Washing
Hand wash only symbol
Wash by hand in water up to 40 °C. No rubbing, wringing or twisting.
- What to do
- Cool water and a mild detergent, soak 10–15 min, squeeze gently, rinse, press out in a towel. A machine 'Hand wash' cycle is usually fine too.
- Avoid
- Hot water and rubbing – the quickest way to felt wool.
- Where you see it
- Cashmere, silk, lace, embellished pieces
What to set on the machine
- Washing
- by hand up to 40 °C or the 'Hand wash' cycle, spin ≤ 400
Other washing symbols
Wash at 95 °CWhite cotton, linen, terry towellingWash at 70 °CWorkwear, medical uniformsWash at 60 °CCotton, linen, beddingWash at 60 °C, mild cyclePolycotton, synthetic shirtsWash at 50 °CCotton blends, coloured cottonWash at 50 °C, mild cycleSynthetics, blendsWash at 40 °CCotton, denim, jerseyWash at 40 °C, mild cyclePolyester, nylon, sportswearWash at 40 °C, very mild cycleWool, delicate blendsWash at 30 °CDarks and brights, jerseyWash at 30 °C, mild cycleViscose, synthetic blouses, dressesWash at 30 °C, very mild cycleWool, merino, machine-washable cashmere, silk blendsDo not washTailored jackets, coats, leather, suede, velvetMachine washClothes from US brandsUS
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Got the whole label?
Pick all its symbols and get the washer, dryer and iron settings in one place.
Decode the labelPrintable symbol chart →01What does the hand wash symbol mean?
Wash by hand in water up to 40 °C. No rubbing, wringing or twisting.
02What should I do with the garment?
Cool water and a mild detergent, soak 10–15 min, squeeze gently, rinse, press out in a towel. A machine 'Hand wash' cycle is usually fine too.
03What is the most common mistake?
Hot water and rubbing – the quickest way to felt wool.
04Can I wash cooler than the label says?
Yes – the number is the maximum. Cooler is always safe for the fabric.
05Which detergent should I use?
Colours – a non-bleach 'colour' detergent; wool and silk – an enzyme-free wool detergent; whites – one with oxygen bleach if the triangle allows it.
How to wash cashmere
How to wash wool
How to wash silk
How to wash a puffer jacket
How to wash a hat
How to wash white clothes
How to wash sneakers
How to wash jeans
How to wash linen
How to clean a leather jacket
How to wash bras
How to wash polyester