Garment knowledge
2026年1月20日
Quick Reference: The Ultimate Laundry Symbol Cheat Sheet
Confused by laundry tags? Our Quick Reference Laundry Symbol Cheat Sheet decodes washing, drying, and ironing icons to help you protect your clothes and prevent shrinkage
Have you ever looked at the care label on your favorite piece of clothing and felt like you were trying to crack a secret code? You aren't alone. Those tiny symbols are actually a universal language designed to help you protect your wardrobe investment.
At SML Intimate, we want your delicate essentials and cozy cottons to last a lifetime. This Laundry Symbol Cheat Sheet will help you decode the "hieroglyphics" on your tags so you never ruin a garment again.
The 5 Basic Shapes You Need to Know
Before we dive into the details, remember these five basic shapes. Every laundry icon is a variation of these:
- The Washtub:Washing instructions.
- The Triangle:Bleaching instructions.
- The Square:Drying instructions.
- The Iron:Ironing instructions.
- The Circle:Professional cleaning (Dry cleaning) instructions.
1. Washing Symbols (The Washtub)
The washtub symbol tells you exactly how to wash your garment and at what temperature.
- Normal Cycle:A plain washtub.Suitable for sturdy cottons.
- Permanent Press:One line under the tub. This means the fabric is treated with chemicals to resist wrinkles and needs a cooling-down rinse.
- Gentle/Delicate Cycle:Two lines under the tub. (Common for SML Intimate lingerie!) Use this for fragile items like lace or light synthetics.
- Hand Wash:A tub with a hand inside. Do not put this in the machine.
- Do Not Wash:A tub with an "X" through it.
Temperature Guide (The Dots):
- 1 Dot:Cold Water (30°C)
- 2 Dots:Warm Water (40°C)
- 3 Dots:Hot Water (50°C+)
2. Bleaching Symbols (The Triangle)
Bleach can be a lifesaver for whites, but it can also destroy delicate fibers.
- Bleach Allowed:An empty triangle.
- Non-Chlorine Bleach Only:A triangle with two diagonal lines. Use "oxygen-based" bleach.
- Do Not Bleach:A solid triangle with an "X" or an empty triangle with an "X". Most SML Intimate products should never be bleached.
3. Drying Symbols (The Square)
Drying is where most clothing damage—especially shrinkage—happens. (Read our guide on Does Cotton Clothing Shrink?)
Tumble Drying (Square with a Circle)
- Tumble Dry Allowed:A square with a circle inside.
- Low Heat:One dot inside the circle.
- Medium Heat:Two dots.
- High Heat:Three dots.
- Do Not Tumble Dry:A square/circle with an "X". Always air-dry your bras and elastic items!
Natural Drying (Square only)
- Line Dry:A curved line inside the square (looks like a clothesline).
- Drip Dry:Three vertical lines inside. Hang the item while soaking wet.
- Dry Flat:One horizontal line. Essential for heavy cotton sweaters to prevent stretching.
- Dry in Shade:Two diagonal lines in the corner. Prevents colors from fading in the sun.
4. Ironing Symbols (The Iron)
- Low Temp (110°C):One dot. Best for synthetics (Nylon, Acetate).
- Medium Temp (150°C):Two dots. Best for Silk and Wool.
- High Temp (200°C):Three dots. Best for Cotton and Linen.
- Do Not Iron:An iron with an "X".
- No Steam:An iron with "X" lines underneath.
Pro Tips for SML Intimate Lovers
To keep your intimates and loungewear in "like-new" condition, follow these three golden rules:
- When in Doubt, Go Cold:Cold water is the gentlest way to clean almost any fabric and prevents most shrinkage issues.
- Use a Mesh Bag:Even if the tag says "Machine Wash," placing your delicates in a mesh laundry bag prevents straps from tangling and lace from tearing.
- Skip the Dryer:Heat is the enemy of elasticity. Air-drying your bras and underwear will double their lifespan.
Summary Table: Quick Cheat Sheet
Icon Shape | Category | What it controls |
Tub | Washing | Water temp & machine cycle |
Triangle | Bleaching | Use of chlorine or oxygen bleach |
Square | Drying | Tumble dry vs. Air dry |
Iron | Ironing | Heat level & steam use |
Circle | Dry Clean | Professional care only |
Want to learn more about fabric care?
Check out our deep dives into Washing Methods for Different Fabrics and Understanding Cotton Shrinkage Rates.