Laundry Care Symbols: How to Read Clothing Tag Instructions

Ever stare at your clothing tag and feel like you’re deciphering ancient hieroglyphics? You’re not alone. Laundry care symbols are meant to make your life easier, but only if you know what they mean.

Understanding your laundry care symbols is your first step to extending the life of your clothing, protecting delicate fabrics, and avoiding laundry disasters. These washing instruction icons protect delicate fabrics, prevent shrinking or fading, and guide you to wash smarter — not harder.

Here’s your ultimate guide on how to read these laundry symbols, so you can clean smarter, not harder.

History of Laundry Symbols

Before laundry labels were introduced, it was up to the consumer to choose the best course of action when laundering their clothing at home. Surprisingly, it was only in the mid-1950s that the idea of attaching care instructions to clothing arose — perhaps after years of customers complaining that their clothes were falling apart after multiple rough washes in too-hot water.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a very strict set of rules that manufacturers and importers must follow: not only must they provide instructions and warnings, if they choose to use laundry symbols, they must use them as outlined in the ASTM Standard D5489-96c, the Standard Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products. 

Why Laundry Care Symbols Matter

Take a moment before you cut those sometimes-itchy laundry tags off your clothes — they’re your clothing’s lifeline! Ignoring them can lead to:

• Shrinking or stretching your favorite shirt
• Fading vibrant colors
• Damaging delicate fabrics
• Setting in stains that could’ve been lifted

When in doubt, following care tag guidance (or, if the tag is missing, bringing an item to a pro cleaner) can save you time, money, and a whole lot of regret.

How to Read Laundry Symbols on Clothing Tags

Most care tags include a mix of:

• Washing instructions
• Bleaching guidelines
• Drying methods
• Ironing settings
• Professional cleaning recommendations

Let’s break down each section.

	Washing Symbols The tub icon represents machine or hand washing. Lines under the tub indicate gentleness, while dots indicate water temperature. No lines = Normal cycle One line = Permanent press Two lines = Delicate/gentle cycle One dot = Cold (under 85°F) Two dots = Warm (around 105°F) Three dots = Hot (up to 120°F) Tub with a hand = Hand wash only Tub with X = Do not wash
	Bleaching Symbols The triangle icon pertains to the use of bleach on an item. Empty triangle = Any bleach is safe Triangle with two lines = Use non-chlorine bleach only Triangle with X = Do not bleach
	Drying Symbols The square icon tells you if and how your item should be tumble dried or air dried. Square with circle inside = Tumble dry Dots inside = Heat level One dot = Low Two dots = Medium Three dots = High One line under the square = Permanent press Two lines under the square = Delicate/gentle X over the symbol = Do not tumble dry
	Ironing Symbols This symbol tells you whether (and how hot) you can iron your item. One dot = Cool (synthetics like polyester) Two dots = Medium (wool, blends) Three dots = Hot (cotton, linen) Iron with X = Do not iron Iron with steam coming out and an X = No steam
	Dry Cleaning Symbols This symbol means that your item should be professionally dry cleaned. If you see this symbol with the letters A, P or F, it refers to the type of solvent that may be used during cleaning. Empty circle = Dry clean only Circle with letter (A, P, or F) = Type of solvent to use (for professional reference) Circle with X = Do not dry clean

Other Laundry Drying Symbols 

• Square with a curved line at top = Line dry
  
• Square with three vertical lines = Drip dry
  
• Square with a horizontal line = Dry flat

What Else to Watch For

• Mixed fabrics may need different care depending on the material content.
  
• If tags are missing or faded, it’s best to err on the side of caution and bring the item to a professional cleaner.
  
• Care tag symbols can vary slightly by country, so when in doubt, double-check or ask an expert.

There are many more clothing care symbols that are used in specific instances, all of which can  be viewed at Textile Industry Affairs.

Let Dependable Do the Reading (and the Cleaning)

If you do your laundry at home instead of using Dependable’s Wash & Fold service, make sure you’re following the all-important laundry care labels. Washing instruction symbols aren’t added to clothing for fun — they’re there to help you make sure your favorite articles get the care they need to stay in stellar shape. 

Some fabrics require a delicate touch, while others need more than your home washer can offer. At Dependable Cleaners, we know how to read the tag — and go beyond it. From eco-friendly dry cleaning to tailoring and preservation, we’ll take the guesswork out of your garment care.

Have a tag you’re not sure how to interpret? Drop by one of our Denver-area locations or give us a call at (303) 777-2673 — we’re happy to help!