How to Read Laundry Symbols
Learn how to decode care labels step-by-step. This comprehensive guide teaches you everything you need to know about reading and understanding laundry symbols on clothing labels.
Why Learn to Read Laundry Symbols?
Laundry care symbols are standardized icons found on clothing labels that tell you exactly how to care for your garments. Understanding these symbols helps you:
- Prevent damage and preserve your clothes' appearance
- Avoid shrinking, fading, or stretching
- Extend the lifespan of your garments
- Save money by avoiding costly mistakes
Step 1: Understand the Five Main Categories
All laundry symbols fall into five main categories. Each category has a distinct base shape:
Washing
Bucket/tub shape indicates washing instructions
Bleaching
Triangle shape indicates bleaching instructions
Drying
Square shape indicates drying instructions
Ironing
Iron shape indicates ironing instructions
Dry Cleaning
Circle shape indicates dry cleaning instructions
Step 2: Read Symbols in Order
Care labels display symbols in a specific order from left to right:
Read all symbols together to get the complete care instructions for your garment.
Step 3: Understand Modifiers
X Mark = "Do Not"
An X through a symbol means "do not" perform that action. For example:
- • Bucket with X = Do not wash
- • Triangle with X = Do not bleach
- • Circle with X = Do not dry clean
Lines = Gentle Cycle
Lines under symbols indicate gentler cycles:
- • One line = Gentle/delicate cycle
- • Two lines = Very gentle/extra delicate cycle
- • No lines = Normal cycle
Dots = Temperature
Dots inside symbols indicate temperature levels:
- • One dot = Low temperature
- • Two dots = Medium temperature
- • Three dots = High temperature
- • Numbers = Specific temperature (30°C, 40°C, etc.)
Letters = Special Instructions
Letters inside circles indicate specific processes:
- • P = Perchloroethylene (standard dry cleaning)
- • F = Petroleum-based solvents
- • W = Professional wet cleaning
Example: Reading a Complete Care Label
Let's decode a typical care label with multiple symbols:
This label means:
- • Wash at 30°C - Use cold water (30°C / 86°F)
- • Bleach allowed - Any type of bleach can be used
- • Line dry - Hang on a clothesline or hanger
- • Iron on low - Use low heat setting (one dot)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring symbols completely
Consequence: Can cause shrinking, fading, or permanent damage to your clothes
Solution: Always check the care label before washing
Mixing items with different care instructions
Consequence: Can cause color bleeding or damage to delicate items
Solution: Sort laundry by care instructions and wash separately
Using the wrong temperature
Consequence: High heat can shrink or fade fabrics
Solution: Always follow the temperature indicated on the label
Not reading all symbols together
Consequence: Missing important instructions like "do not bleach"
Solution: Read all symbols as a complete set of instructions
Ready to Decode Symbols?
Use our interactive decoder to instantly understand any laundry symbol you encounter.