Introduction

Ever looked at a care label and felt like reading hieroglyphics? Those symbols are an international language. This guide makes you fluent.

The Five Categories

1. Washing – Tub symbol
2. Bleaching – Triangle symbol
3. Drying – Square symbol
4. Ironing – Iron symbol
5. Professional Care – Circle symbol

Washing Symbols (Tub)

• Plain tub – Machine washable
• Tub with number – Maximum temperature in Celsius
• Tub with one line underneath – Permanent press cycle
• Tub with two lines – Delicate/gentle cycle
• Hand in tub – Hand wash only
• Crossed-out tub – Do not wash

Bleaching Symbols (Triangle)

• Empty triangle – Any bleach allowed
• Triangle with diagonal lines – Non-chlorine bleach only
• Crossed-out triangle – Do not bleach

Drying Symbols (Square)

• Square with circle inside – Tumble dry allowed
• One dot in circle – Low heat
• Two dots – Medium heat
• Three dots – High heat
• Crossed-out – Do not tumble dry
• Square with horizontal line – Dry flat

Ironing Symbols

• Iron with one dot – Low heat (110°C)
• Iron with two dots – Medium heat (150°C)
• Iron with three dots – High heat (200°C)
• Crossed-out iron – Do not iron

Quick Tips

• More dots = more heat allowed
• Lines under symbols = gentler treatment
• X through symbol = don’t do it
• When in doubt, go gentler