Laundry Symbols Explained

Machine washable

Tub of water

A plain tub means machine washable. The number inside (30, 40, 60, 95) is the maximum temperature in °C.

Wash at 30°C (cool)

Tub with 30

For delicates, dark colours, wool blends, and anything that runs colour. Standard eco/cool cycle.

Wash at 40°C (warm)

Tub with 40

For most everyday cotton, linen, and synthetic fabrics. The most common instruction.

Wash at 60°C (hot)

Tub with 60

For bedding, towels, underwear, and heavily soiled cotton. Sanitises as well as cleans.

Wash at 95°C (boil wash)

Tub with 95

For white cotton that needs heavy sanitisation — hospital linens, nappies. Not for everyday use.

Permanent press / synthetic cycle

Tub with single underline

Use the synthetics programme with reduced spin. Prevents wrinkles and creasing in synthetic fibres.

Delicate / gentle cycle

Tub with double underline

Minimum agitation. Used for wool, silk, and very delicate fabrics.

Do not machine wash

Tub with X

Hand wash only, or dry clean. Machine washing will damage the garment.

Hand wash only

Hand in tub

Cool water (30°C max), gentle squeezing — no rubbing or wringing. Use a delicate detergent.

Tumble drying allowed (general)

Square

One or two dots inside indicate heat level. An X through the square means do not tumble dry.

Tumble dry on low heat

Square with one dot

For synthetics and delicates. Uses a gentle, low-temperature cycle to prevent heat damage.

Tumble dry on medium heat

Square with two dots

For cotton and linen. Standard tumble setting.

Tumble dry on high heat

Square with three dots

For heavy cotton, towels, and bedding. Most heat-resistant fabrics only.

No heat / air dry only

Square with circle

Tumble dry on air-dry (no heat) setting, or air-dry naturally.

Do not tumble dry

Square with X

Air-dry the garment. Tumble drying will cause shrinkage, damage, or distortion.

Hang to dry

Square with vertical line

Hang on a hanger or line. Do not lay flat — the garment is designed to keep its shape when hanging.

Dry flat

Square with horizontal line

Lay the garment flat to dry. Usually for knitwear that would stretch under its own wet weight if hung.

Dry in shade

Square with vertical line in shade

Keep out of direct sunlight while drying — direct UV will fade the colour or damage the fibre.

Ironing permitted

Iron

One, two, or three dots inside indicate the maximum temperature.

Iron on low (110°C)

Iron with one dot

For silk, synthetic fibres (acetate, nylon, polyester). Use a pressing cloth. No steam on some.

Iron on medium (150°C)

Iron with two dots

For wool, rayon, and polyester. Steam can be used.

Iron on high (200°C)

Iron with three dots

For cotton and linen. Use steam. Most effective for stubborn creases.

Do not iron

Iron with X

Ironing will melt, scorch, or permanently mark the fabric. Common on heat-sensitive synthetics and embellished items.

Iron without steam

Iron with lines (no steam)

Steam will damage this fabric — watermarks, shrinkage, or texture change. Use dry heat only.

Bleaching permitted

Triangle

Any type of bleach can be used when needed.

Non-chlorine bleach only

Triangle with lines

Oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) is safe. Chlorine bleach will strip colour or damage the fabric.

Do not bleach

Triangle with X

No bleach of any kind. The dye or fibre is incompatible with bleaching agents.

Dry clean

Circle

The garment can be dry cleaned. The letter inside specifies which solvent the cleaner can use.

Any solvent

Circle A

Any dry cleaning solvent is safe for this garment.

Any solvent except trichloroethylene

Circle P

The most common dry cleaning mark. Suitable for most professional dry cleaners.

Petroleum solvent only

Circle F

Requires a specific type of dry cleaning. Not all cleaners use petroleum-based solvents — check first.

Professional wet cleaning

Circle W

Can be wet-cleaned by a professional — not home washing. Different from standard dry cleaning.

Do not dry clean

Circle with X

Dry cleaning solvents will damage this garment. Clean by hand or machine only.