Every Laundry Symbol Explained - Wash, Dry, Iron, Clean & Bleach Icons

Introduction

Ever stared at a care label wondering if your new shirt is machine-washable or destined for dry cleaning only? You’re not alone.

Laundry symbols might look like cryptic hieroglyphics, but once you understand what they mean, they become your secret weapon to keeping clothes looking fresh, fitted, and fabulous.

In this series, we’ll break down every laundry symbol into simple sections, complete with helpful icons, so you can wash with confidence and avoid laundry disasters.

Every Washing Symbol Explained
Every Drying Symbol Explained
Every Ironing Symbol Explained
Every Dry/Wet Cleaning Symbol Explained
Every Belching Symbol Explained

Did you know your iPhone has the ability to be a laundry symbol decoder?

Washing Symbols

The washing symbol looks like a tub of water and tells you exactly how to clean your garment, if at all.

Washing

Machine Wash Permanent Press

Machine Wash Gentle Cycle

Do Not Wash

Hand Wash

Do not wring

Wash at or below 30°c

Wash at or below 40°c

Wash at or below 50°c

Wash at or below 60°c

Wash at or below 70°c

Wash at or below 95°c

Wash at or below 30°c

Wash at or below 40°c

Wash at or below 50°c

Wash at or below 60°c

Wash at or below 70°c

Wash at or below 95°c

Drying Symbols

Drying your laundry wrong is one of the fastest ways to shrink, warp or fade it. Here’s what the square-based symbols mean:

Tumble dry – Normal

Tumble dry – Low heat

Tumble dry – Medium heat

Tumble dry – High heat

Tumble dry – No heat

Tumble dry gentle

Tumble dry very gentle

Do not tumble dry

Natural dry

Do not dry

Line dry

Dry flat

Drip dry

Shade dry

Line dry in shade

Dry flat in shade

Drip dry in shade

Ironing Symbols

Ironing your clothing with the incorrect settings can damage or destroy your garments. Here’s what those iron symbols on your clothing tags mean:

Iron

Do not iron

Iron symbol with a single circle indicating you can iron this garment at low temperatures

Iron at low temperature

Iron symbol with two circles indicating you can iron this garment at medium temperatures

Iron at medium temperature

Iron symbol with three circles indicating you can iron this garment at high temperatures

Iron at high temperature

Steam

Natural dry

Dry Cleaning Symbols

Some of your clothing requires dry cleaning. Here’s what those dry cleaning symbols on your clothing tags mean:

Dry Clean

Do not dry clean

Dry clean short cycle

Dry clean reduced moisture

Dry clean no steam

Wet clean

Do not wet clean

Gentle wet clean

Very gentle wet clean

Dry clean any solvent

Dry clean, hydrocarbon solvent only

Gentle dry clean, hydrocarbon solvent only

Very gentle dry clean, hydrocarbon solvent only

Dry clean with PCE

Very gentle dry clean with PCE

Bleaching Symbols

Here’s what those triangular bleach symbols on your clothing tags mean:

Bleach

Do not bleach

Chlorine bleach

Non-chlorine bleach

Disclaimer: The advice provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only. Always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for your specific laundry machines and clothing/bedding items.

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Introduction