Clothing care symbols describe how to wash, bleach, dry, iron or professionally clean a garment. Read the label for the specific item and notice bars, dots and crossed-out symbols, which can change the instruction or prohibit a method. When words and symbols are unfamiliar, check the brand’s care guidance or ask a cleaner rather than guessing from the fabric alone.
A care label is a practical guide to the safest routine for a garment. Start with the symbol family, then check the details such as temperature, cycle, heat level or a crossed-out method.
The main symbol families
- Wash tub: Covers hand or machine washing. Check temperature, gentle-cycle bars and hand-wash instructions.
- Triangle: Covers bleaching. Check whether all bleach or only certain types are allowed.
- Square: Covers drying. Check for tumble, line, flat or drip drying and heat dots.
- Iron: Covers ironing or pressing. Check the heat level and whether steam is allowed.
- Circle: Covers professional cleaning. Check dry-cleaning or wet-cleaning instructions and restrictions.
Dots usually indicate heat or temperature, bars indicate a gentler process and a cross means a method is not allowed under the symbol system. GINETEX publishes an international care-symbol overview; regional standards can differ, so use the explanation that matches the label.
Follow the garment’s instruction
The FTC Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to covered garments. If a label says a method can harm the item, do not use it just because that method is convenient. Check the fabric maker’s guidance for specialty materials and ask a professional cleaner when the label is missing or unreadable.
Our clothing fabric guide and how to clean white sneakers cover related care decisions. Browse the womens category for more wardrobe care.
Official references
Common questions
What does a crossed-out laundry symbol mean?
A cross generally means that the pictured care method should not be used. Check the symbol standard or the garment maker’s guidance if the meaning is unclear.
What do dots on clothing care symbols mean?
Dots commonly indicate a temperature or heat level, while bars can indicate a gentler process. The exact meaning depends on the symbol and standard used on the label.
Do care labels have to include instructions?
In the United States, the FTC Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to provide care instructions for covered garments. Follow the label attached to the item you own.