If you’ve ever stared at a clothing tag and thought, “Am I looking at laundry instructions or an ancient secret code?” — you’re not alone.
Those tiny icons on your garment labels are the roadmap to keeping your clothes looking fresh, fitting right, and lasting longer.
The good news? Once you crack the code, you’ll never have to guess again. Let’s break down the most common symbols so you can wash, dry, and iron like a pro — all year round.
1. The Wash Symbols
Look for the bucket of water icon — it tells you how to wash your garment.
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Plain bucket: Machine wash, safe for everyday laundry.
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Bucket + dots: The dots = temperature. One dot = cold, two = warm, three = hot.
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Bucket + hand: Hand wash only.
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Bucket with “X”: Do not wash (dry clean only).
Bloop tip: Washing in cold water is gentler on fabrics and colors, and it works beautifully with our natural laundry soaps.
2. The Drying Symbols
The square is your drying guide.
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Square + circle inside: Tumble dry. Dots inside = heat level (one = low, two = medium, three = high).
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Square + curved line: Hang dry.
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Square + horizontal line: Lay flat to dry (perfect for sweaters).
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Square with “X”: Do not tumble dry.
Bloop tip: Air drying saves energy, reduces shrinking, and keeps fabrics softer for longer.
3. The Bleach Symbols
The triangle is all about bleach.
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Plain triangle: Any bleach is fine.
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Triangle with diagonal lines: Use non-chlorine bleach only.
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Triangle with “X”: No bleach.
Bloop tip: Skip the harsh stuff — oxygen-based whiteners are gentler and still keep whites bright.
4. The Ironing Symbols
The iron tells you about heat tolerance.
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Iron + dots: More dots = more heat. One = low, two = medium, three = high.
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Iron with “X”: No ironing.
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Iron with steam lines + “X”: Don’t use steam.
Bloop tip: If you’re not sure, start on low heat — you can always go warmer, but you can’t un-scorch a shirt.
5. The Dry Cleaning Symbols
The circle means dry cleaning.
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Circle with letter inside (P or F): Special solvent instructions for cleaners.
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Circle with “X”: Don’t dry clean.
Bloop tip: Even if it says “dry clean only,” sometimes gentle hand washing with natural detergents like Bloop works — but test a small hidden spot first.
Why It Matters
Following laundry label symbols isn’t just about avoiding laundry disasters — it’s about protecting your clothes so they last longer, feel better, and keep their shape.
With the right wash routine (and the right detergent), you can keep your wardrobe fresh year-round without wasting money replacing damaged items.
The laundry label isn’t a mystery — it’s a cheat sheet for perfect laundry days. And with Bloop’s gentle, natural laundry soaps, you can follow those instructions without worrying about harsh chemicals or fading fabrics.