What does Wash with Reduced Moisture mean?

Detailed explanation

The reduced moisture wash symbol indicates that the garment should be washed with a reduced water level — a partial-fill or low-water cycle rather than a standard full-fill wash. This symbol is designed to prevent fabric damage from excessive water saturation, which can cause delicate fibres to over-swell, weaken, and distort under the weight of water during agitation. It also protects garments with water-sensitive elements (coatings, adhesives, or embellishments) from prolonged immersion. Most modern washing machines have a "delicate" or "hand wash" cycle that automatically reduces the water level; this is the appropriate setting.

How to follow the Wash with Reduced Moisture symbol:

1. 1

   Use reduced water level setting

2. 2

   May require special cycle on some machines

3. 3

   Good for items that need less agitation

4. 4

   Helps prevent over-saturation

When does this symbol appear on care labels?

• For items with water-sensitive coatings or treatments that should not be fully immersed
• For loosely constructed delicate fabrics that are damaged by saturation
• For items with embellishments that may absorb and hold water unevenly
• When the care label specifically shows this symbol alongside other wash instructions

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a standard full-fill normal cycle — reduced moisture means less water; the default cycle uses too much
• Adding extra rinse cycles thinking they help — additional water immersion time causes more damage, not less

Common Materials