How to read laundry symbols
Care labels usually tell you how to wash, bleach, dry, and iron a garment. When instructions conflict, follow the most delicate symbol so the item is less likely to shrink, fade, or lose shape.
Laundry Symbol Decoder
Care labels, plain English.
Tap a common laundry symbol to understand how to wash, dry, bleach, or iron a clothing item.
Pick a symbol
The most common care label mistakes
The biggest mistakes are tumble drying delicate items, bleaching when the triangle is crossed out, ironing heat-sensitive fabrics, and treating dry-clean-only pieces like everyday laundry.
Keep clothes wearable longer
Good care decisions protect the clothes you already own. For outfits you are planning to buy, Aidrobe helps you preview whether a piece is worth adding before it ever reaches the laundry basket.
Related guides
Questions, answered
What does a crossed-out wash symbol mean?
It means do not wash the item in water. Check whether the care label recommends dry cleaning or specialist care.
What does the triangle laundry symbol mean?
The triangle refers to bleaching. A crossed-out triangle means do not bleach.
What should I do if I am unsure about a care label?
Use the most delicate instruction and test stain treatments on a hidden area first.