Fabric Care Symbol Decoder: What Do Laundry Icons Mean?
Decode laundry care tag symbols instantly. Plain-English guide for washing tubs, bleach triangles, drying squares, irons, and dry cleaning circles.
Never shrink or melt another garment. Our interactive care symbol decoder translates ISO 3758 and ASTM D5489 laundry icons into clear, plain-English rules with fiber-specific advice and warnings on what happens if ignored.
Key Features & Calculations
- Full coverage of all 5 international symbol categories (Tub, Triangle, Square, Iron, Circle)
- Searchable by keyword or filterable by category
- Detailed fiber breakdowns (which fabrics require dry flat, cold wash, etc.)
- Clear explanations of risks if symbols are disregarded
- Temperature references for both Fahrenheit and Celsius
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the dots inside the wash tub symbol mean?
Dots inside the wash tub represent maximum water temperature: 1 dot = 30°C (85°F Cold), 2 dots = 40°C (105°F Warm), 3 dots = 50°C (120°F Hot), 4 dots = 60°C (140°F Very Hot), 5 dots = 70°C (160°F), and 6 dots = 95°C (200°F Boil wash).
What do the bars under laundry symbols mean?
Bars under any care symbol indicate reduced mechanical agitation and gentler handling: No bar = Normal cycle; 1 bar = Permanent Press / Mild mechanical action; 2 bars = Gentle / Delicate cycle with minimal agitation and slow spin.