The Complete Guide to Wash Care Symbols: Understanding Your Clothing Labels

Have you ever wondered how to properly care for your favourite t-shirt? Should it be washed at 40°C with ‘medium agitation’ or hand washed only? Perhaps it needs to be dry cleaned with a specific hydrocarbon solvent? And what about drying and ironing—what temperature settings should you use to avoid damaging the fabric while still removing those pesky creases before Auntie Joan’s dinner party?

Understanding wash care labels is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of your garments, yet many find these symbols confusing. At Soabar, we believe clothing labels should simplify care instructions, not complicate them. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to wash care symbols—covering everything from washing and drying to bleaching and ironing.

Washing Symbols: The Washtub

The washtub symbol is the most common indicator of how to wash your garments. Here’s what to look for:

Symbol	Meaning
	Basic Washtub with Number: The number inside indicates the maximum temperature (e.g., 40°C). No bar underneath means normal cycle with maximum agitation.
	Washtub with One Bar: Suitable for synthetic wash or “Permanent Press Cycle” (typically for polyesters, knits, and acetates). Use medium agitation and slow spin to prevent wrinkling.
	Washtub with Two Bars: Requires wool/delicate wash setting. Reduced agitation and slower spin for delicate fabrics.
	Hand in Washtub: Hand wash only using cool water. Garment is too delicate for machine washing.
	Crossed Out Washtub: Do not wash. The item may require dry cleaning instead.

UK Tip: British washing machines typically offer a variety of specific programmes beyond the basic settings. Look for cycles like “cottons,” “synthetics,” “delicates,” “wool,” and “quick wash” to match the care label instructions.

Bleaching Symbols: The Triangle

Triangle symbols indicate whether bleaching is permitted and what type should be used:

Symbol	Meaning
	Triangle with “Cl”: Chlorine bleach permitted. Use recommended dilution (typically 1 part bleach to 100 parts water).
	Triangle with Diagonal Lines: Use only non-chlorine, colour-safe bleach.
	Crossed Out Triangle: Do not bleach under any circumstances.

⚠️ Important Note: In the UK, common bleaching products include Domestos and household bleach (for chlorine bleaching) and oxygen-based products like Vanish for colour-safe bleaching. Always check the product label to confirm it’s appropriate for your garment.

Dry Cleaning Symbols: The Circle

Circular symbols indicate whether a garment requires dry cleaning and specify which solvents can be used:

Symbol	Meaning
	Circle with “P”: Dry clean using perchloroethylene solvent (most common).
	Circle with “P” and Underline: Dry clean with perchloroethylene solvent using a milder process. Suitable for delicate items.
	Circle with “F”: Dry clean using hydrocarbon solvent (more environmentally friendly). Better for embellished or delicate garments.
	Circle with “A”: Suitable for dry cleaning with any solvent.
	Crossed Out Circle: Do not dry clean.

UK Perspective: The UK dry cleaning industry has shifted toward more environmentally friendly solvents in recent years. Many UK dry cleaners now offer “green cleaning” services using GreenEarth or other eco-friendly alternatives to traditional perchloroethylene.

Drying Symbols: The Square

Drying symbols are represented by squares, with different markings indicating the appropriate drying method:

Tumble Drying (Square with Circle)

Symbol	Meaning
	Square with Circle and One Dot: Tumble dry on low heat.
	Square with Circle and Two Dots: Tumble dry on medium heat.
	Square with Circle and Three Dots: Tumble dry on high heat.
	Crossed Out Square with Circle: Do not tumble dry.

Natural Drying Methods

Symbol	Meaning
	Square with Three Vertical Lines: Drip dry (hang wet without wringing).
	Square with Curved Line: Hang/line dry. Remove excess water first for quicker drying.
	Square with Horizontal Line: Lay flat to dry. Essential for delicate items that could stretch when hung.

UK Weather Consideration: Given the UK’s damp climate, be prepared for longer drying times when using natural drying methods, especially in winter. Consider using a dehumidifier or well-ventilated room when indoor drying is necessary.

Ironing Symbols: The Iron

The iron symbol indicates whether a garment can be ironed and at what temperature:

Symbol	Meaning
	Iron with One Dot: Iron at cool temperature (approximately 110°C). Suitable for acrylics, nylons, and acetates.
	Iron with Two Dots: Iron at medium temperature (approximately 150°C). Best for wool and polyester blends.
	Iron with Three Dots: Iron at high temperature (approximately 200°C). Use for cotton and linen fabrics.
	Crossed Out Iron: Do not iron.

UK Ironing Tip: Many UK households use a steam generator iron, which can be more effective at removing creases than traditional irons. If using a steam generator, you may be able to use a lower temperature setting than indicated and still achieve excellent results.

Examples: Common Garment Care Instructions

Example 1: Cotton T-Shirt

• Washing: Machine wash at 40°C using normal cycle
• Bleaching: Non-chlorine bleach when needed
• Drying: Tumble dry at medium heat
• Ironing: Iron at high temperature (steam optional)

Example 2: Wool Jumper

• Washing: Machine wash using wool/delicate cycle at 30°C
• Bleaching: Do not bleach
• Drying: Lay flat to dry
• Ironing: Iron at medium temperature with steam

Example 3: Silk Blouse

• Washing: Hand wash in cold water
• Bleaching: Do not bleach
• Drying: Drip dry in shade
• Ironing: Iron at cool temperature (preferably with pressing cloth)

Example 4: Polyester Sportswear

• Washing: Machine wash at 30°C using synthetic cycle
• Bleaching: Non-chlorine bleach if needed
• Drying: Tumble dry on low heat or line dry
• Ironing: Iron at cool temperature if necessary (often not required)

Regional Variations to Consider

It’s worth noting that wash care symbols may vary slightly depending on region. Europe, Asia, and America all have their own variations of the symbols explained above. If you’re selling internationally, it’s advisable to research specific requirements for each market.

In the UK and EU, care labels typically follow the GINETEX international care labelling system, which has been standardized across European countries.

Sustainable Laundry Practices

As sustainability becomes increasingly important to UK consumers, consider these eco-friendly laundry tips:

• Wash clothes at lower temperatures (30°C is sufficient for most items)
• Use full loads to maximize water and energy efficiency
• Choose eco-friendly detergents with biodegradable ingredients
• Air dry clothes when possible instead of using a tumble dryer
• Consider microplastic-capturing laundry bags for synthetic fabrics

Let Soabar Help with Your Care Label Needs

At Soabar, we produce a full range of care labels on polyester satin and nylon taffeta, with sustainable options made from 100% post-consumer PET plastic bottles. If you’d like us to produce your wash care labels, please get in touch.

Where to Find Us

• Facebook: Soabar
• Twitter: @soabarltd
• Instagram: soabarltd
• Website: www.soabar.com

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this guide useful. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about wash care symbols or our label solutions.

— Team Soabar