What do the numbers in washing symbols mean?

The number inside a washing symbol is the maximum wash temperature in degrees Celsius (e.g. 30, 40, 60, 95). You must not exceed this temperature — exceeding it risks shrinkage, colour fading, fibre damage, or loss of elasticity. You may always wash at a lower temperature than the maximum shown.

What do lines under the washtub symbol mean?

One line under the washtub means use a gentle or delicate cycle with reduced agitation; two lines mean very gentle or extra delicate with minimal agitation. These are cycle type instructions, separate from any temperature number inside the tub.

Can I use a lower temperature than the label says?

Yes — washing at a lower temperature than the maximum shown is always safe and can help protect colours, prevent shrinkage, and extend garment life. The label shows the maximum permitted, not the required temperature.

What is the permanent press cycle on a washing symbol?

Permanent press (indicated by a single bar under the tub) means use a cool rinse and reduced agitation to limit wrinkles. On most machines this is labelled "Permanent Press", "Easy Care", or "Synthetics". Use it for polyester and mixed-fibre garments to reduce creasing coming out of the machine.

What does Machine Wash 70°C Gentle mean?

Washing158°F (70°C)medium risk

Quick Answer

Machine wash at maximum 70°C (158°F) on gentle cycle

Temperature comparison

Symbol	°C	°F
30°C	86°F	Dark colours, synthetics, delicates
40°C	104°F	Everyday cotton and mixed fabrics
50°C	122°F	Coloured cotton, moderately soiled items
60°C	140°F	Whites, towels, and bedding
70°C	158°F	Heavily soiled white cotton
95°C	203°F	Sterilisation of white cotton/linen

Important Warning

May shrink some delicate fabrics

Detailed explanation

The gentle or delicate wash symbol (a washtub with one horizontal bar underneath) is defined in ISO 3758 as a reduced mechanical action wash cycle. The bar indicates slower drum rotation speed and a shorter agitation phase compared to a normal wash; most modern machines label this cycle "Delicate", "Gentle", "Wool", or "Silk". The temperature specified in the tub (if shown) or cold by default applies in addition. The gentle cycle exists specifically because some fabrics and constructions cannot withstand the mechanical forces of a normal or even medium cycle, even if the temperature is correct.

How to follow the Machine Wash 70°C Gentle symbol:

1
Set washing machine to 70°C or hot
2
Use gentle or delicate cycle
3
Reduced agitation with hot water
4
For items needing high temperature but gentle handling

When does this symbol appear on care labels?

For silk garments including blouses, scarves, nightwear, and lining fabric
For fine lace, net, and loosely knitted items that would distort under normal agitation
For lingerie, bras with underwire, and garments with delicate trims
For embellished items with sewn-on sequins, beads, or embroidery
For synthetic stretch fabrics such as elastane blends that are machine washable
For lightly constructed woven fabrics such as chiffon and georgette

Tips and Best Practices

Always use a mesh laundry bag — this gives the item an extra layer of protection from mechanical action and prevents straps and trims from tangling
Use a specialist delicate or silk detergent — standard biological detergents contain enzymes that degrade protein fibres (silk, wool) with repeated use
Select a low spin speed independently if your machine allows it — gentle agitation at the correct temperature means nothing if the item is then spun at 1200 rpm
Wash one or two items at a time for very delicate pieces — a crowded drum still generates significant mechanical friction
Turn the item inside out before loading — reduces surface abrasion on embellishments and printed areas
Fasten all hooks, clasps, and zips before washing — unfastened hardware snags other items even in a gentle cycle

What happens if this symbol is ignored

Running a delicate item on a normal cycle subjects the fabric to forces it was not designed to withstand. The results are typically pilling on knits, distortion of the weave, permanent stretching, loss of elasticity, and tearing or unravelling of stitching. Garments with embellishments often lose their decorations entirely.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using a normal cycle assuming "a short programme will be fine" — the damage comes from agitation force, not cycle duration
Not using a laundry bag — a loose delicate item tumbling freely in a drum suffers friction damage even on the gentlest setting
Selecting a high spin speed after a gentle wash — even perfectly gentle agitation becomes damaging if the spin is too fast
Using biological detergent on silk or wool in the gentle cycle — enzymes degrade protein fibres over repeated washes

Regional Note (US)

158°F - Hot setting with delicate cycle

Common Materials

Delicate white itemsSanitization neededGentle hot wash

Not sure which symbol you have?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Washing Symbols

Machine Wash Normal

Machine wash at any temperature with normal agitation

Machine Wash 30°C

Machine wash at maximum 30°C (86°F) - cold wash

Machine Wash 40°C

Machine wash at maximum 40°C (104°F) - warm wash

Machine Wash 50°C

Machine wash at maximum 50°C (122°F) - warm wash

Machine Wash 60°C

Machine wash at maximum 60°C (140°F) - hot wash

Machine Wash 70°C

Machine wash at maximum 70°C (158°F) - very hot wash

Often used together

Build the full care sequence:

Bleaching symbols →Drying symbols →

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