A bar underneath asks for a gentler process, and a crossed-out circle means the item must not be dry cleaned. This page shows only the professional cleaning symbols.
How to read a care label
Care labels are read left to right in a fixed order: washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and professional cleaning. Each step has one base shape. The tub is washing, the triangle is bleach, the square is drying, the iron is ironing and the circle is dry or wet cleaning by a professional. Modifiers then change the meaning. Dots are temperature, more dots meaning hotter. Bars underneath mean a gentler cycle. A cross through any symbol means do not.
To decode your label with CareLabelKit, tap each symbol on it. They appear in the strip on the right and the label is read back as numbered instructions in the usual order, whichever order you tapped them in. Tap a symbol again, or tap it in the strip, to remove it. If you pick two symbols that cannot both be true, such as two different wash temperatures or do not wash with a washing temperature, CareLabelKit points it out so you can check the label again.
Temperatures at a glance
In the wash tub, one dot is 30°C (86°F), two dots 40°C (104°F), three dots 50°C (122°F), four dots 60°C (140°F) and six dots 95°C (203°F). Tumble dryer dots mean low, medium and high heat. Iron dots mean about 110°C (230°F), 150°C (300°F) and 200°C (390°F). Temperatures are maximums, so going cooler is always safe and usually saves energy.
Looking after your clothes
Most damage comes from heat: hot washes shrink wool and cotton, and hot dryers set stains and wear out elastic. When in doubt, wash cool on a gentle cycle, skip bleach and air dry. Turn printed and dark clothes inside out, and close zips and hooks so they do not snag other items.
Private by design
CareLabelKit has no accounts and no server. Symbols are drawn in your browser and your current label is saved in local storage on this device only.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash a dry-clean-only item at home?
Sometimes, by hand in cold water, but you risk shrinking or damage. When the tub is crossed out, use a cleaner.
What is wet cleaning?
Professional cleaning in water with special machines and detergents, often used instead of solvents.
Do I need to tell the cleaner the letter?
No. Cleaners read the label themselves, but it helps to know what it says.
Is CareLabelKit free?
Yes. The symbol chart and label reader are free with no sign-up.
Does it need the internet?
Only to load the page. The symbols are drawn in your browser and your label is saved on this device only.