Fabric Care Symbols Guide
Understanding care labels helps you keep your garments in perfect condition. Here is a complete reference for international textile care symbols.
Washing
Machine wash
The item can be machine washed. The number inside indicates maximum temperature in °C.
A tub symbol without any markings means machine wash is permitted. Numbers inside (30, 40, 60, 95) indicate the maximum water temperature. A hand in the tub means hand wash only.
Hand wash only
Do not machine wash. Wash gently by hand in cool water.
Use mild detergent and cool water. Do not wring or twist. Gently squeeze out excess water and reshape while damp.
Do not wash
The item must not be washed with water. Use dry cleaning instead.
Typically applies to delicate fabrics like structured wool jackets, silk ties, or items with special coatings.
Bleaching
Bleaching allowed
Any bleach may be used.
An empty triangle means all bleach types are permitted. A triangle with diagonal lines means only oxygen/non-chlorine bleach. A crossed-out triangle means no bleach.
Do not bleach
No bleach of any kind should be used.
Bleaching can permanently damage fibres, especially protein fibres like wool and silk, and can cause discolouration.
Drying
Tumble dry
The item can be tumble dried. Dots indicate heat level.
One dot = low heat. Two dots = medium heat. Three dots = high heat. No dots = any heat. A crossed-out square means do not tumble dry.
Flat dry
Lay the item flat to dry to prevent stretching.
Essential for knitted fabrics like wool and cashmere, which can stretch significantly when hung wet.
Hang to dry
Hang the item on a line or hanger to air dry.
Suitable for most woven fabrics. Avoid direct sunlight which can cause fading.
Ironing
Iron
The item can be ironed. Dots indicate temperature.
One dot = low (110°C) for synthetic fibres. Two dots = medium (150°C) for wool and silk. Three dots = high (200°C) for cotton and linen.
Do not iron
Do not apply heat with an iron.
Typically for fabrics with special finishes, embellishments, or heat-sensitive synthetic fibres like elastane.
Dry Cleaning
Dry clean
The item should be professionally dry cleaned.
Letters inside the circle indicate which solvents are safe: P = perchloroethylene and other solvents, F = petroleum solvent only, W = wet cleaning.
Do not dry clean
Do not use dry cleaning solvents.
Some fabrics react badly to dry cleaning solvents. Always check this symbol before sending garments to the dry cleaner.