How to Read Washing Labels

Laundry symbols may seem like another language, but they’re very important. These symbols on your garments’ care label tell you exactly how to do the washing and drying, as well as give you extra information on bleaching and ironing. Read on for our quick guide to what the symbols mean.

Washing symbols

To see great laundry results and prevent damage to your clothes, you have to get the temperature and the wash cycle right. The clothes washing symbols below can give you an idea for temperature and different cycles.

Washing cycle symbols

Washing temperature symbols

Washing machine symbols

Important: Don’t forget to look out for dry clean sigs (circle), or hand wash symbols, indicated by a tub of water with a hand, so you’ll know when to avoid putting garments in the washing machine.

Drying symbols

Machine drying clothes can seem scary at first, since we’ve all heard stories about sweaters coming out of the dryer three sizes too small, but if you know your dryer symbols, you can use the machine with confidence.

General drying symbols

Drying temperature symbols

Tumble dry laundry symbols

Bleaching symbols

Before using bleach, make sure you check your garment’s fabric care label and look for a crossed-out triangle that means ‘do not bleach’.

Bleaching symbols

Ironing symbols

Some fabrics look great after ironing, but materials that are more delicate can be damaged if ironed. There are even some fabrics that simply need special care when ironing. Look for the iron symbol on your garment before you start the process.

Ironing symbols

Download your laundry symbols guide

Laundry symbols are there to guide you, so your clothes get the best care they deserve. If you need a cheat sheet, get this printable laundry symbols guide and keep it next to your washing machine to be prepared at all times.

Download now