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Writer's pictureAnna Haney

Decoding Laundry Symbols: A Dry Cleaners Guide to Fabric Care



Laundry symbols, those tiny hieroglyphics on clothing tags, can be mysterious and confusing for many. However, understanding these symbols is key to maintaining the longevity and appearance of your garments. In this guide, we'll embark on a journey to decode the language of laundry symbols, unraveling the secrets behind those seemingly cryptic icons.


The Basics: Know Your Symbols

1. Washing Machine:

  • Hand:

  • Hand wash only.

  • Bucket with a Number:

  • Maximum water temperature allowed.

  • Machine with Dots:

  • Indicates the intensity of the wash cycle. More dots mean a more vigorous cycle.

2. Bleaching:

  • Triangle:

  • Whether or not you can use bleach. An empty triangle means non-chlorine bleach, while a triangle with lines inside indicates that chlorine bleach is safe.

3. Drying:

  • Square:

  • Drying instructions.

  • A circle inside the square means tumble dry.

  • A square with three vertical lines inside indicates line drying.

  • An 'X' over the square means do not tumble dry.

4. Ironing:

  • Iron:

  • The number of dots inside the iron indicates the temperature setting. More dots mean a higher temperature is safe.

  • Circle:

  • Indicates whether the garment is suitable for dry cleaning.

  • 'P' inside the circle means dry clean with any solvent.

  • 'F' inside the circle means dry clean with petroleum solvent only.

  • 'W' inside the circle means wet clean (professional wet cleaning).


Understanding laundry symbols is like having a secret code to unlock the best care for your clothes. With this guide, you're equipped to navigate the laundry labyrinth, ensuring your garments receive the care they deserve. So, the next time you encounter those enigmatic symbols, embrace the wisdom they hold, and watch as your clothes stay vibrant, fresh, and ready for whatever adventures come their way. Happy laundering!

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