As a textile expert with a keen interest in the practical aspects of fabric care, I'm often asked about the meaning of laundry symbols. These symbols are part of a universal code designed to communicate washing, drying, and ironing instructions for textiles. They are essential for ensuring that garments and fabrics are properly cared for, extending their lifespan and maintaining their quality.

The laundry symbols are standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and are recognized worldwide. Here's a breakdown of some common symbols and their meanings:


1. Washing Symbols: These typically include a bucket of water, indicating that the item can be washed. Inside the bucket, you might see a hand, which suggests hand washing, or a machine symbol for machine washing. The number of dots inside the bucket indicates the water temperature: one dot for cold water, two for warm, and three for hot.


2. Drying Symbols: The circle in the square, as you mentioned, represents a tumble dryer. The number of dots inside the circle indicates the drying temperature: one dot for reduced temperature and two for normal temperature. If there are no dots, it typically means the item can be tumble dried at any temperature.


3. Ironing Symbols: An iron inside a square indicates that the item can be ironed. The number of dots inside the square corresponds to the temperature setting on the iron: one dot for low, two for medium, and three for high.


4. Crossed Lines or Bars: These indicate restrictions. A single line through a symbol means the action should not be done, or it's not recommended. For example, a crossed-out bucket means do not wash, a crossed-out circle in the square means do not tumble dry, and a crossed-out iron means do not iron.


5. Other Symbols: There are many more symbols for specific care instructions, such as soaking, bleaching, and drying flat. Each symbol is designed to be simple yet informative, allowing anyone to understand the care instructions at a glance.

It's important to note that not all symbols may apply to every item of clothing. Always check the care label for the specific instructions relevant to the garment. Ignoring these symbols can lead to damage to the fabric, shrinkage, or color fading, which can detract from the garment's appearance and longevity.

Remember, proper care of your textiles not only helps them last longer but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing the need for frequent replacement of items.

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A circle in the square symbolizes a clothes dryer. One dot requires drying at reduced temperature and two dots for normal temperature. The crossed symbol means that the clothing does not tolerate machine drying.read more >>