Washing Labels Explained: What Do They Actually Mean?

Common Laundry Care Symbols and What They Mean

There are a few laundry symbols you'll see on your washing machine that you might be familiar with, but what do they actually mean? We can split them into 5 main categories:

Machine wash: The most common, represented by a bucket filled with water.

Machine wash delicate: A water bucket with two lines beneath. This is for particularly delicate items and materials like silk, wool, or cashmere.

Hand wash: A hand in a water bucket. This is used for delicate items that can't be washed in the machine, such as underwear, swimsuits, silk blouses and wool.

Do not wash: A water bucket with a cross through. Often found on delicate fabrics, structured items, or items that fade easily.

Water temperature: A water bucket labelled with 30, 40, 50 degrees, and so on. Sometimes represented with dots - the more dots, the hotter the cycle. Exceeding these temperatures may result in shrinkage or fading.

Iron: A basic iron symbol, temperature represented by dots - the more dots, the more intense heat the garment can stand. An iron with a cross through means do not iron.

Tumble dry: A square with a circle in the centre. This symbol with a cross through means do not tumble dry.

Hang to dry: A square with a half-circle on the top. This is used to avoid damage that sometimes comes with drying, protecting delicate items.

Do not tumble dry: A square with a circle in the centre with a cross through. This protects clothes from shrinking and becoming damaged.

Dry flat: A square with a straight line in the centre. This prevents clothes from snagging or becoming misshapen, most commonly used in sweaters and knits.

Temperature symbols vs washing machine settings

Here are a few simple temperature rules to follow when you're short on time or unsure what setting to choose:

• 30 degrees for most loads
• 40 degrees for bulky or dirty items
• 60 degrees for towels and sheets
• Colder for delicate or if you're unsure

Every item you own comes with washing symbols, which typically include the temperature at which they're safe to be washed. It's important to remember that these symbols show the maximum temperature at which your garments can be washed at - exceeding the temperature may damage your items in your load.

Depending on your washing machine, generally you'll be able to choose the temperature of your wash, as well as settings like eco, cotton, synthetics, and quick wash.

Typically, eco washes are cooler to save money. Cotton settings are perfect for t-shirts and hoodies, and synthetic wash suits garments made from nylon and polyester. Quick washes are great for freshening up items and will require the correct temperature to be set before the cycle begins.

Sticking to the right temperature outlined on your garment is essential to avoid shrinking, elastic damage, and colour fading.

Which symbols are essential to follow and which are more flexible

Which symbols are essential to follow and which are more flexible?

How labels help prevent shrinkage, fading and damage

While many of us may not even notice the labels inside our favourite garments, washing symbols are essential when it comes to keeping your favourite items in the best condition. By following the instructions on the labels, you can prevent the following:

Shrinking: Heat is the main factor when it comes to shrinking, so being aware of the temperature stated on your garments' labels is crucial - especially if they're wool or cotton. Intense washing cycles can also cause shrinking, so a more gentle cycle for delicates is a safer option.

Fading: Hot water causes the dye in your clothes to fade - especially when paired with harsh detergents. Drying your clothes in direct sunlight can also cause bleaching, so be aware of this when you're hanging your clothes up to dry.

Fabric damage: Rough cycles cause heavy agitation, which can have an impact on the fibres in your clothes - you might notice tearing or pilling. Overloading the machine can also cause damage to your favourite items.

Tips for caring for delicate or expensive garments

There's no need to hold your breath waiting for your favourite item to come out of the washer - with a few simple tips, you can make sure your best shirt or blouse comes out looking and smelling great.

Use laundry bags: Mesh laundry bags create a protective barrier from snagging and also reduce stretching and twisting during the wash. They come in a range of sizes and are a great option for silk and lace items.

Look for delicate cycles on your washing machine: Your machine will likely have delicate, hand-wash or gentle settings. Use slower spin speeds for less stress on fabric. The cycle will default to colder temperatures, and if you're being extra cautious, choose the lowest spin speed available.

Wash less frequently: Washing too frequently causes fibres to break down and colours to run. Many items don't need to be washed after one wear, so try to stick to spot cleaning or airing out your clothes.

Use mild detergent: Harsh detergents can strip fibres and cause dye to run. Mild detergents help to protect the structure of your clothes while keeping them soft.

There are also a few general rules you should stick to when washing certain materials:

Wool: always stick to a cold wash as heat causes wool fibres to mat. Reshaping your wool garments when they're still damp will keep them looking good as new.

Silk: always handwash silk as it's incredibly sensitive to agitation and heat. Gently swirl your garment in cold water and delicate detergent, then pat dry with a towel.

Linen: it's essential not to overdry linen as the fibres become dry. This will lead to stiffness, wrinkles and long-term weakness.

If you're unsure about washing your delicate items at home, choose a dry cleaner that can help you - whether that's to give you advice about the best way to freshen up delicate items or materials, or even take them off your hands.

Cheat sheet: advice for everyday laundry

Wash most of your clothes at 30 degreesLower temperatures are gentler on your clothes and on your energy bills. Washing at 30 degrees prevents shrinking and wear compared to hot washes, and most laundry detergents will still be effective at this temperature.

Separate lights and darksTry not to mix light and dark colours when washing, as you'll risk colours bleeding into each other, for example, turning your white socks pink! Sort your laundry into whites, darks and colours to keep them looking as good as new.

Air dry where possibleDrying your clothes outdoors is always preferable, but if the weather isn't on your side, drying them on a clothes dryer is also a good option. There's no heat damage to worry about, clothes will stay in better condition for longer, and sunlight can make white washing even brighter.

Avoid overloading the machineYou might want to get your washing done quickly, but overloading the machine reduces how effective the wash is. Clothes can't move freely, which means poor washing and rinsing, as well as more damage and stretching. Leave about a hand's width between the top of the load and the machine for the best results.

Washing labels are there to help you keep your clothes looking their best, so paying attention to the symbols and washing accordingly is crucial to keeping your favourite jumpers, hoodies and t-shirts looking as fresh as the day you bought them.

Want to know more about how to choose the perfect appliance? Our washing machine guides have got you covered. Want a matching set? Shop tumble dryers or washer-dryers for ultimate convenience.