# Laundry Care Symbols: Every Label Pictogram Explained (2026)

> What does the crossed-out circle mean? The triangle? The 30 °C (86 °F) tub? Every care label symbol decoded with a visual chart + common mistakes to avoid.

**Published :** 2026-02-02 · **Updated :** 2026-04-26

---

**Résumé :** **In a nutshell:** Laundry care labels follow ISO 3758 (GINETEX)
with 5 universal symbols: tub (washing), triangle (bleaching), square
(drying), iron (ironing), circle (professional cleaning). The number inside
the tub indicates the maximum temperature. One bar under the tub means
"delicate cycle", two bars mean "very delicate cycle". A cross means
"prohibited".

## At a glance

- **5 basic symbols** — tub (washing), triangle (bleaching), square (drying), iron (ironing), circle (dry cleaning).
- **Dots = temperature** — 1 dot = low, 2 = medium, 3 = high. Universal across all symbols.
- **Cross = prohibited** — an X on any symbol means the operation is not allowed.
- **Bars under the tub = gentleness** — 1 bar = delicate cycle, 2 bars = very delicate.

## What do laundry care label symbols mean

**Quick answer:** care labels use **5 base symbols** (ISO 3758 standard): the **tub** for washing (number = max temperature, hand inside = hand wash, cross = no machine), the **triangle** for bleaching, the **square** for drying (circle inside = tumble dryer allowed; dots = temperature), the **iron** for ironing (dots = max temperature), the **circle** for professional cleaning (letter = solvent type). A cross over any symbol = operation prohibited.

The 5 families to remember:

1. **Tub (washing)** — number = max machine temperature ; hand in tub = hand wash 30-40 °C ; cross = no machine wash.
2. **Triangle (bleaching)** — empty = bleach allowed ; two diagonal stripes = oxygen bleach only (no chlorine) ; cross = no bleach.
3. **Square (drying)** — empty = air dry ; circle inside = tumble dryer OK ; dots = temperature (1 = low, 2 = high) ; cross = no tumble dryer.
4. **Iron (ironing)** — dots = max temperature (1 = 110 °C, 2 = 150 °C, 3 = 200 °C) ; cross = no ironing.
5. **Circle (professional)** — letter inside = approved solvent (P = perchloroethylene, F = hydrocarbon, W = wetcleaning) ; cross = no dry cleaning.

When a garment is not safe in a domestic machine but the label allows wetcleaning (W in circle), our [laundromats](/en/laundromats/index.md) don't run that specific process, but our 9 to 18 kg machines with delicate programs handle many "hand-wash" labelled items safely when the label permits it (tub with a hand symbol).

> This page covers the 5 symbol families, the
> visual lookalikes and the
> washing machine buttons. Use
> the table of contents to jump to the section you need.

> Download our
> 
> **laundry symbol cheat sheet**
> 
> 
> 
> (SVG, A4 printable). The 20 most common symbols on a single page, with the 3
> universal rules (cross = prohibited, dots = heat, bars = gentleness). Hang it
> near your machine.

## The 5 symbol families

**To read a care label correctly, always check these 5 pictograms in order: tub, triangle, square, iron, and circle — each one blocks or allows a specific action.** When the label calls for a delicate programme or reduced spin, protect your fragile textiles with a [fine-mesh laundry bag](https://amzn.to/4auKQMq) that limits friction inside the drum.

| Shape | Meaning | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| **wash-normal** Tub (water basin) | Washing | Number = max temperature. Bars underneath = gentleness. Hand = hand wash. |
| **bleach-any** Triangle | Bleaching | Empty = all OK. Lines = oxygen only. Crossed out = prohibited. |
| **dry-tumble** Square | Drying | Circle inside = tumble dryer. Dots = temperature. Lines = natural drying. |
| **iron-medium** Iron | Ironing | Dots = heat: 1 = low, 2 = medium, 3 = high. |
| **dryclean** Circle | Professional cleaning | Letter = solvent type. P = perchloroethylene. F = petroleum solvents. |

## Washing symbols (the tub)

**The number in the tub is a maximum limit: 30 °C (86 °F) for delicates, 40 °C (104 °F) for everyday use, and 60 °C (140 °F) for white cotton — never exceed the stated value.**

This is the most frequently checked symbol. The tub represents a basin filled with water. For garments marked 30 °C or "very delicate", a [mild liquid detergent](https://amzn.to/4lXorga) rinses out better than powder and leaves fewer residues on sensitive fibres.

