Laundry care symbols, explained
There are five basic symbols: the washtub means washing, the triangle bleaching, the square drying, the iron ironing and the circle professional cleaning. An X over any symbol means it is forbidden. Dots inside indicate temperature, and lines beneath a symbol indicate a gentler cycle.
The five basic symbols
| Symbol | Means | What to read in it |
|---|---|---|
| Washtub | Washing | The number inside is the maximum temperature in °C. Dots mean the same thing in another notation. |
| Triangle | Bleaching | Empty = any bleach allowed. With two diagonal lines = non-chlorine bleach only. |
| Square | Drying | With a circle inside = tumble dryer. With lines = natural drying. |
| Iron | Ironing | Dots indicate maximum temperature. |
| Circle | Professional cleaning | The letter inside is for the cleaner, not for you. |
X over a symbol = forbidden. One line beneath = mild cycle. Two lines = very gentle cycle.
Washing temperature
| Dots in washtub | Temperature | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 dot | 30°C | delicates, wool, deep colours |
| 2 dots | 40°C | everyday wear, colours |
| 3 dots | 50°C | durable coloured cotton |
| 4 dots | 60°C | white linen, towels |
| 5 dots | 70°C | durable cotton |
| 6 dots | 95°C | rare, white cotton only |
A hand drawn in the washtub means hand wash only, at 40°C maximum.
Ironing
- 1 dot — 110°C: synthetics, nylon, acrylic. No steam.
- 2 dots — 150°C: wool, silk, polyester.
- 3 dots — 200°C: cotton, linen.
- Iron with an X: do not iron at all.
- Iron with steam crossed out: iron, but without steam.
Drying
- Square with a circle: tumble drying allowed. Dots inside indicate temperature (1 = low, 2 = normal).
- Square with a crossed circle: do not tumble dry.
- Square with a horizontal line: dry flat. Typical for knitwear, which stretches if hung.
- Square with a vertical line: hang to dry.
- Square with a diagonal line in the corner: dry in the shade.
The circle — the part that concerns you least but matters most
The letter inside tells the cleaner which solvent to use: P for perchloroethylene, F for hydrocarbon solvents, W for professional wet cleaning.
For you the meaning is simple: if you see a circle, the item is not made for your home machine. And if the circle is crossed out, dry cleaning is not permitted either — the item can only be treated by special methods, sometimes only spot-cleaned.
Which garments fall into this category is covered in our article on clothes that should never be washed at home.
What to do when the label is missing
- Identify the fabric by touch, or look up the model online.
- Test the colour — dab a hidden area with a damp white cloth. If colour transfers, do not wash at home.
- When in doubt, choose the gentlest option: 30°C, low spin, natural drying in the shade.
- For expensive items without a label, ask first. It is free, and far cheaper than a mistake.
Frequently asked questions
What does the circle on a care label mean?
The circle means the item requires professional cleaning. The letter inside specifies which solvent the cleaner should use. If the circle is crossed out, dry cleaning is not permitted either.
What do the dots in the washtub symbol mean?
The dots indicate maximum washing temperature: 1 dot = 30°C, 2 dots = 40°C, 3 dots = 50°C, 4 dots = 60°C, 5 dots = 70°C, 6 dots = 95°C.
What do the lines under a washing symbol mean?
One line beneath the symbol indicates a mild cycle with reduced agitation. Two lines indicate a very gentle cycle for delicate items.
What does a square with a horizontal line mean?
The item must be dried flat. This is typical for knitwear and jumpers, which stretch out of shape if hung while wet.
What if the garment has no care label?
Test colour-fastness by dabbing a hidden area with a damp white cloth. If no colour transfers, choose the gentlest settings: 30°C, low spin and natural drying in the shade.
We do it for you
Free pickup and delivery in Bucharest and Ilfov. Clothes back in 24–48h, payment on delivery.