Washing
Machine wash symbol
US symbol: an empty tub with no number or dots – machine wash, any temperature, normal cycle.
- What to do
- Choose by fabric and colour: 40–60 °C for whites, 30 °C for darks.
- Avoid
- In Europe the temperature is always a number; no number means a US label.
- Where you see it
- Clothes from US brands
On European labels the same is: Wash at 40 °C
Decode the whole labelWhat to set on the machine
- Washing
- normal cycle, temperature to suit the fabric
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, mild cyclePolyester, nylon, sportswearWash 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, velvet
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 machine wash symbol mean?
US symbol: an empty tub with no number or dots – machine wash, any temperature, normal cycle.
02What should I do with the garment?
Choose by fabric and colour: 40–60 °C for whites, 30 °C for darks.
03What is the most common mistake?
In Europe the temperature is always a number; no number means a US label.
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 cashmere
How to wash wool
How to wash silk
How to wash a puffer jacket
How to wash a hat
How to wash white clothes
How to wash sneakers
How to wash jeans
How to wash linen
How to clean a leather jacket
How to wash bras
How to wash polyester