What do the symbols on your label mean?

What it means

A very cool machine wash, suited to delicate colours and fabrics and to lightly soiled laundry.

Worth knowing

At a temperature this low, choose a detergent made for washing in cold water.

What it means

A cool wash, often suited to coloured clothes, synthetics and more delicate everyday items.

Worth knowing

If the label allows only 30 °C, it is better not to choose a higher temperature.

What it means

A normal wash for cotton, mixed fabrics and many everyday clothes.

Worth knowing

Separate lights and darks before washing, and always check the label on the individual garment.

What it means

A higher temperature, often found on towels, bedding and some underwear.

Worth knowing

A higher temperature can be harder on colours, elastic and prints, so check the instructions on the label.

What it means

A cycle for items that expressly allow a very high temperature, most often hard-wearing white cotton.

Worth knowing

This temperature does not suit most modern clothes. Use it only when the label clearly states it.

What it means

One bar under the symbol means a gentler wash with less mechanical action.

Worth knowing

Choose a gentle cycle and keep to the temperature limit shown on the symbol.

What it means

Two bars mean a gentler wash still, with very little mechanical action.

Worth knowing

Look for a suitable cycle among the settings for delicates, wool or similar gentle programmes.

What it means

This garment is not meant for a normal machine wash and needs washing by hand.

Worth knowing

Avoid hard rubbing, twisting and wringing. Follow the other instructions on the label as well.

What it means

Washing in water may damage the garment, so check the symbols for professional care.

Worth knowing

Do not mistake this symbol for a temperature limit. It means washing in water is not allowed.

What it means

Twisting and hard squeezing can damage the shape or the fibres.

Worth knowing

Remove the excess water as gently as you can, and follow the drying instructions on the label.

What it means

An empty triangle means the label allows bleach to be used.

Worth knowing

Always follow the bleach manufacturer's instructions, and use it only on suitable fabrics.

What it means

Two lines in the triangle mean chlorine bleach is not allowed.

Worth knowing

Check before use that the product really is chlorine-free and suitable for the type of fabric.

What it means

A crossed-out triangle means bleaching is not allowed.

Worth knowing

Check what stain removers contain as well, as some include bleaching agents.

What it means

A circle in the square means the garment can go in the tumble dryer.

Worth knowing

If the symbol also has dots, they set the drying temperature allowed.

What it means

One dot means tumble drying at a lower temperature is allowed.

Worth knowing

Choose a low-temperature programme, and do not use a hotter setting.

What it means

Two dots mean tumble drying at a normal temperature is allowed.

Worth knowing

Take the fabric composition and the other instructions on the label into account as well.

What it means

A tumble dryer may damage the garment, shrink it or change its shape.

Worth knowing

Check the other drying symbols, which show a suitable way to dry it in the air.

What it means

The symbol means drying the garment hung up in the air.

Worth knowing

With delicate items, take care that hanging does not stretch or distort them.

What it means

The garment should dry hung up and still wet, without much water being removed first.

Worth knowing

Do not wring or twist the garment unless the label allows it.

What it means

The garment should dry horizontally, so that it does not stretch as it dries.

Worth knowing

Ease it gently back into its usual shape before it dries.

What it means

The garment should not be exposed to direct sunlight while it dries.

Worth knowing

Direct sun can affect the colour or the appearance of some fabrics.

What it means

Dry the garment hung up, but out of direct sunlight.

Worth knowing

Choose an airy spot in the shade, and follow the other symbols on the label too.

What it means

One dot means the iron's lowest setting, meant for more delicate fabrics.

Worth knowing

Start at a lower temperature, and avoid pressing on one spot for long.

What it means

Two dots mean the iron's medium setting.

Worth knowing

Do not raise the temperature above the value recommended on the label.

What it means

Three dots mean the fabric can take a higher ironing temperature.

Worth knowing

Use a high temperature only on items that expressly allow it.

What it means

The heat of an iron may damage the garment or change how it looks.

Worth knowing

Do not use an iron, even on its lowest setting.

What it means

The letter P marks a dry-cleaning process, intended for a professional cleaner.

Worth knowing

The symbol is mainly an instruction for the cleaner. Point out stains or anything unusual when you drop the garment off.

What it means

A bar under the circle means a gentler dry-cleaning process is required.

Worth knowing

Leave the garment to a professional cleaner, and point out the bar under the circle.

What it means

The letter F marks dry cleaning with certain milder solvents.

Worth knowing

The process is meant for a professional cleaner, so there is nothing to interpret or carry out at home.

What it means

The letter F with an added bar means an even more restricted and gentler professional cleaning process.

Worth knowing

Hand the garment to a professional cleaner, and point out the whole symbol, not just the letter.

What it means

The letter W means professional cleaning with water, in a controlled process.

Worth knowing

This is not the same as an ordinary wash at home, so let a properly equipped cleaner carry it out.

What it means

A crossed-out circle means the garment must not be cleaned by dry-cleaning processes.

Worth knowing

Check the other symbols on the label for an allowed way to care for it.