What do the laundry symbols mean?

1. Machine washable: Any garment with this machine wash symbol is safe to wash in a standard washing machine. However, this does not mean that it can be washed in high temperatures. Always check the maximum recommended temperature to avoid shrinking.

2. Hand wash only: Garments with hand wash symbols should only be washed by hand or with a gentle hand wash cycle. Hand washing is always recommended when possible since it puts less of a strain on the clothes. Read more about hand washing.

3. Wash at max. 30°C: Any garment with this symbol should not be washed with a temperature setting higher than 30°C. Washing in higher temperatures would likely cause the item to shrink.

4. Wash at max. 40°C: Any garment with this symbol should never be washed in temperatures higher than 40°C.

5. Wash at max. 60°C: Avoid washing in temperatures higher than 60°C. High heat is really only necessary for durable items like linen bedsheets and tablecloths.

6. Gentle wash cycle: A washing symbol with two horizontal lines below means that the item can be machine washed, but only if the washing machine has a gentle or wool cycle.

7. Not machine washable: If you see this symbol, always hand wash or dry clean your garment.

Drying symbols

Also following the drying instructions when tumble drying will prevent your garments from shrinking or becoming misshapen. The general symbol for tumble drying is a square with a circle inside. Below are some variations of drying symbols found on most care labels.

1. Tumble drying allowed: A plain tumble drying symbol simply means that the item is made to withstand being dried in a tumble dryer.

2. Tumble dry on the gentle program: Some tumble dryers will have gentle programs for delicate items. If you don't find this option, choose the lowest possible heat level to minimize wear and tear, and remove your items promptly.

3. Tumble dry on the high program: This symbol would typically be found on items that are made to withstand higher temperatures, like sheets or tablecloths.

4. Hang dry: If you see this symbol, let your garment line dry in the air without any added heat. Most garments will last longer and keep their shape if you let them slowly dry on a drying rack or on a hanger.

5. Drip dry: A square icon with three vertical lines inside means your bedding should be drip-dried. Not to be confused with hang drying, drip drying is when you hang the item in your shower to dry, allowing excess water to drip down the drain.

6. Flat dry: Some items of clothing, like knitted garments, should be flat-dried to maintain their shape. Place the garment on a towel, roll it up, and carefully squeeze out any excess water. Then lay it flat and leave it to dry.

7. No tumble drying: Never tumble dry items with this symbol. Most garments with this symbol will be harmed on shrunk when dried in a tumble dryer due to the heat and rigorous movements. Hang dry, air dry, or flat dry these garments to help them last longer. Read more about gentle ways to dry your laundry.

1. Dry clean only: Some 'dry clean only' items with a dry clean only symbol could be ruined when exposed to water. Bring this garment to your nearest environmentally-friendly dry cleaner.

2. Do not dry clean: Garments with this symbol on the care label can be easily damaged by solvents used in dry cleaning processes.