle with an X: do not dry clean.