Caring for laundry correctly: reading care symbols

In short: Care symbols on the label show how textiles should be washed, dried, ironed and cleaned. Observing them extends the life of clothing.

In more detail: The symbols are internationally standardised (GINETEX).

In detail

• Wash tub: The number in the tub gives the maximum temperature, e.g. 30, 40, 60 degrees.
• Bar under the tub: Gentle cycle or easy care.
• Crossed-out tub: Do not wash.
• Triangle: Bleaching allowed or forbidden.
• Square with circle: Tumble dryer; dots show temperature.
• Iron: Dots indicate the temperature level.
• Circle: Professional cleaning; letter P or F names the agent.
• Tip: Wash dark items separately, close zips, do not overload (waschmaschine-funktionsweise, waschmaschine-pflegen).