Tumble dry sign

Before throwing an item into the washing machine, carefully read its care label. The label provides all care instructions, washing symbols, and a tumble dryer icon. By deciphering these symbols, you can determine the correct washing cycle and whether the garment can be tumble dried.

Description of drying symbols

Not all items can be tumble dried. Some items are not suitable for automatic drying. Therefore, before throwing clothes into the drum, carefully study the symbols on the label.

The image of a crossed-out washing machine on the label indicates that automatic drying and spinning of the item is prohibited.

Let's look at the symbols found on clothing tags and explain the meaning behind the images.

• Washing machine illustration. Machine-safe.
• A washing machine with a horizontal line underneath. This symbol indicates the need for a gentle drying and spin cycle.
• A washing machine with two lines underneath. Only delicate spin and dry cycles are permitted.
• Machine with a dot in the center. This symbol indicates that clothes should only be dried at a low temperature.
• An image of a washing machine with a pair of dots in the center. This icon allows you to dry items at a medium temperature.
• The symbol of the automatic machine with three dots in the middle informs about the possibility of drying at the maximum degree.
• A white rectangle with an even outline. This symbol allows the item to be dried automatically.
• A crossed-out rectangle indicates that the item should not be tumble dried.
• A rectangle with a curved line at the top. Only vertical drying is possible.
• A square with three vertical lines inside. This symbol indicates that clothes can be tumble dried, but not spun.
• A square with a horizontal line inside indicates that items should be dried only in a horizontal position.
• A square with two diagonal lines drawn in the left corner. This sign allows drying in the shade only.

If you find one of these symbols on the tag of your favorite dress, strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations. If you're only allowed to dry flat, lay the damp garment flat on a table, but never hang it on a line. If the garment is recommended to be dried in the shade, keep it out of direct sunlight.

Symbols dedicated to washing

It's equally important to understand the manufacturer's recommended washing method. Is soaking or boiling allowed? What is the appropriate water temperature? The corresponding symbols are always found on the garment label. Let's describe each symbol.

• A crossed-out basin of water indicates that the item should not be exposed to liquids: soaking, washing, rinsing, and, especially, boiling. Dry cleaning only.
• The symbol of a basin of water allows for washing, soaking, and rinsing.
• A basin with one dot inside or the number 30. The item can be washed both by hand and in the machine, in water up to 30°C.
• A basin with two dots or the number 40. Gentle wash in water no hotter than 40°C.
• A basin with three dots is a symbol for hand and machine washing at a temperature of 50°C.
• A basin with a single horizontal line underneath. This symbolizes a gentle wash cycle. In this case, it's important to select the minimum spin speed.
• A basin with two horizontal lines underneath indicates the need to wash clothes on a delicate cycle with plenty of water.
• A basin with a handprint. Hand wash only, at temperatures up to 30°C, with minimal abrasion. Do not spin.

It's important to follow the care instructions on the care label. Washing and drying an item incorrectly just once can ruin it forever. Therefore, carefully read the care label before cleaning the item for the first time.

   

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