How to Decipher the Symbols on Clothing Labels

Many clothing manufacturers have departed from printing text instructions on clothing labels, and now favor using symbols for the use and care instructions. Deciphering these symbols might seem like you need a special decoder key that is never provided whenever you purchase clothing. The following information will help you decipher the cryptic clothing labels and ensure you are caring for your apparel correctly.

1. The Wash Bucket Symbol: This symbol looks like a big wash bucket full of water. This symbol indicates how you should wash the article of clothing in your washing machine. If there is a single dot, wash the article in cold water. If there are two dots, wash in warm water. If there are three dots, it is okay to wash the article in hot water. If there is an “X” over the symbol it means do not wash it, but either hand wash the item or have it dry cleaned instead.
2. The Dryer Symbol: This symbol looks like a square with a circle inside of it. If the circle is white, it means any heat setting is safe. If there is one dot, use low heat. If there are two dots, use medium heat. If there are three dots, it is okay to use high heat. If there is an “X” over the symbol, dry the clothing on a hanger or a clothes line.
3. The Triangle Symbol: This symbol is the bleach symbol and lets you know whether it is safe to use chlorine bleach. If these is an “X” over it, do not use chlorine bleach.
4. The Circle Symbol: This is the dry clean symbol. If there is an “X” over the symbol, it means it is okay to wash the article in your washing machine. If the Circle symbol and Wash Bucket symbol both have an “X” over them, this means to wash the article of clothing by hand.

If you find it difficult to remember what each of these symbols means, you can always order your own customized use and care labels from It’s Mine! Labels and attach those to your favorite articles of clothing. Feel free to contact us today at 1-866-695-2235.