How to Read Laundry Care Symbols (Simple Guide)

Those small symbols on clothing tags tell you exactly how to care for a garment. Once you understand the five basic shapes, reading any care label becomes easy.

The Five Basic Symbols

Washtub = Washing
Triangle = Bleaching
Square = Drying
Iron = Ironing
Circle = Professional cleaning (dry cleaning)

An X through any symbol means "do not."

Washing (Washtub)

Dots inside show the water temperature: one dot is cold, two dots warm, three or more hot.
A hand in the tub means hand wash only.
One line under the tub means permanent press cycle; two lines means gentle or delicate cycle.

Bleaching (Triangle)

Empty triangle: Any bleach is okay.
Triangle with diagonal lines: Only non-chlorine (oxygen) bleach.
Triangle with an X: Do not bleach.

Drying (Square)

Circle inside a square: Tumble dry. Dots show heat level (one dot low, two medium, three high).
Filled black circle: Tumble dry with no heat.
Curved line at the top: Line dry.
Horizontal line in the middle: Dry flat.
Three vertical lines: Drip dry.

Ironing (Iron)

One dot: Low heat.
Two dots: Medium heat.
Three dots: High heat.
X through the iron: Do not iron.

Professional Cleaning (Circle)

Empty circle: Dry clean.
Letters inside the circle tell the dry cleaner which solvent to use.
Circle with an X: Do not dry clean.

Tip

Take a photo of the care tags on your favorite clothes so you always have the instructions handy.

FAQ

What if a garment has no tag? Wash it on a gentle cycle in cold water and air-dry to be safe.

Can I ignore "dry clean only"? Some items can be hand washed, but it's risky for structured garments, silk and wool. When in doubt, follow the label.