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What you need

Clothing items with care labels
Printable chart of common symbols (optional)
Good lighting

Every step

1
Find the label and read all of it
Check the side seam, collar, or waistband for written instructions and care symbols. Read the whole label before washing: different symbols cover washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and professional cleaning. If a label is missing and the item is valuable or delicate, ask the manufacturer or a competent cleaner rather than assuming cold machine washing is safe.
CHECKPOINT · You have the complete care instructions or a plan to verify missing information.
2
Understand washing restrictions
A wash tub refers to washing. A crossed-out wash tub means do not wash, rather than merely do not machine wash. A number such as 30 indicates a maximum wash temperature in Celsius; bars below the tub indicate gentler treatment. Use the label’s written instructions and an official symbol reference if the symbol is unfamiliar.
CHECKPOINT · You know whether washing is permitted and the maximum temperature and treatment level.
3
Check whether tumble drying is allowed
A square containing a circle refers to tumble drying; a crossed-out version means do not tumble dry. Under the GINETEX system, dots specify a permitted thermal treatment, with one dot for lower temperature and two for normal temperature. Other square symbols describe natural drying. Check the actual symbol reference rather than guessing from the shape alone.
CHECKPOINT · You know whether to tumble dry or use the specified natural-drying method.
4
Check bleaching and ironing separately
A triangle covers bleaching, while an iron covers ironing. A crossed-out symbol prohibits that process. A triangle with two diagonal lines allows oxygen or non-chlorine bleach rather than chlorine bleach. Dots on an iron indicate temperature limits. Follow the full symbol reference and your appliance settings; a garment being washable does not mean it can also be bleached or ironed.
CHECKPOINT · You have checked the permitted bleaching and ironing treatments separately.
5
Leave professional-cleaning symbols to the cleaner
A circle contains instructions for professional textile cleaning; the letter and any bars specify permitted processes. It does not, by itself, mean every garment must only be dry cleaned. Read it alongside the washing and drying instructions. Show the full label to the cleaner instead of attempting to choose or use cleaning solvents at home.
CHECKPOINT · Professional-cleaning requirements are checked with the full label and an appropriate cleaner.

Common mistakes

Ignoring symbols can cause shrinking, fading, or damage.
Some items use international symbols—check a reference if unsure.

Finished when

All clothing items are sorted or noted according to their label instructions.

Questions about this task

What does a triangle with an 'X' mean on a clothing label?

A triangle with an 'X' through it means do not bleach. Avoid all types of bleach, including color-safe or non-chlorine bleach, to prevent damage or discoloration.

If the label says 'hand wash only,' can I use a washing machine?

It's safest to hand wash, but a machine's delicate or wool cycle with a mesh bag may work for some items. Always check your machine's manual and use cold water to reduce risk.