In This Guide
Have you ever ruined a favourite jumper because you ignored the tiny symbols on the label? You're not alone. In fact, improper washing is the leading cause of clothing damage in UK homes.
Laundry symbols are an international language designed to tell you exactly how to care for your garments. This guide covers every symbol you'll encounter on British clothing labels. For a complete overview of laundry in London, check out our Ultimate London Laundry Guide.
Washing Symbols (The Tub)
The washing symbol looks like a bucket of water. This tells you how to machine or hand wash your garment.
Normal Wash
Machine washing is permitted. The number inside indicates the maximum temperature in degrees Celsius.
Hand Wash Only
Too delicate for machines. Use lukewarm water and gentle squeezing—never wring.
Do Not Wash
Do not wash at home. Usually indicates the item is dry clean only.
Temperature Guide
30°C
Delicates, wool, silk
40°C
Everyday wear, synthetics
50°C
Cotton, linens
60°C
Towels, bedding
Bleaching Symbols (The Triangle)
The triangle tells you if and how you can use bleach on the garment.
Any Bleach Allowed
An empty triangle means any bleach (chlorine or oxygen) can be used.
Non-Chlorine Bleach Only
Only oxygen-based bleach is safe. Avoid standard chlorine bleach.
Do Not Bleach
The garment cannot withstand bleach. Using it will damage the fibers or color.
Drying Symbols (The Square)
The square represents drying instructions—essential for Londoners drying clothes in smaller spaces.
Tumble Dry Allowed
Dots indicate heat level: one dot = low heat, two dots = medium, three dots = high.
Do Not Tumble Dry
Air dry only. Essential for preventing shrinkage in natural fibers.
Dry Flat
Essential for knitwear and wool to prevent stretching and loss of shape.
London Flat Tip: If you're drying clothes indoors, ensure good ventilation to prevent moisture build-up. Consider a professional wash-and-fold service during winter months.
Ironing Symbols (The Iron)
The iron symbol tells you the safe temperature for pressing your clothes.
Low Heat (110°C)
Suitable for synthetics like acrylic, nylon, and acetate.
Medium Heat (150°C)
Suitable for wool and polyester-mix garments.
High Heat (200°C)
Standard setting for heavy cottons and linen.
Do Not Iron
Garment will melt or be permanently damaged by direct heat.
Dry Cleaning Symbols (The Circle)
The circle indicates professional dry cleaning instructions.
Dry Clean Permitted
Letters inside (P, F) tell your dry cleaner which solvents are safe to use.
Do Not Dry Clean
Professional dry cleaning solvents may damage this specific fabric.
For items marked with dry clean symbols, London Premium Laundry offers professional dry cleaning with free pickup and delivery across the city.
Common Symbol Mistakes Londoners Make
- Ignoring the dots: The dots indicate temperature. More dots = higher heat. Ignoring them leads to scorched or melted fabric.
- Tumble drying "dry flat" items: Wool jumpers marked with the flat dry symbol will shrink dramatically in a tumble dryer.
- Hand washing "dry clean only": Structured garments like jackets can be ruined by water. When in doubt, trust the circle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "P" in a circle mean?
It stands for Perchloroethylene, the most common dry cleaning solvent. It tells the dry cleaner which chemical is safe to use.
Can I ignore symbols on inexpensive clothes?
You can, but you risk ruining them. Proper care saves you money in the long run by making every garment last longer.
What if the care label is cut out?
Check the fabric content. Wool and silk always require cold, gentle washing. When in doubt, ask a professional.
Don't Want to Decode Symbols?
Let London Premium Laundry handle it. We know exactly how to care for every fabric type.
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