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Friday, 2 October 2026Fashion, style and modelingLTEN
Wash at 40 °C, mild cycle40
ISO and US40 °C · 104 °F
Washing

Wash at 40 °C, mild cycle symbol

Up to 40 °C on a synthetics cycle: less agitation, a gentler spin.

What to do
'Synthetics' at 40 °C, spin up to about 800 rpm. Good for sportswear and blouses.
Avoid
Skip fabric softener on sportswear – it clogs breathable fabrics.
Where you see it
Polyester, nylon, sportswear
Decode the whole label

What to set on the machine

Washing
Synthetics, max 40 °C (104 °F), spin ≤ 800

Don't mix it up with

Wash at 40 °CNo bar – normal cycle; one bar – gentler, slower spin.Wash at 40 °C, very mild cycleTwo bars – gentler still: the wool or delicates cycle.

Other washing symbols

Wash at 95 °CWhite cotton, linen, terry towellingWash at 70 °CWorkwear, medical uniformsWash at 60 °CCotton, linen, beddingWash at 60 °C, mild cyclePolycotton, synthetic shirtsWash at 50 °CCotton blends, coloured cottonWash at 50 °C, mild cycleSynthetics, blendsWash at 40 °CCotton, denim, jerseyWash at 40 °C, very mild cycleWool, delicate blendsWash at 30 °CDarks and brights, jerseyWash at 30 °C, mild cycleViscose, synthetic blouses, dressesWash at 30 °C, very mild cycleWool, merino, machine-washable cashmere, silk blendsHand wash onlyCashmere, silk, lace, embellished piecesDo not washTailored jackets, coats, leather, suede, velvetMachine washClothes from US brandsUS
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 →
01What does the wash at 40 °c, mild cycle symbol mean?

Up to 40 °C on a synthetics cycle: less agitation, a gentler spin.

02What should I do with the garment?

'Synthetics' at 40 °C, spin up to about 800 rpm. Good for sportswear and blouses.

03What is the most common mistake?

Skip fabric softener on sportswear – it clogs breathable fabrics.

04Can I wash cooler than the label says?

Yes – the number is the maximum. Cooler is always safe for the fabric.

05Which detergent should I use?

Colours – a non-bleach 'colour' detergent; wool and silk – an enzyme-free wool detergent; whites – one with oxygen bleach if the triangle allows it.

How to wash: fabric guides

All symbols →
How to wash cashmereHow to wash woolHow to wash silkHow to wash a puffer jacketHow to wash a hatHow to wash white clothesHow to wash sneakersHow to wash jeansHow to wash linenHow to clean a leather jacketHow to wash brasHow to wash polyester

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