A Helpful Guide to Laundry Symbols and Their Meanings on Clothes
Have you ever seen the tiny and creative laundry symbols on your clothing tag? You must wonder what they mean. No worries now! These washing symbols are key to keeping your favourite outfits lasting longer and looking fresh.
Understanding these laundry or washing label symbols is necessary. We do not heed them until or unless there is a delicate fabric that we are unsure of washing, or our favourite dress comes out damaged after the washing process.
By following and understanding these garment care symbols, you can decipher the code for protecting your garments. This blog will guide you through all the washing label symbols, from dry cleaning clothes to ironing them.
Laundry Care Symbols on Clothing Labels
Laundry care symbols, or sometimes referred to as symbols for washing clothes, are small icons on clothing labels that provide essential instructions for washing, drying, ironing, and maintaining your garments. These washing or laundry symbols ensure your clothes are appropriately treated, preventing damage and preserving quality. Here are some of the key laundry icons’ meanings:
- The bucket laundry symbol indicates washing instructions, such as temperature (usually in degrees Centigrade) and cycle.
- A triangle indicates the use of bleach. It has either lines or an X mark/a cross over it, which signifies not to use it.
- A square refers to drying instructions. It does not have a cross, but different icons that we will discuss in detail.
- An iron icon indicates how you can iron the garment. It has a single and double dot indicating heat settings, and a cross referring to no ironing.
- A circle means dry cleaning. It has alphabets representing certain washing solvents or a cross mentioning not to dry clean.
Washing Instruction Symbols for Machine-Washing Clothes
Here are some garment washing symbols for washing clothes in washing machines:
- A bucket with a water icon indicates that machine washing is safe. The numbers inside specify the maximum temperature (e.g., 30°C, 40°C).
- Two dashes under the bucket refer to a gentle cycle for delicate fabrics.
- One dash under the bucket indicates a synthetic or permanent press cycle to reduce wrinkles.
- A bucket with a hand inside indicates hand-wash only.
- Crossed-out bucket means do not machine wash. Dry clean or hand wash the item.
- A bucket with waves and no number means to wash with cold water.
Bonus Read: Here’s a detailed blog for understanding laundry and washing symbols in the UK.
Laundry Symbols Meaning for How to Hand Wash Clothes
Here are some hand-washing label symbols to enhance your knowledge:
- The hand inside a bucket indicates that the garment should be hand-washed only with lukewarm or cold water.
- The water temperature symbol, which consists of several dots inside the bucket, suggests the maximum temperature (e.g., 30°C or one dot for cool water).
- Avoiding vigorous agitation means hand-washed garments should be gently swirled and not scrubbed.
- If there is no spin symbol, a crossed-out spiral icon means the item should not be wrung out. Gently press out excess water.
- Most hand washing requires a gentle detergent because the cleaning prowess comes from the hand pressure applied to a specific fabric type.
Bonus Read: Here’s a detailed guide to laundry and washing symbols.
Laundry Instruction Symbols for Bleaching Clothes
Laundry Instruction Symbol: 🔺
Meaning: Whether bleach is allowed, and if so, what type
Examples:
- 🔺 – Bleach allowed
- 🔺≡ – Only non-chlorine bleach
- 🔺❌ – Do not bleach
Moreover,
- Triangle means bleaching is safe; chlorine and non-chlorine bleach can be used.
- A triangle with Two Lines means using only non-chlorine bleach when needed.
- A crossed-out triangle means not to bleach; avoid any bleaching agents to prevent damage.
Washing Labels For Drying Clothes
Here are some washing label symbols to know how to dry clothes:
- A square with a circle symbol is a tumble dryer symbol, which means tumble drying is allowed
- Dots inside the tumble dryer symbol indicate heat levels (one dot = low, two dots = medium, three dots = high).
- A crossed-out square with a circle indicates no tumble dry.
- A square with lines (see pictures above) inside indicates natural drying methods:
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- Horizontal Line: Lay flat to dry.
- Vertical Lines: Hang to drip dry.
- Slanted Line: Dry in the shade.
Bonus Read: Want to have a clear understanding of drying clothes properly? To your knowledge, here are some pros and cons of drying.
Understanding Garment Care Symbols For Ironing Clothes
Here are some garment care symbols to iron clothes properly:
- The iron icon indicates that ironing is safe, and the dots inside denote the maximum temperature (one dot = low, two dots = medium, and three dots = high).
- Crossed-out iron means not to iron; avoid using heat on the fabric.
- An iron with a steam icon means steam ironing is allowed unless crossed out, which means no steam.
Bonus Read: Are you in a hurry and have no time to iron clothes? Explore these fastest ways to iron clothes!
Knowing Types of Dry Clean Symbol
Here are some dry clean symbols to make dry-cleaning clothes a piece of cake for you:
- The circle symbol indicates the garment can be dry cleaned; additional letters (e.g., “P” or “F”) specify the type of solvent to use.
- ⚪ – Dry clean only
- ⚪❌ – Do not dry clean
- ⚪P – Dry clean with perchloroethylene
- ⚪F – Dry clean with petroleum solvent
- ⚪ – Dry clean only
- A crossed-out circle indicates that the item is not dry clean; washing or alternative care is required.
- The circle with a line underneath indicates delicate dry cleaning; use a gentle cycle for cleaning.
Bonus Read: Here’s a detailed guide for dry cleaning and laundry prices.
Skip the Laundry Symbol Confusion with Love2Laundry
We know that understanding these laundry and washing symbols can be a challenge, but remembering them at the time of washing can be even more difficult. So, if you want to save yourself the trouble altogether, or the time is crunch, or it’s your favourite dress and you’re unsure of what it demands in terms of cleaning care. Going for a professional dry cleaning and laundering service is the smart choice and this will also work if the washing symbol label is torn from the clothing.
Love2Laundry has become the best laundry service in London by combining convenience, quality, and customer-centric solutions. Our professional team is trained to handle all stains, from regular washing to delicate fabrics.
Additionally, having a commitment to eco-friendly practices, efficient turnaround times, and impeccable results, we ensure your clothes receive the care they deserve.
FAQs – Laundry Symbols
What do the symbols for washing clothes or laundry mean?
Laundry symbols indicate the specific instructions for washing each garment. You must follow the instructions through the symbols that describe how to wash these fabrics.
What are the five basic garment care symbols?
The five basic garment washing symbols are washing, drying, ironing, bleaching, and dry cleaning. Each symbol provides specific instructions to ensure proper garment care.
What is the symbol for air drying?
The symbol for air drying is a square with one or more vertical lines inside it. It indicates that the garment should be hung to dry naturally without using a dryer.
Wrap Up!
Understanding laundry symbols is crucial for maintaining the quality and longevity of garments. From washing and drying to bleaching, ironing, and dry cleaning, the meanings of these laundry icons provide clear instructions to ensure proper care. This guide can prevent common laundry mishaps and keep your wardrobe looking its best.
