The Ultimate Printable Guide to Laundry Symbols & Washing

The Ultimate Printable Guide to Laundry Symbols & Washing

Follow our printable guide to laundry symbols, as well as our step-by-step laundry guide for clean, cared-for clothes.

Washing a delicate item in the laundry can be overwhelming, especially if you can't comprehend the laundry care symbols on its label. Luckily for you, we've created a free, printable laundry guide for easily deciphering all the different symbols, as well as a step-by-step guide for doing laundry.

Using Your Printable Laundry Symbol Guide 

Simply print out our (PDF) guide and place it in your laundry room for easy reference. Whether you need to wash an item in cold water only or refrain from placing something in the dryer, this guide will make sure you’re never confused when it comes to special care instructions.

Download the Laundry Symbol Guide Here

Using Your Printable Step-By-Step Laundry Guide

Are you teaching a teen how to do laundry on their own before they leave the home? Or you just need a helpful reminder for your partner? Whatever the case, this step-by-step (PDF) guide will ensure they never skip a crucial step when it comes to doing the laundry.

Download the Step-by-Step Laundry Guide Here

Popular Laundry Symbols Explained

Here’s a rundown of some of the most common laundry symbols and what they mean.

Machine Washable

A tub means that an item is machine washable using normal settings. If there is a number in the tub, that indicates the water temperature the item should be washed in. If there is a line under the tub, that means it requires a reduced spin speed; 2 lines means the item requires a mild wash. If the tub is crossed out, that means the item is not machine washable.

Dryer

A circle inside a square indicates an item can be tumble tried. If there is 1 dot inside the symbol, this means it requires a low temperature, 2 dots require a medium temperature, and 3 dots require a high temperature. If the symbol is crossed out, that means the item cannot be tumble dried.

Iron

An item with a plain iron symbol means it can be ironed at any temperature. If there is a dot in the iron, that means the lowest level of heat should be applied. The more dots, the higher the heat level. If the iron is crossed out, the item should not be ironed.

Hand Wash


A symbol with a hand means an item should only be hand washed. This symbol typically applies to delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, or cashmere.

Dry Cleaning

A plain circle indicates an item must be dry cleaned. The letters inside the circle indicate what kind of chemical should be used (A is for any solvent, P means any solvent except Trichloroethylene, F means a petroleum-based solvent). If the circle is crossed out, the item cannot be dry cleaned.

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