5 Laundry Symbols Explained

Laundry Symbols Explained – In the world of fashion, attention to detail is often the key to keeping a great look. However, there is one element that is often overlooked-the unique symbols that adorn our clothing labels. 

Many people may feel confused or even ignore these symbols, not realizing that they hold valuable information. 

These symbols, while seemingly small and trivial, actually provide important clues on the proper care of each fashion item.

Each symbol carries a meaning that can help us maintain the quality and durability of our clothes. 

From how to wash, to ironing temperatures, to the prohibition of bleach use, all of this information is very useful to ensure that clothes stay durable and comfortable to wear. 

Let’s explore the meaning behind these laundry symbols and the importance of understanding the instructions written on the label, so that we can take better care of our fashion items.

Laundry Symbols Explained

1. Machine-Washing Symbols

The first symbol on clothing labels is the machine wash symbol. This symbol is often found on all garments using either cotton or wool. 

The meaning of this symbol is more about temperature guidance when washing clothes, whether you use a traditional washing machine or HE (High Efficiency). Here are the details:

• Symbols with number: In general, temperature is indicated in degrees Celsius, with 30 indicating a cold water wash, 40 indicating a warm water wash, and 50 indicating a hot water wash.
• Symbols with dots: The dots inside the tub symbol indicate the same thing as numbers, which is the temperature of the water. The more dots there are (up to six), the hotter the temperature. So, if you see one dot, wash your clothes in cold water. However, if you see three dots, wash your clothes in hot water.

Other than that, you could also identify the symbols of wash tub with a lines, these are what those symbols means:

• No line: The symbol for this wash cycle is depicted as a tub of water with no lines underneath. This cycle is designed for more sturdy and durable clothing, such as t-shirts, socks, or jeans, which can be easily inserted and washed. Generally, this cycle offers more intensive movements and works harder to remove dirt and dust.
• One line: This wash cycle symbol depicts a tub of water with a line underneath. “Permanent Press” garments are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester that are designed to prevent wrinkles.This cycle uses warm water and slower spin to reduce existing wrinkles.
• Two lines: The symbol for this wash cycle is a tub of water with two lines underneath. This cycle is designed for delicate garments that are prone to damage, using low agitation, slow spin and cold water to preserve the fabric.

In addition, you could also spot some clothes with a machine tub with a hand in it. That particular symbol means that the clothes are only able to be washed using a hand.

Also Read: “How to Clean a Front Loading Washing Machine“

2. Drying Symbols

The next symbol on clothing labels is the dryer symbol.If you see a dryer icon, it means there are several ways to dry your clothes. Here’s how to read the dryer symbol:

• Circle in a box: Means telling you that it’s okay to dry clothes in the dryer. 
• The circle in the middle with an X: Means don’t put your clothes in the dryer.
• Hang to dry: It is best to put clothes with this symbol; on a line to allow them to air dry. Make sure to hang it in a shady area out of direct sunlight.
• Dry flat: If you spot this symbol, it means that your particular clothes shouldn’t be put into the dryer or hung, but you should lay them flat on a drying rack. This usually applies to  clothes made from cotton, wool, silk, hemp or linen.
• Do not wring: Clothes with this symbol should not be wrung to remove excess water as this could damage or stretch the fabric.
• Dry in a shade: This symbol is represented by a box with two diagonal lines in its edge, which means that your clothes should be dried in a shade to avoid damage from the sunlight.

3. Ironing Symbols

The next laundry symbol on the clothing label is the ironing symbol. This symbol is also often found on clothing labels, whether using wool, silk, or cotton. Here’s how to read it:

• Ironing symbols that have a dot on them mean that they don’t need to be ironed.
• The symbol of an iron with two dots means that it uses a warm temperature.
• The symbol of an iron with three dots means using a hot temperature.
• The ironing symbol with an X means do not iron at all.

In addition, there are also steam iron symbols that you need to know how to read.

• Three small bursts of steam under the iron symbol means it is safe to steam clothes.
• An X above the iron with three bursts of steam, meaning avoid steam ironing.

4. Bleaching Symbols

The next meaning of the laundry symbols on the clothing label is the bleaching symbol which is represented by a triangle symbol. 

If you see a triangle icon on your clothing label, it means guidelines for using bleach in washing clothes. The explanation is as follows:

• The triangle is empty, meaning you can use any type of bleach.
• Triangle with two lines inside, meaning you can only use non-chlorine bleach.
• A triangle with an X, meaning you can’t use any bleach at all.

5. Tumble Drying Symbols

The next on our list of laundry symbols is drying temperature symbols that are usually indicated with a circle inside a box, here’s how to read it!

• Circle in a box: your clothes are safe to tumble dry.
• Circle in a box with one dot: Use dryers’ low heat setting to avoid damage.
• Circle in a box with two dots: You can use your dryer’s medium heat for your clothes.
• Circle in a box with three dots: You can use your dryer’s highest heat setting.
• Black circle in a box: It means that your clothes or garments are safe to tumble dry, but should be placed in a dryer using no heat.

On top of that, there are symbols that indicate the safe cycle of tumble drying for your garments or clothes, check it out!

• Circle in a box: Use a normal cycle on your tumble dryer.
• Circle in a box with one line underneath: Use a permanent press cycle to help remove or reduce wrinkles on your clothes or garments.
• Circle in a box with two lines underneath: Use a low-heat and gentle cycle on your tumble dryer that’ll take longer to dry clothes but safer for more delicate fabrics.

Also Read: “Agitator vs Impeller Washers: What’s The Difference?“

And that’s a wrap! Laundry symbols explained in one go!

As we all know that not all fabrics are created equals, so to be able to identify the meaning of those symbols is necessary to know how to treat your clothes or fabrics.

This is so important to avoid any damage and prolong your garment’s life!

But, other than that, having a safe and high quality washing machine is also important to minimize damage to your clothes.

And like to those symbols that we’ve explained earlier, one thing you can do to identify a high quality washing machine is to locate the SNI symbols on your washing machines.

But, what does an SNI symbol even mean? Well, the SNI symbols on your washing machines indicate that your washing machine has been certified and tested for its quality and safety aspects.

This is so important to give you a peace of mind knowing that the products that you bought are already qualified by Indonesian standards.