Do you sometimes wonder what the symbols on your clothing label mean? This list can be a helpful guide for washing, ironing, and drying your clothes.

Washing

The symbols below describe how to clean your clothes at home in a washing machine. If there is a horizontal line under the symbol, you need to handle the garment with care. You can do this by, for example, setting the washing machine to spin at a lower speed, using a shorter program, halving the load in the drum, or adding extra water. If there is a double horizontal line underneath, it means the item must be washed very carefully, such as clothing with embroidered decorations.

	Suitable for machine wash. Use the regular program, with a maximum temperature of 60°C. Normal spin cycle is also allowed.
	Suitable for machine wash. Use the regular program, with a maximum temperature of 40°C. Normal spin cycle is also allowed.
	Suitable for machine wash. Use a special program for wool or delicate fabrics, with a maximum water temperature of 30°C. Spin at a lower speed.
	Not suitable for machines. Hand wash only, so not in the washing machine.
	Do not wash, and do not soak in water.

Ironing

An iron is essentially a hot metal plate used to smooth out wrinkled clothes. It’s great to use just before heading out for the day. Not all fabrics can withstand the high temperatures involved. Below are the ironing symbols you’ll find on your care label. Each fabric type has its own characteristics: for example, cotton or linen garments can be ironed at the highest setting, while synthetic fabrics usually require the lowest setting.

	You can iron hot (up to 200° Celsius). This applies, for example, to clothing made of linen, cotton, and viscose.
	You can iron hot (up to 200° Celsius). This applies, for example, to clothing made of linen, cotton, and viscose.
	Iron only at low temperature (up to 110° Celsius). This is the case for most synthetic fabrics such as acrylic, polyester, or nylon.
	This garment not should not be ironed, as this can cause damage.

Drying

Of course, it's very convenient to be able to dry your laundry whenever it suits you, without having to worry about the weather. However, not all types of fabric respond well to using a tumble dryer. Below are the symbols you can find on the label inside your pants or T-shirt. They provide guidance on whether you can use a tumble dryer and, if so, at what temperature. If not, there are still options to dry your clothes, such as hanging them up or laying them flat to prevent deformation.

	You can put this garment in the dryer and dry it at a high temperature.
	You can put this garment in the dryer, but not at a high temperature.
	This garment is not resistant to being put in the dryer.
	None to use the dryer. To prevent the garment from deforming, lay it flat to dry.
	Let this garment dry hanging. None use a tumble dryer.
	Hang this garment wet to dry. None use a tumble dryer.

Bleaching

Bleaching agents, usually chlorine-based, are strong chemical aids. They are used to mask stains on (white) garments. Because chlorine is quite aggressive, you need to be very careful that the garment can withstand it. If you don't, you might end up ruining your clothes! So be cautious.

	It is possible to bleach this garment with (chlorine) bleach or concentrated bleach.
	None use (chlorine) bleach; the garment is not resistant to it.