Laundry Symbols Guide and Explanation

There are slight differences between UK and US laundry and washing symbols, but we have presented both below. US washing symbols are normally depicted with dots to represent the temperature, where as in the UK a number is used.

Washing symbols are normally depicted as a bucket containing water. The lines underneath the bucket reflect whether garments are "permanent press" (one line) or require gentle washing (2 lines).

Hand washing is depicted by a graphic of a hand at the top of the bucket of water.

If you're planning to reinvigorate your whites, it's definitely advisable to check the garment's bleaching symbols beforehand.

Remember, if there's an "X" covering the triangle, your garment should not be bleached.

Take care to follow these symbols if you're using a Tumble Dryer. After, all there's nothing more annoying than shrinking your favourite sweatshirt or jumper.

Other than the "Do Not Wring" symbol all drying symbols are square shaped with a circle inside. Dots inside the circle represent the temperature on a grade of low (1 dot) to high (3 dots). Black circles represent no heat, so pay particular attention to them.

Ironing symbols are depicted by, well an iron. Again, dots reflect temperatures with 1 dot being low heat up to 3 dots for high heat. No steam is shown by an "x" underneath the iron symbol.

Dry Clean symbols are circle with either letters inside, to reflect the chemicals that should be used, and a diagonal line adjacent to the circle, or a combination of both a letter and line.

If there is an "X" over the circle, be sure not to dry clean your garment.