Tub 30
Machine wash
Wash at or below the number shown. Common labels use 30, 40, 60, or 95.
Laundry and fabric
Fabric Care Symbols
Laundry labels are a tiny instruction manual. Start with the symbol family, then read dots, lines, numbers, and crosses.
Tub = washTriangle = bleachSquare = dryIron = ironCircle = professional care
Tub symbols
Wash
Tub + hand
Hand wash
Use cool water, gentle detergent, no wringing, and support the garment while wet.
Tub + X
Do not wash
Usually means professional cleaning, spot cleaning, or a fabric that can shrink or distort in water.
Tub + 1 line
Permanent press
Use a gentler cycle and lower spin to reduce wrinkles.
Tub + 2 lines
Delicate
Use delicate cycle, low spin, and a mesh bag for small or fragile items.
Triangle symbols
Bleach
Triangle
Bleach allowed
Any laundry bleach may be allowed, but still follow the garment and product label.
Triangle + lines
Non-chlorine only
Use oxygen bleach or color-safe bleach. Do not use chlorine bleach.
Triangle + X
Do not bleach
Avoid chlorine and oxygen bleach unless a professional confirms the fabric is safe.
Square symbols
Tumble Dry and Air Dry
| Symbol | Means | Plain-English action |
|---|---|---|
| Square + circle | Tumble dry allowed | Use dryer; check dots for heat level. |
| 1 dot | Low heat | Use low heat for synthetics, stretch, and safer drying. |
| 2 dots | Medium heat | Use normal medium heat when fabric allows. |
| Square + circle + X | Do not tumble dry | Air dry only. |
| Square + vertical line | Line dry | Hang to dry. |
| Square + horizontal line | Dry flat | Lay flat, especially knitwear. |
Iron symbols
Iron
Iron 1 dot
Low
Acetate, nylon, silk, and delicate synthetics.
Iron 2 dots
Medium
Polyester blends and wool if label allows.
Iron 3 dots
High
Cotton and linen when label allows.
Iron + X
Do not iron
Use steaming only if label and fabric tolerate it.
Circle symbols
Dry Clean
Circle
Professional clean
Take to a cleaner. Letters inside tell the cleaner which solvent process is allowed.
Circle + X
Do not dry clean
Avoid professional solvent cleaning; follow the wash instructions instead.
W
Professional wet clean
A cleaner can use controlled water-based cleaning, not a normal home wash.