- **The number in the tub** — It indicates the maximum wash temperature. The lower the number, the gentler the programme should be. At our laundromats, our machines offer programmes suited to every fabric. See our <a href="#washing-symbols-the-tub">symbol guide</a>.
- **The bars under the tub** — No bar = normal programme (full spin). 1 bar = synthetic/delicate programme (reduced spin). 2 bars = very delicate/wool programme (minimal or no spin).

> A hand dipped into the tub means hand wash only, without wringing. For
> precious items, follow the symbol.

> This page teaches you how to read the tub. If you already have a more specific
> need, go straight to
> 30 or 40 °C (86-104 °F): how to choose or
> 
> which garments to wash at 60 °C (140 °F)
> 
> .

> Machine washing prohibited, hand washing prohibited. The garment must not come
> into contact with water. Dry cleaning (at a dry cleaner) is required. This is
> rare, mainly found on certain silks, leathers, and structured garments.

### Washing summary

| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **wash-30** Tub + 30 | Wash at 30 °C maximum |
| **wash-40** Tub + 40 | Wash at 40 °C maximum |
| **wash-60** Tub + 60 | Wash at 60 °C maximum |
| **wash-95** Tub + 95 | Wash at 95 °C (boiling, disinfection) |
| **wash-delicate** Tub + 1 bar | Delicate cycle (reduced spin) |
| **wash-very-delicate** Tub + 2 bars | Very delicate cycle (minimal spin) |
| **wash-hand** Tub + hand | Hand wash only |
| **wash-no** Tub crossed out (X) | Do not machine wash or hand wash |

## Drying symbols (the square)

**If the square contains a crossed-out circle, tumble drying is prohibited; with 1 dot, stick to low heat; with 2 dots, you can dry at normal temperature.**

> We covered this sub-topic in a dedicated article:
> 
> no tumble dry symbol: meaning and alternatives
> 
> . It explains what to do next: flat, on a line, in the shade, or with moderate
> spin.

- 🔵 **Square + circle = tumble dryer** — A square containing a circle represents the tumble dryer. 1 dot inside the circle = low heat. 2 dots = normal heat. No dot = any heat. Crossed out = tumble drying prohibited.
- 📏 **Square + line = natural drying** — Vertical line = hang to dry (on a hanger). Horizontal line = dry flat. 2 diagonal lines in the corner = dry in the shade. These symbols are essential for wool and knits that lose shape when hung.

| Drying symbol | Meaning | Example textiles |
|---|---|---|
| **dry-tumble-medium** Square + circle, 2 dots | Tumble dry at normal temperature | Cotton, polyester, sheets, towels |
| **dry-tumble-low** Square + circle, 1 dot | Tumble dry at low temperature | Delicate synthetics, acrylic |
| **dry-tumble-no** Square - circle crossed out | Tumble drying prohibited | Wool, silk, elastane, certain knits |
| **dry-hang** Square + vertical line | Hang to dry (hanger) | Shirts, jackets, dresses |
| **dry-flat** Square + horizontal line | Dry flat | Wool sweaters, knits, cashmere |

At our [laundromats in Toulouse and Blagnac](/en/laundromats/index.md), programmes are calibrated to respect these symbols: normal programme for cotton, delicate for synthetics, wool for knits. If your label says 40 °C maximum, our machines respect it automatically. See the [programmes available per machine](/en/blog/first-time-laundromat/index.md) and our [prices](/en/prices/index.md).

**Fine mesh laundry bag (set of 5)**

The right reflex when the label calls for a delicate, wool, or low-spin cycle. Protects lingerie, fine knits, and small accessories during washing.

## Ironing symbols (the iron)

**Ironing follows a simple grid: 1 dot = 110 °C, 2 dots = 150 °C, 3 dots = 200 °C, and a crossed-out iron means no ironing at all.**

> 1 dot = low heat (synthetics, silk, nylon). 2 dots = medium heat (wool,
> polyester, blends). 3 dots = high heat (cotton, linen). Crossed-out iron =
> ironing prohibited. Most technical and sportswear falls into the "no ironing"
> or 1-dot category.

> The iron symbol gives the temperature, but not the order of steps. For the
> full step-by-step (collar, cuffs, sleeves, shoulders, front, back), see
> how to iron a shirt properly.

