Care Tag Lab

Symbols

Common laundry symbols, in plain words

Common US and ASTM-style symbols. Dots mean heat: more dots, more heat. A cross means don't. Bars underneath mean a gentler cycle. Iron maxima on this chart are 110, 150 and 200°C. The limit printed on the garment label takes precedence.

Laundry Symbols Wall Chart

Washing

  • Machine washAny normal cycle; the label may add a temperature.
  • Wash coldUp to 85°F / 30°C.
  • Wash warmUp to 105°F / 40°C.
  • Wash hotUp to 120°F / 50°C.
  • Wash hotterUp to 140°F / 60°C. Towels, sheets, white cotton.
  • Very hotUp to 200°F / 95°C. Boil-safe white cotton and linen.
  • Permanent pressOne bar: a gentler spin and a cool-down. Synthetics and blends.
  • Delicate cycleTwo bars: the gentlest machine cycle, low spin.
  • Hand washLukewarm water, gentle squeeze, no rubbing. Max about 105°F / 40°C.
  • Do not washDo not hand- or machine-wash. Follow the other care symbols or consult a professional cleaner.
  • Do not wringSqueeze gently or roll in a towel.

Bleaching

  • Any bleachChlorine or oxygen bleach is OK, diluted.
  • Non-chlorine bleach onlyOxygen bleach only. No chlorine.
  • Do not bleachNo bleach of any kind.

Drying

  • Tumble dryAny heat.
  • Tumble dry lowLow heat. Most synthetics, activewear, delicates that may tumble.
  • Tumble dry mediumMedium heat. Everyday cotton and blends.
  • Tumble dry highHigh heat. Towels, sheets, sturdy cotton.
  • Tumble, no heatAir-fluff only. Filled black circle.
  • Tumble, permanent pressDryer with a cool-down to stop wrinkles.
  • Tumble, delicateGentle dryer cycle.
  • Do not tumble dryKeep it out of the dryer.
  • Line dryHang on a line or rack.
  • Drip dryHang soaking wet, no wringing or spinning.
  • Dry flatLay flat on a towel. Sweaters and knits keep their shape.
  • Dry in the shadeOut of direct sun, so colours don't fade.

Ironing

  • Iron lowUp to 230°F / 110°C. Nylon, acrylic, silk.
  • Iron mediumUp to 300°F / 150°C. Polyester, wool.
  • Iron highUp to 390°F / 200°C. Cotton, linen.
  • No steamIron dry; steam may spot or shrink it.
  • Do not ironNo iron at all.

Pro

  • Dry cleanProfessional dry cleaning.
  • Dry clean, any solvent but trichloroethyleneThe cleaner reads the letter.
  • Dry clean, petroleum solvent onlyThe cleaner reads the letter.
  • Professional wet cleanDone by a cleaner with water and special equipment.
  • Do not dry cleanWash at home as the other symbols say.