What a line under a symbol means
Short answer: A bar under a symbol means gentle treatment, and two bars mean very gentle. The bars concern mechanics and spinning, not temperature. Gentle means less drum movement, more water and a lower spin speed, so the fabric rubs less against itself.
One bar and two bars
One bar under the washing symbol means gentle treatment, and two bars mean very gentle treatment. The more bars, the softer the machine should be with the clothes. It is a simple scale that shows at a glance how carefully an item should be washed, without a long text to read.
Mechanics means movement
Gentle means less drum movement, more water in the drum and a lower spin speed. The fabric rubs less against itself and the drum, and the fibres are pulled less. That makes a difference for thin fabrics, fine knits and elastic seams, which would otherwise wear faster in an ordinary wash.
Temperature is separate
The number in the wash symbol says how warm the water may be, while the bars say how hard the clothes are handled. The two are often mixed up but are independent. A garment can take thirty degrees and still need gentle treatment. See our night T-shirt for men, where the label shows both.
Spinning and seams
A low spin speed means less pull on seams, elastic and knits. Clothes come out wetter, but that is a small price for a shape that lasts longer. If your machine has no gentle programme, choose one with a low spin speed and fill the drum less so the laundry has room to move.
Programme names vary
Gentle has different names on different machines. Some call it delicates, others wool, silk or hand wash. Look for a programme with a low spin speed and soft movement, and check the machine manual. See also bamboo split sheets and bamboo inner shorts, where the care label shows how to wash them.
Thin and elastic fabrics
Thin fabrics and elastic garments notice the difference most. The elastic in waistbands and cuffs is pulled hard in a rough wash, and fine knit stitches can distort. Wash them gently and they keep their shape and the fit you chose them for. This also applies to clothes you wear close to the skin every day.
Gentle works for everything
You can safely use a gentle programme for any clothes, including items without bars. It takes a little longer and uses more water, but it does no harm. That lets you sort by colour and temperature and wash delicate items together without checking whether each one has bars.
Symbol, bars and number together
Read the label in order. First the symbol, which shows whether the item may go in the machine. Then the number for temperature. Last the bars, which show how gentle the programme should be. If two items have different needs, follow the more cautious one so both are safe. Several delicate items can be washed together.
Making it work day to day
Collect delicate items into one wash so you do not run a gentle programme for a single piece. Use a laundry bag for the finest things and fill the drum less than usual. A low spin speed means clothes take longer to dry, so plan drying in good time.
Frequently asked questions
How much difference does it make
A lot for thin fabrics and elastic garments, which otherwise wear faster. For sturdier fabrics the difference is smaller, but a gentle wash does not strain clothes and often gives them a longer life.
Can I use gentle for everything
Yes. It takes a little longer and uses more water, but it does no harm. You can wash ordinary clothes on a gentle programme if you collect them in one load and avoid overfilling the drum.
Is a low spin enough to get the water out
Yes, but clothes stay wetter and take longer to dry. Hang them up in good time and give them space, so air can move around the fabric and dry it evenly.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
