Laundry symbols describe washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and professional textile care. Read the exact care label before treating an item, then check temperature numbers, dots, bars and crossed-out symbols for limits or gentler processes. Symbol details and standards can vary by region, so consult the label system or garment maker when a mark is unfamiliar instead of guessing from the fabric.
Read the care label before washing, bleaching, drying or ironing a garment. The symbols describe permitted or prohibited treatments, and details such as temperature, dots, bars and a cross can change what is safe for the item.
The five symbol families
- Wash tub: Machine or hand washing. Check the temperature number, cycle bars or hand-wash indication.
- Triangle: Bleaching. Check whether all bleach, oxygen bleach only or no bleach is permitted.
- Square: Drying. Check for tumble, line or flat drying and any heat dots.
- Iron: Ironing. Check the maximum heat indication and any prohibition on ironing.
- Circle: Professional textile care. Check the cleaning method and any process restriction.
Under the GINETEX system aligned with ISO 3758:2023, a number in the wash tub is the maximum temperature in Celsius. One bar calls for a milder process and two bars for a very mild process. Dots indicate heat levels in drying and ironing symbols. A crossed-out symbol prohibits the pictured treatment in that system.
Follow the whole label
Do not read one symbol in isolation. The label may allow washing while limiting the temperature, cycle or drying method. A garment may also have multiple fabrics or trims that need gentler care than the main fabric suggests. If the label is damaged, compare the garment’s exact model with the maker’s care page or ask a cleaner before using heat or chemicals.
The FTC Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to provide care instructions for covered garments in the United States. International symbol systems may differ in their details, so use an explanation that matches the symbols on the item you own.
Our weekly cleaning schedule helps plan household upkeep around care tasks. Browse the cleaning category.
Official references
Common questions
What does a number inside the wash tub mean?
In the GINETEX care-symbol system, the number is the maximum washing temperature in Celsius. Follow the exact label and avoid exceeding that limit.
What does a bar under the wash symbol mean?
A bar indicates a milder washing process in the GINETEX system; a double bar indicates a very mild process. Check the care instructions that match the symbol set on your garment.
Can I ignore a crossed-out care symbol?
A crossed-out symbol means that method should not be used under that care-label system. If the label is unclear, contact the garment maker or a professional cleaner.