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 Permanent Press mean?

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Quick Answer

The machine wash permanent press symbol (a washtub with one horizontal bar underneath) means wash on the permanent press or wrinkle-resistant cycle, which uses a shorter spin or gradual speed reduction to reduce creasing. It is designed for wrinkle-resistant fabrics, polyester, and blended garments that crease easily if spun at full speed. Remove promptly from the machine after the cycle ends.

Also known as: permanent press wash symbol, wrinkle free wash symbol, one line under washtub wash, synthetic wash cycle

Detailed explanation

The permanent press wash symbol (a washtub with one bar underneath and a temperature number inside) specifies two things simultaneously: a maximum wash temperature of 40°C (104°F), and a reduced mechanical action or permanent press cycle. The single bar indicates reduced agitation compared to a normal wash, and the permanent press cycle typically ends with a cool-down rinse that relaxes the fabric and significantly reduces creasing in synthetic and mixed-fibre garments. This symbol is especially common on polyester, polyester-cotton blends, and any garment described as "wrinkle-resistant" or "easy care".

How to follow the Machine Wash Permanent Press symbol:

1
Use permanent press cycle on washing machine
2
Reduces wrinkles during washing
3
Remove promptly after cycle ends
4
Good for synthetic blends and wrinkle-resistant fabrics

When does this symbol appear on care labels?

For polyester, polyester-cotton, and other synthetic or blended garments washed at or below 40°C
For dress shirts and blouses that benefit from reduced creasing coming out of the machine
For synthetic trousers and work shirts with wrinkle-resistant finishes
For any garment labelled "easy care" or "permanent press" with this symbol

Tips and Best Practices

Select the "permanent press" or "easy care" cycle on your washing machine — this is distinct from the normal cycle; it includes the cool-down rinse phase that matters for creasing
Remove items promptly when the cycle ends — the cool-down rinse reduces creasing but items will still crease if left in a wet heap in the drum
Hang immediately after removing from the machine rather than folding — this sets the garment in its correct shape as it dries
Set the temperature to 40°C or below — never exceed this temperature even if the permanent press cycle is selected
Avoid overloading when using the permanent press cycle — the final cool-down rinse is less effective in a heavily loaded drum

What happens if this symbol is ignored

Washing above 40°C causes the same damage as any over-temperature wash on synthetic and mixed-fibre fabrics: colour fading, shrinkage, loss of wrinkle-resistance finish, and degradation of any elastic content. Using a normal agitation cycle instead of permanent press produces heavier creasing that is more difficult to iron out.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using the normal wash cycle instead of the permanent press cycle — the agitation level and cool-down rinse together make the difference; temperature alone is not enough
Leaving items in the machine after the cycle — even with the cool-down rinse, sitting in a wet drum causes deep creasing
Washing above 40°C assuming the permanent press cycle compensates — it does not; temperature damage is irreversible

Common Materials

PolyesterBlendsWrinkle-resistant fabrics

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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

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