Always check garment care labels for temperature

Before choosing a wash temperature, read the care label sewn into each garment. The label specifies the maximum safe water temperature and wash cycle using standardized symbols or plain text.

Why It Works

Manufacturers test their fabrics, dyes, and construction to determine the highest temperature the garment can tolerate without damage. Following these guidelines prevents accidental shrinkage, color loss, and fiber degradation. A garment that looks like cotton may contain heat-sensitive blends that require cooler water.

Tips

• The washtub symbol with a number inside indicates maximum temperature in Celsius (e.g., 30 means cold, 40 means warm, 60 means hot)
• "Machine wash cold" is the most common instruction on colored garments
• When a label is missing or illegible, default to cold water on a gentle cycle
• Items labeled "dry clean only" should not be machine washed at any temperature