Washing
Wash at 40 °C symbol
Machine wash at up to 40 °C on a normal cycle. The most common label in the world.
- What to do
- A cotton or 'Everyday' cycle at 40 °C. Turn dark items inside out and close the zips.
- Avoid
- No bar means any normal cycle is fine – just never hotter than 40.
- Where you see it
- Cotton, denim, jersey
What to set on the machine
- Washing
- Cotton / Everyday, max 40 °C (104 °F)
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 °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 blendsHand wash onlyCashmere, silk, lace, embellished piecesDo 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 40 degree wash symbol mean?
Machine wash at up to 40 °C on a normal cycle. The most common label in the world.
02What should I do with the garment?
A cotton or 'Everyday' cycle at 40 °C. Turn dark items inside out and close the zips.
03What is the most common mistake?
No bar means any normal cycle is fine – just never hotter than 40.
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
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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