Laundry symbols
Dry cleaning and wet cleaning symbols
The circle is for the cleaner: the letter says which solvent or method may be used, a bar asks for a mild process.
Dry cleanAn empty circle (US) – may be dry-cleaned with any solvent.USDry clean (P)P in a circle – professional dry cleaning in perchloroethylene (PCE) or hydrocarbon solvents; normal process.Dry clean (P), mildP with a bar – the same solvents, but a mild process: less agitation, lower drying temperature.Dry clean (F)F in a circle – hydrocarbon solvents only; no perchloroethylene.Dry clean (F), mildF with a bar – hydrocarbon solvents and a mild process.Do not dry cleanA crossed circle – no dry cleaning.Professional wet cleaning (W)W in a circle – professional cleaning in water with special equipment and products (not home washing).Wet cleaning (W), mildW with one bar – a mild professional wet-cleaning process.Wet cleaning (W), very mildW with two bars – a very mild professional wet-cleaning process.Do not wet cleanA crossed W – no professional wet cleaning.Dry clean (A) – old symbolA in a circle – any solvent. Withdrawn from the standard; you'll find it on older garments.
How to read them
- P – perchloroethylene and hydrocarbons (a standard dry cleaner). F – hydrocarbons only.
- W – professional wet cleaning in water. Not home washing.
- A crossed circle – no dry cleaning; a crossed W – no wet cleaning.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Got the whole label?
Pick all its symbols and get the washer, dryer and iron settings in one place.
Decode the labelPrintable symbol chart →01Can I wash a 'dry clean only' garment at home?
It's risky: jackets, coats and bonded details can warp. If the label also shows a tub, follow it; if there's only a circle, use a cleaner.
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