The care symbols and what they cover
Short answer: A care label has five basic symbols, and each covers its own part of the treatment. The tub is washing, the triangle is bleaching, the square is drying, the iron is ironing, and the circle is professional cleaning. Together they describe the whole routine.
The order is always the same
The symbols appear in the same order on every label in Europe, so you can find what you need without reading the whole label. Washing comes first, then bleaching, drying, ironing and finally professional cleaning. Once you know the order, you can jump straight to the symbol you need.
A cross means not allowed
A cross over a symbol means the treatment must not be used. It is the most important message on the label because it shows what can damage the fabric. Look for the crosses first. See night T-shirts for men and read the care label before the first wash.
Lines underneath mean gentle
One line under a symbol means gentle treatment, and two lines mean very gentle. This is about how hard the machine may work, not about temperature. See home and homewear in bamboo and bamboo sheets, and check the label on each item.
The tub covers washing
The tub shows how the item is washed, and the number in it is the highest temperature. A hand in the tub means hand washing. A cross over the tub means the item must not be washed in water. Always pick a programme that does not exceed the label.
The triangle covers bleaching
The triangle is only about bleach. An empty triangle means bleaching is allowed, while a crossed triangle means it must not be used. On coloured clothes the triangle is usually crossed. Some detergents contain bleach, so read the pack if the label forbids bleaching.
The square covers drying
The square gathers everything about drying. A circle inside the square means tumble dryer, and lines in the square show line drying or drying flat. If tumbling is forbidden, the circle is crossed. Air drying often keeps shape and colour better than a hot machine does.
The iron and the circle
The iron shows whether and how hot you may iron, and the dots give the temperature. The circle alone means professional cleaning, and the letter inside shows which products the cleaner may use. A crossed circle means no professional cleaning. You need not know the letters if you follow the cross.
Using them day to day
Read the label before the laundry goes into the machine, and sort by the gentlest symbol. If something in the basket has a crossed tub or square, take it out. It takes a few seconds and can save you an item that no longer fits or has changed colour.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to follow the symbols exactly
They are the maker's recommendation. If you follow them, the item keeps its shape and colour best, and you avoid most damage caused by too much heat or rough handling.
What if a symbol is missing
Then the maker has not given advice on that part of the care. Choose the gentlest option, and be extra careful if you are unsure what the fabric can take.
Are the symbols the same worldwide
Nearly. There are small differences between regions, but the basic shapes are the same. If you know the five symbols, you can usually read a label wherever the item was bought.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