### Ironing summary

| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **iron-low** Iron + 1 dot (110 °C) | Low-temperature ironing — synthetics, silk, nylon |
| **iron-medium** Iron + 2 dots (150 °C) | Medium-temperature ironing — wool, polyester, blends |
| **iron-high** Iron + 3 dots (200 °C) | High-temperature ironing — cotton, linen |
| **iron-no** Iron crossed out (X) | Ironing prohibited |

## Bleaching symbols (the triangle)

**An empty triangle allows bleach and oxygen agents, while a triangle with 2 lines restricts treatment to oxygen-based agents only.**

> Empty triangle = all bleaching agents are allowed (chlorine bleach, oxygen
> bleach). Triangle with 2 diagonal lines = oxygen bleach only (no chlorine
> bleach). Triangle crossed out = bleaching prohibited (no bleaching agents at
> all). To
> whiten yellowed laundry,
> always check this symbol before using any product.

### Bleaching summary

| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **bleach-any** Empty triangle | All bleaching allowed (chlorine and oxygen) |
| **bleach-oxygen** Triangle + 2 diagonal lines | Oxygen bleach only (no chlorine bleach) |
| **bleach-no** Triangle crossed out (X) | Bleaching prohibited — no bleaching agents |

## Professional cleaning symbols (the circle)

**The circle relates exclusively to dry cleaning: P and F indicate solvents, while a crossed-out circle means the garment must be washed with water — no dry cleaning.**

The circle relates to dry cleaning and professional cleaning. It tells the professional which solvent to use.

- **Letters inside the circle** — P = perchloroethylene (the standard dry-cleaning solvent). F = petroleum solvents (hydrocarbons). W = professional wet cleaning. These letters are intended for dry cleaners, not for home use.
- **Crossed-out circle** — Dry cleaning prohibited. The garment must be washed with water (machine or hand). This applies to the majority of everyday clothing. To find out when to choose a laundromat vs. a dry cleaner, see our <a href="/en/blog/dry-cleaning-alternatives/index.md">dry cleaning guide</a>.

### Professional cleaning summary

| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **dryclean-P** Circle + P | Perchloroethylene cleaning (standard dry cleaning) |
| **dryclean-F** Circle + F | Petroleum solvent cleaning (hydrocarbons) |
| **dryclean-W** Circle + W | Professional wet cleaning |
| **dryclean-no** Circle crossed out (X) | Dry cleaning prohibited — wash with water |

## The most common combinations

**A classic cotton t-shirt typically carries 40 °C (104 °F) wash, tumble dry allowed, and 3-dot ironing, while a silk dress requires hand wash and no tumble drying.**

| Garment | Washing | Drying | Ironing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton t-shirt | **wash-40** Normal | **dry-tumble-medium** OK | **iron-high** 3 dots |
| Jeans | **wash-40** Normal | **dry-tumble-medium** OK | **iron-high** 3 dots |
| Polyester-cotton shirt | **wash-delicate** Delicate | **dry-tumble-low** Low heat | **iron-medium** 2 dots |
| Wool sweater | **wash-very-delicate** Very delicate | **dry-flat** Flat | **iron-medium** 2 dots |
| Silk dress | **wash-hand** Hand | **dry-tumble-no** Prohibited | **iron-low** 1 dot |
| Cotton sheets | **wash-60** Normal | **dry-tumble-medium** OK | **iron-high** 3 dots |
| Synthetic puffer jacket | **wash-delicate** Delicate | **dry-tumble-low** Low heat | **iron-no** Prohibited |

## Visual lookalikes

**Some pictograms look similar but have completely different meanings. Here are the most common mix-ups.**

> **Warning:**
> - **Circle alone vs square with circle** — the circle alone refers to dry cleaning; the square containing a circle refers to the tumble dryer.
> - **Crossed-out tub vs crossed-out triangle** — the tub prohibits water washing; the triangle prohibits bleaching agents only.
> - **Dry flat vs hang to dry** — horizontal line in the square = flat; vertical line = on a line or hanger.
> - **1 bar vs 2 bars under the tub** — a tiny visual difference, but two very different cycle gentleness levels.

## Washing machine buttons and icons

**GINETEX pictograms are standardised, but the icons on your machine's control panel vary by manufacturer.** Here are the most common reference points.

