How to read the symbols on a care label

Short answer: Five symbols cover everything: a tub for washing, a triangle for bleaching, a square for drying, an iron for ironing and a circle for dry cleaning. Dots and lines give the limits.

The tub shows the temperature

The number in the tub is a maximum, not a recommendation. Cooler is always allowed. See bamboo clothing for women.

Lines under the symbol mean gentle

One line is a gentle cycle, two lines are very gentle. See bamboo underwear for women.

The square is about drying

A circle inside the square means tumble drying. The dots indicate the heat. See bamboo t-shirts for women.

A cross means never

A cross over a symbol means the method must not be used at all. See bamboo socks for women.

Frequently asked questions

What does the number in the tub mean?

The highest permitted temperature. You may always wash cooler than the number says.

What do the lines under the symbol mean?

One line means a gentle cycle and two lines mean very gentle treatment.

What does a cross over a symbol mean?

That the method must not be used. A cross over the square means no tumble drying.