Washing machines: Using your washing machine Laundry symbols

Many clothes need a bit of care and attention to keep them looking their best. Here we explain the most common labels you’ll come across.

Handwashing

If the tub contains a hand, wash the item by hand at 40°C or lower. 

The handwash program is for delicate garments (eg cashmere or silk), and washes more gently than the normal setting to prevent clothes snagging or shrinking.

Washing synthetics and woollens

The bars underneath the tub refer to rinsing and spinning. 

If there are no bars, the garment can be spun and rinsed as normal.

One bar indicates that the spin speed should be reduced. 

Two bars means the clothes need a mild wash action, but can be spun and rinsed normally. 

Such items shouldn’t be wrung by hand.

Ironing

Don’t let ironing drive you dotty. 

The dots on ironing symbols correspond to the dots on an iron’s temperature settings. 

The more dots there are, the more heat can be applied.

Three dots are for linen and cotton, two dots are for synthetics, one dot is for the most delicate items such as woollens and silk. 

Tumble drying

Getting tumble drying right is easy if you use the correct temperature. 

A circle inside a square means you can tumble dry the garment. 

The dots indicate temperature – one for lower heat, two for higher heat. 

A cross over the symbol means you shouldn’t tumble dry the garment.

Some clothes appear similar but have different labels – they’re most likely made from different fibres or blends. 

Some fibres or blends can change size or become ‘furred’ by tumble drying. 

An item that’s suitable for tumble drying will have been treated to protect against these effects. 

Dry cleaning

Some clothes can – or must – be dry cleaned. 

A circle means the garment is suitable for dry-cleaning. 

If there’s a letter inside the circle, it’s to tell the dry-cleaner which chemical wash and method to use. 

If the circle has a cross over it, the item shouldn’t be dry-cleaned. 

Clothes manufacturers tend to give good cleaning advice.  

So, even if you suspect they’re being over-cautious, it’s best to follow what they say.

Fabrics tend to be more delicate these days, which is why you see more dry-clean-only items. 

Bleaching

A triangle means you can safely use a cold, dilute solution of bleach. 

If the triangle has a cross over it, the item can’t be bleached.