How to Read Laundry Symbols: A Quick Look
Laundry symbols on care labels are essential for properly maintaining your garments. They provide guidelines on washing, drying, ironing, and more. Understanding these symbols can save you from accidental damage and help your clothes last longer. Here’s a breakdown of the most common laundry symbols and what they mean.
1. Washing Symbols
These icons indicate how to wash your garments.
- Tub Icon: A plain tub means the item can be machine washed.
- Number Inside Tub: Refers to the maximum water temperature (e.g., 30°C, 40°C).
- Hand in Tub: Hand wash only.
- Crossed-Out Tub: Do not wash; dry clean instead.
2. Bleaching Symbols
Bleaching instructions tell you if bleach can be used.
- Triangle: Safe for bleach.
- Triangle with Diagonal Lines: Use non-chlorine bleach.
- Crossed-Out Triangle: Do not bleach.
3. Drying Symbols
Drying symbols help prevent shrinkage or damage.
- Square with Circle: Tumble dry allowed.
- Dots Inside Circle: Indicates heat level—one dot for low heat, two for medium, and three for high.
- Crossed-Out Circle: Do not tumble dry.
- Horizontal Line Inside Square: Dry flat.
- Three Vertical Lines Inside Square: Drip dry.
4. Ironing Symbols
These symbols indicate how to iron the garment.
- Iron Icon: Safe to iron.
- Dots Inside Iron: Indicates the heat level—one dot for low, two for medium, and three for high.
- Crossed-Out Iron: Do not iron.
5. Dry Cleaning Symbols
For professional cleaning instructions.
- Circle Icon: Dry clean only.
- Letters Inside Circle: Specify the solvent type (e.g., “P” for perchloroethylene).
- Crossed-Out Circle: Do not dry clean.
6. Miscellaneous Care Symbols
Additional care symbols may include:
- Bucket with Water Level: Indicates washing load size.
- Two Bars Under Icon: Use a gentle or delicate cycle.
Pro Tip: Keep the Label Handy
If you’re unsure, always refer back to the label before cleaning. Misinterpreting a symbol can lead to irreversible damage to your favorite garments.
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