Interactive Laundry Symbol Decoder – Click to Learn Meaning

Dots indicate temperature levels. For washing: 1 dot = 30°C (cold), 2 dots = 40°C (warm), 3 dots = 50°C, 4 dots = 60°C, 5 dots = 70°C, 6 dots = 95°C (hot). For drying: 1 dot = low heat, 2 dots = medium heat, 3 dots = high heat. For ironing: 1 dot = low (~110°C), 2 dots = medium (~150°C), 3 dots = high (~200°C). More dots always mean higher temperature.

The triangle represents bleaching instructions. An empty triangle means you can use any bleach (including chlorine bleach). A triangle with diagonal stripes inside means only oxygen-based (non-chlorine) bleach is safe. A triangle with an X through it means "do not bleach" — using bleach could damage or discolor the fabric.

Look for a square symbol. A square with a circle inside means tumble drying is allowed. The dots inside indicate heat level. A square without a circle means natural drying — either line dry (curve at top), flat dry (horizontal line), or drip dry (vertical lines). A square with an X means do not tumble dry; air dry instead.

These letters inside a circle indicate the type of solvent the dry cleaner should use. "P" stands for perchloroethylene (the most common dry cleaning solvent). "F" stands for petroleum-based solvents (flammable — requires special handling). "W" stands for wet cleaning (a professional water-based process). A bar under the circle means gentle cycle. Always show these to your dry cleaner.

Horizontal lines under the washtub indicate the need for a gentler wash cycle. One line means "permanent press" or gentle cycle with reduced spin speed. Two lines mean "delicate" or very gentle cycle with minimal agitation. These are crucial for fabrics like wool, silk, or synthetics that can stretch or felt with aggressive washing.

An X (cross) through any laundry symbol means "do not" perform that care method. It's a universal prohibition sign. For example, a washtub with an X means do not wash; a triangle with an X means do not bleach; a square with an X means do not tumble dry; an iron with an X means do not iron. Always respect these — ignoring them can ruin garments.

A washtub with a hand inside means "hand wash only." The garment is too delicate for machine washing. Use cool or lukewarm water (typically 30-40°C), a mild detergent, and gently agitate by hand. Never wring or twist the fabric — press out excess water gently and lay flat to dry.

Most countries follow the ISO 3758 standard (International Organization for Standardization), which uses the same five basic shapes. However, the US and Canada sometimes use a slightly different system with dots inside symbols rather than numbers. Japan uses its own JIS standard which is similar but not identical. European labels almost always follow ISO standards. The symbols on this page follow the internationally recognized ISO system used by most global clothing brands.

Count the dots inside or below the washtub: 1 dot = 30°C, 2 dots = 40°C, 3 dots = 50°C, 4 dots = 60°C, 5 dots = 70°C, 6 dots = 95°C. Some labels also show the actual temperature number (like 30, 40, 60) inside the washtub instead of dots. Both systems convey the same information — never exceed the indicated temperature to avoid shrinkage, color bleeding, or fabric damage.

If the care label is missing, err on the side of caution. For unknown fabrics, use cold water (30°C), a gentle detergent, and avoid bleach. Air dry flat instead of using a dryer. Test any cleaning method on a small hidden area first. Natural fibers like cotton and linen are generally more forgiving; synthetics and blends may react unpredictably. When in doubt, consult a professional dry cleaner for advice on delicate or expensive items.