- **Spiral = spin** — On many washing machines, the spiral designates the spin-only cycle or the spin speed setting. It's often the button you lower for delicate fabrics.
- **Clock = delayed start** — The clock or timer symbol is generally used to start the cycle later or to programme a delayed finish.
- **Shower head or drops = rinse** — Manufacturers sometimes use a shower head, drops, or a filled tub for the rinse or extra-rinse functions.
- **Feather / flower = delicate** — The exact design varies by brand, but the idea remains the same: gentler treatment for fragile fibres.

### Translating the label to the right machine button

| What the label says | What to look for on the machine |
|---|---|
| Tub 30 °C | 30 °C programme, cold or delicate depending on the fabric |
| Tub with 1 bar | Delicate / synthetic / easy care |
| Tub with 2 bars | Very delicate / wool / hand-wash |
| Square + circle crossed out | No tumble dryer — dry flat or on a line |
| Circle + P / F / W | No home-machine equivalent — dry cleaner instruction |

## Practical tips

- 📸 **Photograph the label** — If a label itches and you want to cut it off, take a photo first. Keep it in a dedicated album on your phone. It takes 3 seconds and prevents laundry mishaps.
- 🔍 **Where to find the label** — Left side seam (most common), back of the collar (t-shirts, shirts), inner waistband (trousers). Some brands print the symbols directly onto the inner fabric.
- ⚡ **When in doubt** — No label or illegible symbols? Wash on a delicate cycle, no tumble dryer. It's the safest setting to avoid damage. For valuable items, test on an inconspicuous area first.

## Quick reference checklist

**Five rules are all you need to decode any label — print this summary or photograph it so you always have it on hand.**

- **Tub = washing.** Number = max temperature. Bar = gentle programme.
- **Triangle = bleaching.** Empty = all allowed. Lines = oxygen only. Crossed out = none.
- **Square = drying.** Circle inside = tumble dryer. Dots = heat. Crossed out = prohibited.
- **Iron = ironing.** Dots = heat (1 = 110 °C, 2 = 150 °C, 3 = 200 °C). Crossed out = prohibited.
- **Circle = dry cleaning.** Letter = solvent type. Crossed out = water wash only.

For the detail of each symbol and its variants, scroll back up to the family-by-family tables above.

## Mistakes to avoid

> **Warning:**
> - **Ignoring the tumble dryer symbol** — this is the riskiest symbol to overlook, because shrinkage is often irreversible. See our <a href="/en/blog/prevent-shrinking-guide/index.md">guide to preventing shrinkage</a>
> - **Confusing the bars under the tub** — 1 bar = delicate, 2 bars = very delicate, not the other way around
> - **Cutting the label without reading it** — photograph it first
> - **Using the same programme for everything** — too aggressive a cycle on wool and it shrinks permanently

## At the laundromat: choosing the right programme using the label

When you arrive at the laundromat with a bag of laundry, labels become your best sorting tool. Before loading the machine, quickly check the tub symbols on your garments and group them by maximum allowed temperature.

In practice, three piles are enough: textiles that can handle 60 °C (sheets, towels, tea towels — tub symbol with "60"), everyday textiles at 40 °C (cotton, jeans — tub symbol with "40"), and delicate textiles at 30 °C (synthetics, wool, lingerie — tub symbol with "30" or a bar under the tub). Each pile goes into a different machine.

If a garment carries the hand-wash symbol (tub with a hand), do not put it in a standard machine. At Speed Queen laundromats, the delicate programme at 30 °C with reduced spin suits most of these textiles, but check on a case-by-case basis. A tub crossed out means "do not machine wash" — those items need the dry cleaner.



*Cet article contient des liens affiliés. Les prix et la disponibilité peuvent varier.*

**Fine mesh laundry bag (set of 5)**

Essential for respecting the delicate and very delicate symbols. Protects lingerie, wool, and fragile knits from friction in the machine.

## Sources and references

- [Official textile care symbols (GINETEX / ISO 3758)](https://www.ginetex.net/FR/labelling/les-symboles-dentretien.asp)
- [Legifrance - Décret n°96-477 du 30 mai 1996 relatif à l'étiquetage des textiles](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/loda/id/JORFTEXT000000560100)
- [Washing temperature guide](/en/blog/washing-temperatures/index.md)
- [Delicate textiles: applying the symbols](/en/blog/delicate-fabrics-guide/index.md)