Those little symbols on the tag inside your clothes are a code, and once you know it, you’ll ruin far fewer garments. Here’s a simple guide to the five basic symbols.
The five basic shapes
- Washtub: washing. Dots inside show the water temperature (more dots, hotter water). A hand in the tub means hand wash only.
- Triangle: bleaching. An empty triangle means any bleach is fine. A triangle with diagonal lines means non-chlorine bleach only.
- Square: drying. A circle inside the square means tumble dry. Lines inside mean hang, drip or lay flat to dry.
- Iron: ironing. Dots show the heat level, from one dot (low) to three dots (high).
- Circle: professional cleaning. Letters inside the circle tell your dry cleaner which process to use.
An X through any symbol means don’t. An X through the washtub means don’t wash it in water at all.
“Dry Clean” vs. “Dry Clean Only”
“Dry Clean” is a recommendation: the maker thinks it’s the safest method, but careful hand washing may be possible. “Dry Clean Only” is a warning. Water could cause shrinking, color bleeding, puckered seams or a garment that loses its shape. Structured jackets, tailored suits, many silks and wools, and anything with special trims usually fall into this group.
What if the label is missing?
Secondhand pieces sometimes lose their labels. When in doubt, treat the garment gently or ask a professional. Every piece on the Rack has already been cleaned by The Elementals Laundry, and we’re happy to give care advice when you pick it up.
Not sure how to clean something? Bring it to The Elementals Laundry, and we’ll read the label with you.