Laundry Symbols Explained: The Ultimate Guide to Washing Labels

When you buy new clothes, you’ll often find a small label stitched inside with a series of tiny icons. These are laundry care symbols, and they serve an important purpose: they tell you exactly how to wash, dry, bleach, iron, or professionally clean that garment without damaging it.

In the UK, these symbols are standardised under international guidelines, meaning they should look the same no matter the brand or retailer. While they may seem cryptic at first glance, learning the basics will save you money, protect your clothes, and help them last much longer.

 

The Main Categories of Laundry Symbols

Laundry labels generally fall into five categories. Here’s what the most common symbols mean in plain English:

1. Washing Symbols

The bucket of water icon tells you how to wash the item:

• Number inside (e.g. 30, 40, 60): Maximum water temperature in °C.

• Single line underneath: Use a gentle cycle.

• Double line underneath: Use a very delicate cycle.

• Hand symbol: Hand wash only.

• Crossed-out bucket: Do not wash (professional cleaning only).

2. Bleaching Symbols

These are shown as triangles:

• Plain triangle: Any bleach can be used.

• Triangle with two diagonal lines: Only non-chlorine bleach is allowed.

• Crossed-out triangle: Do not bleach.

3. Drying Symbols

Look for the square icon:

• Square with a circle inside: Tumble drying is allowed. Dots inside the circle show the heat setting (one dot = low, two dots = medium, three dots = high).

• Crossed-out circle in a square: Do not tumble dry.

• Horizontal line inside square: Dry flat.

• Vertical line inside square: Line dry.

4. Ironing Symbols

Shaped like a small iron icon:

• One dot: Low heat.

• Two dots: Medium heat.

• Three dots: High heat.

• Crossed-out iron: Do not iron.

5. Professional Cleaning Symbols

Usually a circle:

• Plain circle with a letter (P or F): Professional dry clean only.

• Circle with a W: Professional wet cleaning.

• Crossed-out circle: Do not dry clean.

 

Laundry Symbols

Here are the most common symbols to look out for:

	Machine wash normal
	Machine wash permanent press
	Machine wash gentle or delicate
	Wash at or below 30°C
	Wash at or below 40°C
	Wash at or below 50°C
	Wash at or below 60°C
	Wash at or below 70°C
	Wash at or below 95°C
	Hand wash only
	Do not wash
	Iron at any temperature
	Iron at a low temperature
	Iron at a medium temperature
	Iron at a high temperature
	Do not iron
	Chlorine and non-chlorine bleach allowed
	Use non-chlorine bleach
	Do not bleach
	May be tumble dried
	Tumble dry at a low temperature or delicate setting
	Tumble dry at a normal temperature or setting
	Tumble dry at a high temperature or setting
	Line dry
	Dry flat
	Drip dry
	Do not tumble dry
	May be dry cleaned
	Do not dry clean

 

Why Laundry Symbols Matter

Advantages of Learning Them

• Protect your clothes – Avoid shrinkage, colour fading, and damage.

• Save money – Fewer ruined garments mean fewer replacements.

• Extend garment life – Well-cared-for clothes look better for longer.

• Avoid laundry mistakes – No more guesswork when separating or choosing cycles.

Risks of Ignoring Them

• Shrinkage (especially wool and cotton at the wrong temperature).

• Colours fading or transferring to other clothes.

• Fabric warping or becoming misshapen.

• Garments wearing out prematurely.

 

How to Handle Confusing or Rare Symbols

Occasionally, you’ll come across a symbol that isn’t instantly clear. In these cases:

• Check the dots and lines – They usually indicate heat and cycle intensity.

• Look online or in the retailer’s guidance – Most brands explain unusual care instructions on their websites.

• When in doubt, go gentle – Lower temperatures and delicate cycles are always safer than high heat or strong chemicals.

If you’re dealing with a particularly expensive or delicate item, it’s worth double-checking with the manufacturer’s guidance or taking it to a professional cleaner.

 

Quick FAQs

Why do some symbols have dots or lines?

Dots indicate temperature (more dots = higher heat). Lines under the wash tub indicate how gentle the wash cycle should be.

What does a triangle or circle mean?

Triangles refer to bleaching. Circles relate to professional cleaning (dry or wet).

Do all countries use the same symbols?

In most cases, yes – especially in the UK and Europe. The standards are widely recognised, though some minor variations exist in North America and Asia.

Is it safe to ignore the dry-clean-only symbol?

Not usually. Some “dry-clean-only” items may survive a delicate hand wash, but there’s always a risk of damage. For valuable or structured garments (suits, coats, silks), stick to dry cleaning.

 

Conclusion

Laundry symbols may seem like an unnecessary detail, but they’re a universal language designed to help you care for your clothes properly. While the full chart of icons can look overwhelming, mastering the basics gives you the confidence to wash with ease, keep your wardrobe looking its best, and avoid costly mistakes.

A little attention to these labels now will save you money, time, and stress later.