Care Label Symbols - Guide to Apparel/Textile Care Symbols

Oct 13, 2026

Care Label Symbols explain how textile care labels may use icons instead of words. Issued under the Federal Trade Commission care labeling framework, the material describes the phased transition beginning July 1, 1997, and outlines what manufacturers must include: safe cleaning methods, warnings against harmful procedures, and symbol meanings for washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and dry cleaning. It also provides guidance for what to do when instructions fail and cites accepted reference standards.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPaper Templates

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Guide to Apparel/Textile Care Symbols

Machine Wash Cycles

Hand Wash, Do Not Wash, and Do Not Wring

Water Temperature Symbols

Bleach Symbols

Drying Symbols and Heat Settings

Ironing and Drycleaning Symbols

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Care Labeling Rule?

What information is required on the care label?

Are there any other symbols?

Does washable also mean my garment can be dry cleaned?

What if the care instructions don’t work?

Care Label Symbols Bridgett W. Smith, Associate Professor Clothing, Housing & Environmental Stewardship SP519 As of July 1,1997, care labels may come with a new feature— symbols or pictures. These symbols will quickly help you determine how to clean your clothes. Through 1998, the care label must include written instructions with the option of using symbols as well. After 1998, either written instructions or symbols must be provided, but not always both. Below is a quick guide to help you learn the new symbols. | Guide to Apparel/Textile Care Symbols | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |
Wash

Bleach

Dry

Iron
Dryclean | | | | | | | | | | | | Warning
Symbols | | | Machine Wash Cycles | | | | | | |
Hand Wash | | | |
Do Not Wash

Do Not Wring | | | Normal Permanent
Press | | | | | Delicate/ Gentle | | | | | | | | | Water (Maximum)
Temperatures Symbol(s)
(200F) (160F) (140F) (120F) (105F) (65F-85F)
95C 70C 60C 50C 40C 30C

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Any Bleach
When Needed | | | |
Only Non-Chlorine Bleach
When Needed | | | | | | |
Do Not Bleach | | | Tumble Dry Cycles
Tumble Dry Settings | | | | | | | | |
Line Dry / Hang to Dry
Drip Dry
Dry Flat | |
Do Not Dry (used with Do Not Wash)

Do Not Tumble Dry | | | Any Heat High Medium Low No Heat/Air
In the shade (added to line dry, drip dry or dry flat)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Iron—
Dry or Steam
Maximum Temperatures | | |
200C
(390F)
High | 150C
(300F)
Medium | | | 110C
(230F)
Low | | | |
Do Not Iron
No Steam (added to iron)

Do Not Dryclean | | | Dryclean -Normal Cycle
A P F | | | | | Dryclean—Additional Instructions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Short
Cycle | Reduced
Moisture | |
Low Heat | |
No
Steam
Finishing | | | | Any
Solvent | Any Solvent Except
Trichloroethylene | | | Petroleum
Solvent
Only | | | | | | | | As a minimum, laundering instructions include, in order, four symbols: washing, bleaching, drying and ironing. Drycleaning instructions include one symbol. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Care Labeling Rule? The Care Labeling Rule was issued by the Federal Trade Commission in 1971 to help consumers with clothing care. The rule states that manufacturers must tag their clothing with at least one safe cleaning method. Beginning July 1, 1997, manufacturers may use certain care symbols in place of words on labels. These symbols and their meanings are explained on the reverse side of this publication. Symbols and their written meaning will be required for eighteen months. After January 1998, only symbols can be used by the manufacturer. What information is required on the care label? Care labels for textile wearing apparel must provide either washing or dry cleaning instructions. Only one safe method of care is required to be provided by the manufacturer. The label must also warn you against any procedure that might harm the item during reasonable care. For example, the label must say whether any step of the care method—washing, bleaching, drying, ironing or dry cleaning— could harm the garment or other garments cleaned with it. Are there any other symbols? The symbols shown on the reverse side of this publication are approved for use throughout North America. Thereis not an internationally recognized care label system at the present time. Clothing manufactured in countries outside North America may use different symbols. Does washable also mean my garment can be dry cleaned? Not always. Only one safe method of care has to be listed on the label by the manufacturer. The label does not have to warn about other cleaning methods which might prove unsafe. For example, clothing lab

FAQs

What is the Care Labeling Rule and when did symbols become allowed?

The Care Labeling Rule was issued by the Federal Trade Commission in 1971. Beginning July 1, 1997, manufacturers may use certain care symbols, and after January 1998 only symbols can be used.

What information must appear on a care label for textile wearing apparel?

The label must provide either washing or dry cleaning instructions, and only one safe method of care is required. It must also warn against any procedure that might harm the item during reasonable care.

Can a garment marked “washable” also be dry cleaned?

Not always. The manufacturer only has to list one safe method of care, and the label does not have to warn about other methods that might be unsafe.

What should you do if the care instructions on the label don’t work?

Return the item to the store for an exchange or refund if problems occur after following the label. If the store cannot help, contact the manufacturer with details of the issue.

Oct 13, 2026

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