Washing symbols: temperatures and cycles explained
Learn what washing symbols mean: wash 30, 40, 60, hand wash, gentle cycle, and more. Complete guide to washing label symbols and washing machine symbols with meanings and explanations.
Understanding washing symbols on care labels
Washing symbols are the foundation of care labels. These washing icons tell you how to clean your garments safely, including water temperature, cycle type, and whether machine or hand washing is required. Washing label symbols help preserve colors, prevent shrinking, and extend the life of your clothes.
The washing bucket symbol can include numbers (temperature in Celsius), lines (gentle cycles), and hand symbols (hand wash only). Washing machine symbols on clothes provide essential information for proper garment care. Always follow the highest temperature and gentlest cycle indicated on washing instruction symbols.
All Washing Symbols
Machine Wash Normal
Machine wash at any temperature with normal agitation
Machine Wash 30°C
Machine wash at maximum 30°C (86°F) - cold wash
Machine Wash 40°C
Machine wash at maximum 40°C (104°F) - warm wash
Machine Wash 50°C
Machine wash at maximum 50°C (122°F) - warm wash
Machine Wash 60°C
Machine wash at maximum 60°C (140°F) - hot wash
Machine Wash 70°C
Machine wash at maximum 70°C (158°F) - very hot wash
Machine Wash 95°C
Machine wash at maximum 95°C (203°F) - boil wash
Gentle/Delicate Wash
Machine wash on gentle or delicate cycle with reduced agitation
Very Gentle Wash
Machine wash on very gentle cycle with minimal agitation (two lines under bucket)
Hand Wash Only
Hand wash only - do not use washing machine
Do Not Wash
Do not wash with water - professional cleaning only
Machine Wash Permanent Press
Machine wash on permanent press cycle
Wash with Reduced Moisture
Machine wash with reduced water level
Machine Wash 30°C Permanent Press
Machine wash at 30°C on permanent press cycle
Machine Wash 40°C Permanent Press
Machine wash at 40°C on permanent press cycle
Machine Wash 60°C Permanent Press
Machine wash at 60°C on permanent press cycle
Machine Wash 30°C Gentle
Machine wash at maximum 30°C (86°F) on gentle cycle
Machine Wash 30°C Very Gentle
Machine wash at maximum 30°C (86°F) on very gentle cycle
Machine Wash 40°C Gentle
Machine wash at maximum 40°C (104°F) on gentle cycle
Machine Wash 40°C Very Gentle
Machine wash at maximum 40°C (104°F) on very gentle cycle
Machine Wash 60°C Gentle
Machine wash at maximum 60°C (140°F) on gentle cycle
Machine Wash Delicate (Japan)
Machine wash on delicate cycle (Japan JIS standard)
Machine Wash 50°C Gentle
Machine wash at maximum 50°C (122°F) on gentle cycle
Machine Wash 70°C Gentle
Machine wash at maximum 70°C (158°F) on gentle cycle
Common Washing Symbols Explained
Machine Washable Symbol
The machine washable symbol is a bucket without an X. Numbers inside (30, 40, 60, 95) show maximum temperature. This washing symbol means the item can be safely machine washed.
Hand Wash Symbol
The hand wash symbol shows a hand inside the bucket. This washing icon means hand wash only - do not use a washing machine. These washing instruction symbols are common for delicate fabrics.
Gentle Wash Symbols
One line under the bucket means gentle wash. Two lines mean very gentle wash. These washing labels meaning indicate reduced agitation and gentler washing machine settings.
Do Not Wash Symbol
A bucket with an X means do not wash. These washing signs on clothes indicate the item should be dry cleaned or professionally cleaned instead.
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