Laundry Symbols, Finally Decoded

Every care label is a tiny set of instructions hiding behind icons most of us have never actually learned. Here's the decode, symbol by symbol.

The tub (with a number inside)

A washtub icon means machine-washable. The number inside is the maximum safe wash temperature in °C — going hotter risks shrinking or damaging the fabric.

The circle

A plain circle means dry-clean only. A circle with an X through it means do not dry-clean at all.

The triangle

This one's about bleach. An empty triangle means bleach is fine; a triangle with two diagonal lines means non-chlorine bleach only; a crossed-out triangle means no bleach, full stop.

The square

Drying instructions. A square with a circle inside means tumble-dry safe; dots inside indicate heat level (more dots, higher heat). A crossed-out square means do not tumble dry.

The iron

Dots indicate heat setting; a crossed-out iron means don't iron at all — common on certain synthetics and prints.

Klina's laundry service handles the guesswork for you, but knowing the symbols saves a ruined jumper while you wait for that to launch.

Quick answers

Q: What does a hand symbol in a tub mean?
A: Hand-wash only — the item shouldn't go in a washing machine at all, regardless of temperature setting.

Q: Is it safe to ignore care labels on cheap clothing?
A: Not really — even inexpensive items can shrink, bleed colour, or warp if washed incorrectly, and the cost of replacing them often outweighs the thirty seconds it takes to check the label.