Maintenance Symbols and their Meanings

Part 1

Too Complicated? We’ve Cracked the Codes for You

We want to clarify something that is really confusing. We often encounter maintenance symbols, but do not agree on their meaning. We think it’s time to resolve this dispute and clarify this issue. If you agree with us, we can start.

Maintenance and washing instruction symbols, mostly found in clothing products, provide information about the appropriate washing and temperature settings for the products. They are symbols that are common in many countries around the world based on international standards. These symbols, which can sometimes be really confusing, contain important information that affects the life of your products.

The Way to Understand the Label Language

We know that complex label symbols can often be difficult to understand. So, we want to simplify them for you and talk about the meanings of a few frequently used symbols. If you’re ready, let’s start!

Washing Symbols


Washing symbols contain information such as temperature, washing cycle and method of washing required for products.

            Ø  The deep and angular bucket icon indicates that washing the product in washing machine is safe.

            Ø  The number or points contained in the symbol indicate the maximum temperature required for the washing process. If the bucket icon shows numbers such as 30, 40, 50, 60 or 95, these numbers refer to the temperature of the washing process.

            Ø  The lines symbolize the washing method that should be used according to the fabric of the product. Single line refers to gentle washing, while double line is used for very delicate products.

            Ø  The hand icon inside the bucket indicates the need for hand washing of delicate laundry.

            Ø  The symbol with a cross on it symbolizes that the washing process is not suitable for the product. This symbol is often found on clothes that require dry-cleaning.


Drying Symbols


Different drying methods are shown with different symbols for products for which drying is as important as washing.

            Ø  An empty circle icon within the square indicates that machine drying is safe for the product.

            Ø  The points in the circle refer to the low, medium and high temperature that should be used.

            Ø  The lines below the square symbolize the drying method that should be used according to the fabric of the product. Single line refers to low heat drying for delicate products, while double line is the symbol used for low heat drying for long time for  very delicate products.

            Ø  The cross on the square and circle indicates that the product should not be machine-dried.

            Ø  The single square icon indicates that drying should be done without a machine, while the cross on the square indicates that the drying should not be done.

            Ø  2 lines on the left on the square icon indicate drying in the shade, while 2 lines on the left and a horizontal line on the top indicate that drying should be done by hanging in the shade.

            Ø  The elliptic striped symbol at the top in the square symbolizes drying by hanging in the sun.

            Ø  A single horizontal line in the square means that the laundry should be dried by spreading over, while vertical lines mean that the laundry should be dried by wringing out.

for more: MaintenanceSymbols and their Meanings Part 2