How to read clothing labels: a complete guide to washing symbols

Do laundry symbols on labels seem mysterious to you? Has your favorite sweater shrunk after a trip through the washing machine? To avoid these inconveniences, learn how to decipher the pictograms on your clothing labels. These small textile labels contain all the information you need to properly care for your fabrics.

Understanding the symbols will help you avoid laundry mishaps and extend the life of your wardrobe. This comprehensive guide explains all the internationally standardized symbols.

Étiquette de lavage avec symboles sur un vêtement

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Why learn how to read laundry symbols?

The care label is your garment’s identity card. The symbols are standardized internationally (ISO 3758 standard), which means they are the same all over the world. Without these guidelines, you risk irreparably damaging your fabrics.

The problem is that many people cut off labels they find annoying, but without a label, your garment no longer has its identity card. Improper washing can cause shrinkage, discoloration, or damage to delicate fibers such as silk or cashmere.

The 5 categories of pictograms on your labels

The pictograms always appear in the same order: washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, professional cleaning.

1. The basin (washing)

The first pictogram indicates whether and how to wash the garment:

Basin with number: Machine washing allowed at the indicated temperature (30°C, 40°C, 60°C). Never exceed this temperature.
Basin with hand: Hand wash only (max 40°C). For delicate fabrics such as silk (see our guide to caring for silk) or lace.
Basin with a line through it: Do not wash. The garment must be professionally dry cleaned only.
Line under the basin: Delicate cycle with reduced spin. Two lines: Very delicate cycle for wool and silk.

2. The triangle (bleaching)

The triangle provides information about bleaching:

Empty triangle: All types of bleaching allowed.
Triangle with diagonal lines: Only oxygen bleach is permitted.
Crossed-out triangle: Bleaching prohibited (colored garments).

3. The square (drying)

The symbols for drying are essential:

Circle with 1 dot: Tumble dry at low temperature (max 120°F).
Circle with 2 dots: Tumble dry at normal temperature (max 80°C).
Circle with a diagonal line through it: Do not tumble dry.
Horizontal line: Dry flat (wool sweaters).
Vertical line: Dry on a line or hanger.
Diagonal line: Drying in the shade recommended.

4. Iron (ironing)

These symbols indicate the ironing temperature:

1 dot: Iron at 110°C max (synthetics, silk).
2 dots: Iron at max. 150°C (wool, polyester).
3 dots: Iron at max. 200°C (cotton, linen).
Crossed-out iron: Do not iron.

5. The circle (professional cleaning)

The circle refers to dry cleaning:

Circle with letter: Indicates the solvents authorized for dry cleaning. These codes are intended for dry cleaners who adapt their techniques. For the most delicate fabrics, our Maxima care offers an innovative treatment.
Circle with a line through it: Dry cleaning prohibited.

Discover Maxima care for delicate fabrics

How can pictograms be used in everyday life?

Sort according to the temperatures indicated

Sort your laundry according to the temperatures indicated: group 30°C items together and 40°C items together. This organization optimizes your wash cycles and protects your fabrics.

Adapt your detergent

Pictograms also guide you in choosing your product. Colored fabrics require detergents without bleaching agents. Wool and delicate natural fibers benefit from specific detergents.

Tache sur t-shirt blanc avec bol de produit naturel pour détacher un vêtement

What to do when the label has disappeared?

If the symbols have faded, our 5àsec experts will be able to assess the composition of your garments.

5àsec tip

Before cutting off the label, take a photo of the symbols to keep a digital record. You can also keep the label in a notebook, noting down the corresponding garment.

Une main tenant le col d'une chemise bleue pliée.

Mistakes to avoid

Do not read the instructions

A lot of damage occurs because people ignore pictograms. Take 10 seconds to check!
Neglecting drying

Drying instructions are just as important as washing instructions. A wool sweater can shrink in the dryer even if it has been washed correctly.
Mix temperatures

Always observe the lowest temperature indicated for the batch.
Ignore special programs

Modern machines offer specialized programs (delicate, wool, silk). Use them!

When should you consult a professional?

Delicate fabrics

Even with clear instructions, some silk, cashmere, leather, or suede garments require professional cleaning. The experts at 5àsec have mastered the appropriate techniques. Discover our service for leather and suede.

Stubborn stains

The symbols do not guarantee that all stains will be removed. Wine, grease, or makeup stains often require the expertise of a dry cleaner with professional stain removal products.

See more maintenance tips

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A sustainable gesture

Understanding care labels contributes to an eco-friendly approach. Proper care extends the life of your fabrics, reducing the need to frequently replace your wardrobe.

The recommended temperatures are often lower than you might think. Washing at 30°C uses up to three times less energy than a cycle at 60°C, while still being effective for most fabrics, according to the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME).

In summary: understanding the symbols on care labels

Laundry symbols are a universal language for protecting your fabrics. The five categories of pictograms (washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, professional cleaning) guide you for each garment.

If in doubt, the experts at 5àsec are there to advise you and take care of your most precious fabrics.

Need help with your textiles?

The experts at 5àsec are available to identify the composition of a garment without a label, treat complex stains, and professionally clean your delicate fabrics.

Find a 5àsec dry cleaner for personalized advice on caring for your clothes.