Laundry Symbols Meaning: How to Read Care Labels on Clothes
LAUNDRY TIPS
Much like rogue socks and tissues left in pockets, laundry labels tend to be ignored. Although they may seem arbitrary, those care instructions sewn into most articles of clothing are not mere suggestions. Clothing care labels are essentially a GPS guiding you on your laundry journey. Take time to understand and follow laundry icons and dryer symbols now to save yourself a lot of headaches later.
Without a doubt, some loads are easier than others. Sweatpants and t-shirts may be able to handle less attention because of their material. But that new sweater or pair of dress slacks most likely call for extra care with each wash.
Washing and drying symbols don't have to be confusing. Take the mystery out of laundry tag symbols with this laundry symbols guide. That way you get the most wear out of them!
Washing Instruction Symbols
While many items can be machine-washed, it's always best to check your garment's care tag to know for sure. Some fabrics must be dry cleaned and others need to be hand-washed to keep them in their best shape.
Curious about what those washing symbols on clothes actually mean? Here's how to tell when to wash or dry clean your clothes according to the clothes washing symbols on tags.
1. Washing Machine Symbol
Let’s start with an easy one. As you may have guessed, the Bucket of Water symbol by itself means you can machine wash the article of clothing. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
2. Hand Wash Only Symbol
If there is a hand with the Bucket of Water symbol, that means the clothing should be hand washed only. These garments are very delicate and need special attention.
3. Do Not Wash Symbol
If there is an X over the Bucket of Water, then the item should not be washed.
4. Dry Clean Only Symbol
If you see a square with a circle icon on your tag, this means the clothing is dry clean only. You may also see a circle around the X over the bucket of water. If you see either of these symbols, it's time to take it to the dry cleaner.
5. Do Not Dry Clean Icon
If the circle has an X through it, this means do not dry clean the item. While dry cleaning may seem like the safest option, certain garments should not be dry cleaned. It's always best to check the care tag or trust the professionals.
To recap, the Bucket of Water symbol by itself is the only symbol that indicates you can machine-wash your clothes. Other versions of this symbol mean it might be time to leave the cleaning to the experts.
Washing Machine Setting Symbols
Your laundry care label may also indicate different machine wash cycle settings. If the bucket of water has dots inside it, these indicate temperature water to use. Sometimes you'll also see a number indicating the temperature.
1. Machine Wash Cold Symbol
If you see the bucket symbol with a dot inside, that means that the water should be cold. Machine wash cold refers to temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. You will most often see this symbol on delicate fabrics such as lace or silk, and dark or colorful fabrics.
2. Machine Wash Warm Symbol
A bucket of water with two dots indicates that warm water is the way to go. Just make sure the water temperature does not go above 105 degrees. Athletic clothing made with spandex, nylon, polyester, and rayon blends fit into this category. You may also find this label on knits.
3. Machine Wash Hot Symbol
A bucket of water with three dots means that it’s a hot wash. For machine wash hot, the water temperature can be up to 120 degrees. Whites and heavily soiled clothing such as cloth diapers typically have this symbol.
Even if your care tag indicates you can use hot water, you'll want to be careful. Hot water can help kill germs, but when the temperature is higher, it can cause clothes to shrink or fade.
4. Permanent Press and Gentle Cycle Symbols: Lines under Bucket of Water
Check for horizontal lines underneath the symbol. No lines mean that it’s a normal wash. One line means to use the permanent press cycle and two lines mean to use the delicate setting.
Drying Symbols: How to Dry Clothes
Now that you understand the washing symbols, let’s keep going with drying symbols. After washing, you’ll want to be sure to dry your items in the proper way to help them last.
1. Tumble Dry Symbol
This symbol is a basic one. If you see a Box with a Circle Inside, go ahead and tumble-dry your clothing at any heat level.
2. No Heat Symbol
A box with a solid circle means that the item should not be exposed to any heat.
3. Do Not Tumble Dry Symbol
Move away from your dryer. A box with a circle inside with an X means that your item cannot be put in the dryer.
4. Hang Dry Symbol
Get your clothesline ready, a box with a curved line indicates that you should hang the item to line dry. Synthetic fabrics such as spandex and polyester last longer when left to air dry naturally.
5. Dry Flat Symbol
If you see a box with a line in the middle, you’re going to want to dry your items flat. This is most often used for linens, wool, silk, cotton, or leather.
6. Do Not Wring Symbol
The bowtie with an x symbol is there to let you know to never wring out the clothing.
Tumble Dry Cycle Settings Symbols
Like the machine wash symbols, tumble dry symbols may also have dots inside. These dots indicate which temperature you can set your dryer to.
1. Tumble Dry Low Symbol
If the box with a circle has one dot inside, it means to dry on low heat.
2. Tumble Dry Medium Heat Symbol
A box with a circle and two dots inside the circle means dry on medium heat.
3. Tumble Dry High Heat Symbol
A box with a circle and three dots inside means you can use high heat.
4. Drying Permanent Press or Delicate Drying Cycle Symbols
Just like machine wash symbols, tumble dry symbols may include horizontal lines to indicate special settings to use. One line means to use the permanent press cycle and two lines mean to use the delicate cycle on the dryer.
All set? Let’s do some laundry!
If these clothing care symbols seem like too much trouble, we can help! Let the experts at Tide Cleaners worry about your laundry, while you enjoy your life.