Definition:
Garment wash symbols, also known as laundry symbols, are pictograms used on clothing labels to indicate how a particular item should be cleaned and maintained. They usually appear as a series of icons or pictograms representing washing, drying, bleaching, ironing and professional cleaning instructions. These symbols are standardized internationally and are based on the care symbols established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Here are some of the most common garment wash symbols:
- A basin filled with water: means the item can be washed with water.
- A triangle with a circle around it: means the item should be dry cleaned only.
- A circle with a cross through it: means the item should not be washed.
- A square with a circle inside: means the item can be machine washed.
- An iron symbol: means the item can be ironed.
- Dots inside the square or circle: indicate the temperature that the garment can be washed or dried at. One dot means the garment should be washed or dried at a low temperature, while three dots indicate a high temperature.
By following the instructions on the garment care symbols, you can help extend the life of your clothing and keep it looking good.
