Laundry Symbols - Crack the Clothing Care Code

If you’ve ever looked at the care label on your clothing and been unsure about what the laundry symbols mean, you’re not alone. Laundry symbols can be confusing, but understanding them is important for keeping your clothes looking their best. In this guide, we’ll decode the laundry symbols and provide tips on how to properly care for your clothes.

Laundry Symbol Key

Before we dive into the laundry symbols, it’s important to understand the key. Here are the most common laundry symbols you’ll see on your clothing:

Washing

Washing Symbols: These symbols tell you how to wash your clothing, including the water temperature and cycle type. The most common washing symbols include:

Machine Wash: This symbol features a tub of water and indicates that the garment can be machine washed. The number inside the tub tells you the maximum water temperature to use.
Hand Wash: This symbol features a hand in the tub of water and indicates that the garment should be hand washed. The number inside the tub tells you the maximum water temperature to use.
Do Not Wash: This symbol features a tub of water with an X through it and indicates that the garment should not be washed.

laundry symbols washing

Bleaching

Bleaching Symbols: These symbols tell you whether or not you can use bleach on your clothing. The most common bleaching symbols include:

Bleach When Needed: This symbol features a triangle and indicates that the garment can be bleached when needed.
Do Not Bleach: This symbol features a triangle with an X through it and indicates that the garment should not be bleached.

Check Out: Household Laundry Tips and Advice

laundry labels bleach

Drying

Drying Symbols: These symbols tell you how to dry your clothing, including the dryer setting and whether or not to use a tumble dry.

Tumble Dry: This symbol features a circle and indicates that the garment can be tumble dried. The dots inside the circle tell you the heat setting to use.
Hang to Dry: This symbol features a square and indicates that the garment should be hung to dry.
Do Not Tumble Dry: This symbol features a circle with a cross through it and indicates that the garment should not be tumble dried.

laundry symbols dryer

Ironing

Ironing Symbols: These symbols tell you whether or not you can iron your clothing, and at what temperature.

Iron: This symbol features an iron and indicates that the garment can be ironed. The dots inside the iron tell you the temperature setting to use.
Do Not Iron: This symbol features an iron with an X through it and indicates that the garment should not be ironed.

laundry symbols ironing

Dry Cleaning

Dry Cleaning Symbols: These symbols tell you whether or not you should take your clothing to the dry cleaners.

Dry Clean: This symbol features a circle with the letters “P” and “F” inside, and indicates that the garment should be dry cleaned.
Do Not Dry Clean: This symbol features a circle with an X through it and indicates that the garment should not be dry cleaned.

Tips for Laundering Your Clothing

Now that you understand the laundry symbols, here are some tips for properly laundering your clothing:
1. Read the Care Label: Always read the care label on your clothing before washing it. The care label will tell you how to properly care for your garment.
2. Sort Your Clothing: Sort your clothing by color and fabric type before washing. This will prevent colors from bleeding and fabrics from shrinking.
3. Use the Right Temperature: Use the water temperature recommended on the care label to prevent shrinkage and damage to your clothing.
4. Use the Right Detergent: Use a detergent that is appropriate for your clothing’s fabric type and color.
5. Dry Clothing Properly: Follow the drying instructions on the care label to prevent shrinkage and damage to your clothing. If your garment is labeled as “hang to dry,” make sure to hang it up immediately after washing to prevent wrinkles.
6. Avoid Overloading the Washer and Dryer: Overloading the washer or dryer can cause damage to your clothing and prevent it from getting clean or dry.
7. Use a Delicate Cycle: For delicate fabrics, use a delicate cycle to prevent damage.
8. Use Fabric Softener Sparingly: Fabric softener can help make your clothing feel softer, but using too much can cause buildup and reduce the absorbency of towels and other fabrics.
9. Check for Stains: Before washing your clothing, check for stains and pre-treat them with a stain remover.
10. Don’t Ignore the Care Label: If a garment is labeled as “dry clean only” or “do not tumble dry,” don’t ignore the label. Ignoring the care label can cause damage to your clothing.