Laundry Care Symbols: A Quick Guide to Labels
Decode common wash tub, triangle, square, and circle symbols on clothing labels—temperature, cycle, bleach, dry, and iron limits without guessing.
By Howvero Editorial Team · Published September 5, 2026 · 8 min read
We research and update guides using a documented process. See how we review for methodology and limits.
Staring at a tag covered in cryptic icons beats shrinking a sweater once—then most people memorize three symbols and guess the rest. Care labels follow international symbol systems (ISO 3758 is the reference standard manufacturers use in many markets). You do not need the full chart on your laundry room wall; you need the frequent flyers plus the rule when in doubt, go colder and gentler.
This guide is general household reference—not textile conservation for museum pieces or industrial laundry.
Wash Tub (Washing)
The trapezoid tub icon means machine or hand wash.
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Number inside tub (30, 40, 60) | Maximum water temperature in Celsius |
| One dot under tub | Cold / mild (about 30°C) |
| Two dots | Warm (about 40°C) |
| Three dots | Hot (about 50–60°C) |
| Hand in tub | Hand wash only—delicate cycle at most |
| Tub crossed out | Do not wash—dry clean or spot clean per other symbols |
Lines under the tub indicate cycle intensity:
- No line: normal cycle
- One line: permanent press / synthetic
- Two lines: delicate / gentle
Higher heat and heavy agitation set stains and shrink fibers. Protein stains (blood, dairy) especially need cold until removed.
Triangle (Bleach)
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Empty triangle | Any bleach when needed |
| Triangle with CL | Chlorine bleach allowed |
| Triangle with two slanted lines | Non-chlorine (oxygen) bleach only |
| Crossed triangle | Do not bleach |
Ignoring “do not bleach” on colored or synthetic blends prevents irreversible dye damage.
Square (Drying)
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Square with circle | Tumble dry allowed |
| Dots inside circle | Heat level—one dot low, two medium, three high |
| Line under square | Permanent press dry cycle |
| Two lines under square | Gentle dry |
| Square crossed out | Do not tumble dry—line or flat dry |
| Horizontal line in square | Dry flat (common for knits) |
| Vertical lines in square | Drip dry |
Heat is the main shrink and melt risk for synthetics and elastics.
Iron
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Iron icon | Ironing allowed |
| Dots in iron | Temperature—one low, two medium, three high |
| Steam lines under iron | Steam OK |
| Crossed iron | Do not iron |
| Crossed iron with steam | Do not steam |
Circle (Professional Cleaning)
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Circle | Dry clean |
| Letter inside circle (P, F, A) | Solvent type for professional cleaner |
| Crossed circle | Do not dry clean |
Letters guide professionals; consumers mainly note do vs do not.
Putting Symbols Together on Laundry Day
- Sort by temperature and cycle lines—not only color
- Pretreat stains per remove coffee stains and similar guides before hot cycles
- Choose the gentlest tub setting that still cleans soil
- Dry per square symbol; air-dry when tags show flat or drip dry
- Recheck if clothes smell after washing—odor often means incomplete drying or detergent buildup, not wrong symbol alone
For material-specific judgment, see choose cleaning method for fabrics.
When Labels Are Missing or Faded
- Default cold wash, gentle cycle, air dry
- Test hidden seam for color bleed
- Avoid bleach until fiber content is known
Related Reading
Symbol designs vary slightly by region and garment age. Manufacturer sewn-in words take precedence when present.
Frequently asked questions
What if my label uses words instead of symbols?
Follow the written instructions—they override memory of symbol shapes. Many regions require both text and symbols on newer garments.
Can I ignore symbols on sturdy cotton tees?
Basic cotton often tolerates warm wash and tumble dry, but prints, blends, and shrink-prone cuts still follow label limits. Default to cold when unsure.
What does hand wash symbol mean in practice?
Use basin or delicate machine cycle with cold water and minimal agitation. Do not wring structured knits—press water out with a towel.
Sources & references
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