LAUNDRY SIGNS EXPLAINED HOW TO

We've arrived - the dreaded dry clean only symbol! This one means your garment could be damaged in the wash and should be laundered professionally. Dry cleaning symbols This symbol signifies dry cleaning. If you see this label, be sure to turn off the steam function on your iron before ironing. No steam - Some materials don't react well to steam, or to put it another way, the combination of water and heat. The symbol above stands for ironing and variations on it help you determine what temperature or setting to use. Place on flat surfaces or flat across drying racks to dry.ĭots - as before, dots signify different temperatures:ģ = high heat Ironing symbols This symbol signifies ironing.Įver burnt a hole through a piece of clothing? Getting clued up on the different ironing symbols will ensure it never happens again. Hang to dry - items that are marked with the 'hang to dry' symbol can be popped over a drying rack or hung up to dry on hangers.ĭry flat - garments that need to be dried flat are usually relatively heavy, and therefore shouldn't be hung in case the weight alters their shape. They usually dry without wrinkles when hung up to 'drip-dry' and therefore don't need ironing either. The laundry symbol of a square without the accompanying circle signifies drying without the use of a tumble dryer, and again, has several variations shown below.ĭrip dry -synthetic garments are usually ok to be hung up straight out of the wash, even when dripping wet.

LAUNDRY SIGNS EXPLAINED HOW TO

There are variations to the symbol which tell you exactly how to dry your clothes and also what temperature to use to ensure they do not fade or worse, shrink, in the wash. The basic symbol for tumble drying is a square with a circle inside. Tumble dry symbols This laundry symbol signifies for tumble dry. If you're superstitious, you should check when it's bad luck to wash clothes. You might find materials like viscose can shrink if machine washed.ĭots - each dot signifies a different temperature: Instead, wash them by hand in a small basin with some special detergent (those intended for hand wash use are normally much milder). Hand wash - Clothes marked with a hand wash symbol should never be put in the washing machine. Gentle cycle - Garments that require a gentle cycle are usually made from delicate fabrics such as wool or silk, or those that have details that could be damaged by a normal cycle.

Permanent press - Permanent press items are those that have been treated to prevent wrinkles and any shape-distortion. Instead, they will need to be dry cleaned - we'll discuss the corresponding symbols in detail later on.

Print this out and keep it close to hand!ĭo not wash - Items with this symbol should not be washed at home. There are many variations of this washing machine symbol to give you more details on exactly how to wash your items for best results, including what temperature, method and cycle to use. The symbol shown above indicated an instruction to do with the washing process itself. Washing symbols This laundry symbol signifies washing. Ready to get washing? Check your tags and let's get started!Įditor's Note: This article was originally posted in January 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in July 2019. As well as explaining each mysterious symbol individually, we also have a printable washing label guide for you to keep so you'll always have knowledge on hand. Today we're talking you through the mystery meaning behind washing labels so you can avoid ever ruining your clothes again. If you're confused about what you can clean in the washing machine, that's just half the problem! Whilst putting a cotton top in at 40✬ instead of 30 might not be a big deal, wools and silks are a different story. Laundry symbols can be pretty confusing - they're almost like another language in themselves! And if you want to avoid laundry mishaps, it's a language you should get clued-up on.

Laundry signs explained