Confused by the little symbols on clothing tags? Use this illustrated reference to understand common washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and professional-cleaning instructions — so you can care for your clothes with confidence.
Machine Wash
↑ CategoriesThe wash tub shows the recommended washing process. Bars underneath mean gentler handling.
Normal
Machine washing is permitted using a normal wash cycle.
Permanent Press
Use a reduced-action permanent press cycle.
Delicate / Gentle
Use a gentle or delicate wash cycle.
Do Not Wash
Do not wash this garment; check professional-cleaning guidance.
Hand Wash
Wash gently by hand according to the label.
Do Not Wring
Avoid twisting or wringing the garment to remove water.
Wash Temperature
↑ CategoriesDots inside the wash tub indicate maximum temperatures, from one dot (cool) to six dots (very hot). The Fahrenheit values below reproduce the printed magnet's rounded labels.
30°C / 80°F
Wash at or below 30°C. One dot.
40°C / 105°F
Wash at or below 40°C. Two dots.
50°C / 120°F
Wash at or below 50°C. Three dots.
60°C / 140°F
Wash at or below 60°C. Four dots.
70°C / 160°F
Wash at or below 70°C. Five dots.
95°C / 200°F
Wash at or below 95°C. Six dots.
Tumble Dry
↑ CategoriesA circle inside a square is the tumble-drying symbol. Lines below the square indicate gentler drying; dots inside the circle indicate heat.
Normal
Tumble drying permitted on a normal process.
Permanent Press
Tumble dry with reduced mechanical action.
Delicate / Gentle
Use a very gentle tumble-drying process.
No Heat
Tumble dry without added heat.
Low
Tumble dry on a low heat setting.
Medium
Tumble dry on a medium heat setting.
High
Tumble dry on a high heat setting, if your care label allows.
Natural Dry
↑ CategoriesThe square without a circle shows how an item should dry naturally.
Line Dry
Hang the garment on a line to dry.
Drip Dry
Hang the garment to dry without spinning or wringing.
Dry Flat
Lay flat to dry and help retain its shape.
Dry in Shade
Keep out of direct sunlight while drying.
Do Not Dry
Do not use the depicted natural drying process; check the garment's complete care instructions.
Do Not Tumble Dry
Do not put the item in a tumble dryer.
Bleach
↑ CategoriesA triangle communicates whether bleaching is allowed.
Any Bleach
Bleaching is allowed when necessary.
Non-Chlorine
Only non-chlorine bleaching agents are allowed.
Do Not Bleach
Do not use bleaching agents.
Dry Clean
↑ CategoriesA circle identifies professional dry cleaning.
Dry Clean
Professional dry cleaning is permitted; the cleaner should check the full care information.
Do Not Dry Clean
Do not use a dry-cleaning process.
Iron
↑ CategoriesDots inside the iron indicate allowed temperatures; a crossed iron means do not iron.
Low
Use a low-temperature iron setting.
Medium
Use a medium-temperature iron setting.
High
Use a high-temperature iron setting.
No Steam
Iron without steam.
Do Not Iron
Do not iron or press this garment.
Helpful laundry care tips
Read the whole label
A garment may allow washing but prohibit tumble drying or ironing. Check every care symbol before you begin.
Treat temperatures as limits
A tub marked 40°C means the wash temperature should not exceed 40°C. It does not mean every garment needs hot water.
Pay attention to bars
One or two bars underneath a symbol call for progressively gentler handling — especially important for delicate items.
When in doubt, be gentle
Check the garment's written instructions and manufacturer guidance, especially for decorated, lined, or delicate garments.
Frequently asked questions
What does a crossed-out wash tub mean?
It means do not wash the garment. Check the professional-cleaning instructions or ask a textile-care professional.
What does a triangle with two lines mean?
Only non-chlorine (oxygen) bleach may be used when needed.
What does a square with a circle inside mean?
It is a tumble-drying symbol. Dots indicate dryer heat; the precise number of heat levels depends on the care-label system. A cross means do not tumble dry.
What do the dots on an iron mean?
One dot is low heat, two dots medium heat, and three dots high heat. The care label takes precedence over assumptions about fabric type.
What do P, F, and W inside a circle mean?
These letters specify permitted professional-cleaning methods. P and F indicate different dry-cleaning solvents, while W refers to professional wet cleaning.
Reference information: GINETEX care-symbol explanations (ISO 3758:2023) and Canada's Office of Consumer Affairs guide. The illustrations are simplified for quick recognition, not official licensed symbol artwork.