Laundry symbols database

Plain-English explanations of common washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and dry-cleaning care symbols.

Care symbol groups

Start with a grouped path when you already know the situation.

WashingTemperature, cycle, and hand-wash decisions.BleachingHigh-risk color and fiber decisions.DryingHeat, tumble, line-dry, and no-dryer symbols.IroningDot levels and no-steam/no-iron cautions.

Care-label decision points

Read the full label, not just the main wash bucket: dots, bars, and crosses change temperature, cycle, and drying decisions.
Treat bleach and tumble-dry symbols as high-impact choices because they can cause color loss, shrinkage, elastic damage, or set stains.
When a garment has mixed fabrics, trims, prints, or unknown fibers, follow the most conservative symbol on the label.
If the label is missing on a valuable item, choose the gentlest reasonable method or use a professional cleaner.

Washing

Wash Laundry Symbol Meaning

The item can be washed if you follow the label temperature and cycle marks.

Washing

Do Not Wash Laundry Symbol Meaning

The item should not be washed in water and may need professional care.

Washing

Hand Wash Laundry Symbol Meaning

Wash gently by hand with mild detergent and low agitation.

Washing

Machine Wash Laundry Symbol Meaning

Machine washing is allowed within the label limits.

Washing

Cold Wash Laundry Symbol Meaning

Use cold water, often around 30 C or the cold setting.

Washing

Warm Wash Laundry Symbol Meaning

Use warm water only if the fabric and dye can tolerate it.

Washing

Hot Wash Laundry Symbol Meaning

Hot water is allowed by the label, usually for durable washable items.

Washing

Gentle Cycle Laundry Symbol Meaning

Use reduced agitation to protect fabric shape and finish.

Washing

Permanent Press Laundry Symbol Meaning

Use a cycle designed to reduce wrinkles and harsh spin.

Bleaching

Bleach Allowed Laundry Symbol Meaning

Bleach may be allowed when used exactly as the garment and product labels describe.

Bleaching

Do Not Bleach Laundry Symbol Meaning

Do not use chlorine or oxygen bleach on this item.

Bleaching

Non-Chlorine Bleach Laundry Symbol Meaning

Only non-chlorine bleach may be used if the product label is suitable.

Drying

Tumble Dry Laundry Symbol Meaning

Machine drying is allowed within the heat level shown.

Drying

Tumble Dry Low Laundry Symbol Meaning

Use low heat to reduce shrinking, melting, or fabric stress.

Drying

Tumble Dry Medium Laundry Symbol Meaning

Use medium heat only when the fabric label allows it.

Drying

Tumble Dry High Laundry Symbol Meaning

High heat is allowed for durable items but can still set stains.

Drying

Do Not Tumble Dry Laundry Symbol Meaning

Avoid machine drying; use the label-approved air-drying method.

Drying

Line Dry Laundry Symbol Meaning

Hang the item to dry, usually after reshaping if needed.

Drying

Flat Dry Laundry Symbol Meaning

Lay the item flat to prevent stretching or hanger marks.

Drying

Drip Dry Laundry Symbol Meaning

Hang while wet and let water drain without wringing.

Ironing

Iron Laundry Symbol Meaning

Ironing is allowed within the heat level shown by dots.

Ironing

Cool Iron Laundry Symbol Meaning

Use low heat and protect delicate finishes.

Ironing

Warm Iron Laundry Symbol Meaning

Use medium heat when fabric allows it.

Ironing

Hot Iron Laundry Symbol Meaning

Use high heat only for label-safe durable fabrics.

Ironing

Do Not Iron Laundry Symbol Meaning

Do not iron because heat or pressure may damage the item.

Dry Cleaning

Dry Clean Laundry Symbol Meaning

Professional dry cleaning is allowed or recommended.

Dry Cleaning

Do Not Dry Clean Laundry Symbol Meaning

Do not use professional dry-cleaning solvents on this item.