How to read a clothing care label: every washing symbol explained

The washtub: washing

• A tub with a number, such as 30 or 40, is the highest water temperature in °C. Washing cooler than that is fine.
• A tub with dots means the same thing on some labels: one dot is cool, and each extra dot is warmer.
• No bar under the tub: a normal wash.
• One bar under the tub: a gentler cycle, such as a synthetics programme, with a slower spin.
• Two bars under the tub: a very gentle cycle, such as a wool or delicates programme.
• A hand in the tub: hand wash only, in cool or lukewarm water.
• A crossed-out tub: do not wash in water. Usually paired with a dry cleaning symbol.

The triangle: bleaching

• An empty triangle: any bleach can be used.
• A triangle with two diagonal lines inside: only oxygen-based, non-chlorine bleach.
• A crossed-out triangle: do not bleach.

Many everyday stain removers contain bleaching agents, so check this symbol before you use one.

The square: drying

Tumble drying

A square with a circle inside is about the tumble dryer.

• One dot in the circle: tumble dry on low heat.
• Two dots: normal heat.
• A crossed-out square with a circle: do not tumble dry.

Natural drying

A square with lines inside is about drying without a machine.

• One vertical line, or a curve at the top: hang to dry, on a line or a hanger.
• Three vertical lines: drip dry, hung up wet without spinning or wringing.
• One horizontal line: dry flat, which is common on knitwear.
• A short diagonal line in the corner: dry in the shade, out of direct sun.

The iron: ironing

• One dot: low heat, for delicate fibres and many synthetics.
• Two dots: medium heat, for wool, silk and many blends.
• Three dots: high heat, for cotton and linen.
• A crossed-out iron: do not iron.

If a garment mixes fibres, use the lowest heat suitable for any of them. Our guide to getting creases out without an iron has alternatives for pieces that should not be ironed.

The circle: professional cleaning

These are for the dry cleaner, who reads them to choose the right process.

• A circle with a letter, such as P or F: can be dry cleaned, and the letter tells the cleaner which solvent to use.
• A circle with a W: can be professionally wet cleaned.
• A bar under the circle: a gentler process.
• A crossed-out circle: do not dry clean.

If a label says "dry clean only", it is usually for a good reason, such as structure, lining or a fabric that shrinks in water.

The words matter too

Many labels add instructions in words. Common ones include:

• "Wash inside out", to protect prints and colour.
• "Wash with similar colours", because the dye may run.
• "Do not wring", for knitwear and delicates.
• "Reshape while damp", again for knits.
• "Cool iron", the same as one dot.

The composition label

Next to the care symbols is usually a list of what the garment is made of, such as "80% wool, 20% polyamide". It is worth reading together with the care label, because the fibres explain why the instructions say what they do. Our fabric guide to cotton, linen, wool and polyester explains how each behaves.

When the label is missing or faded

Older and second-hand clothes sometimes have no label, or one that has been cut out or washed blank. In that case:

• Work out the fabric from the feel, or ask the seller if they know.
• Treat it as delicate. Wash it cool, by hand or on a gentle cycle, and dry it flat or on a hanger.
• Skip the tumble dryer and bleach.
• Test any stain remover on a hidden area first.
• For precious or structured pieces, such as tailored jackets, lined coats or silk, ask a dry cleaner.

Buying and selling second-hand

When you buy, a photo of the care and composition labels tells you how to look after a piece, and whether it has probably been washed the wrong way. On Rewear, tap Message the seller on the listing if there is no photo. Our guide to rescuing a shrunken wool jumper explains what to do if the worst has already happened.

When you sell, include a clear photo of both labels. It answers questions before buyers ask them, and it shows you are describing the piece carefully. Our guide to writing a clothing listing description covers what else to include.

The short version

Tub for washing, triangle for bleach, square for drying, iron for ironing, circle for the dry cleaner. Numbers and dots show heat, bars mean gentler, and a cross means do not. When in doubt, wash cool and gently and skip the dryer.