Laundry Symbol Decoder

Click any confusing symbol on your clothing tag to translate it into plain English.

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Find the symbol on your clothing tag and tap it below.

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How to Read Laundry Symbols

Decoding the symbols on your clothing care tags is the secret to making your clothes last longer, avoiding embarrassing shrinkage, and preserving the colors of your favorite garments.

Most care labels follow a universal standard based on five basic shapes. Once you understand the basic shapes, decoding the rest becomes much easier.

The Washtub (Washing)

The tub symbol tells you exactly how to wash the item. The dots inside indicate the temperature (1 dot = cold, 2 dots = warm, 3 dots = hot). Lines underneath indicate the cycle (no lines = normal, 1 line = permanent press, 2 lines = gentle).

The Triangle (Bleaching)

A simple triangle means any bleach is okay. A triangle with diagonal lines means only non-chlorine (color-safe) bleach should be used. A solid triangle with an X over it means do not bleach at all.

The Square (Drying)

A square with a circle inside is for tumble drying, with dots indicating heat levels just like washing. A square with horizontal or vertical lines indicates air drying methods like line-drying or drying flat.

The Iron (Ironing)

The iron symbol is self-explanatory. The dots inside represent the temperature setting to use. An X through the iron means do not iron, and lines shooting out the bottom with an X mean do not use steam.

Protect Your Wardrobe

Stop guessing what those hieroglyphics mean. Use our free tool above to instantly decode any symbol on your tag and give your clothes the care they deserve!

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