The Ultimate Guide to Washing & Laundry Symbols

Laundry doesn’t have to be a guessing game—if you know what you’re doing, your clothes will last longer, stay softer, and actually fit after washing. Whether you're trying to avoid surprise shrinkage, color fading, or just figuring out what those confusing laundry symbols on your tag mean, we’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Sort Smarter, Not Harder

Dumping everything into one load? Bad move. Sort your laundry into these groups:
✔ Whites & Lights – Keep them bright, not dingy.
✔ Darks & Colors – Avoid the accidental tie-dye effect.
✔ Delicates (Like Luxe Modal Underwear) – Needs a gentle touch.

Pro Tip: Washing similar fabrics together prevents damage. Heavy towels shouldn’t be in the same load as lightweight underwear.

Step 2: Cold Water = No Regrets

Hot water is great for dishes, not so much for underwear. It can fade colors, weaken fabrics, and shrink your go-to pairs. Stick with cold water — it cleans just as well and keeps everything in top shape.

Pro Tip: Want to kill germs? Use antibacterial detergent instead of cranking up the heat.

Step 3: More Detergent ≠ More Clean

More soap doesn’t mean fresher laundry. Overloading detergent leaves residue, making clothes stiff and itchy. Stick to the recommended amount—and if you’re washing moisture-wicking or performance underwear, go fragrance-free.

Step 4: Fabric Softener? Hard Pass.

Fabric softener might make towels fluffy, but it’s not underwear-friendly. It can break down stretch, clog breathable fabrics, and kill moisture-wicking properties. If you want to keep things soft, add a splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle. (No, your underwear won’t smell like a salad.)

Step 5: The Drying Mistake That Wrecks Clothes

If you love your underwear, don’t blast it on high heat. The dryer is the fastest way to shrink, fade, and stretch out your favorite pairs.
✔ Best option? Air-dry.
✔ Need the dryer? Use low heat—no surprises later.

Step 6: Understanding Laundry Symbols
(So You Stop Guessing)

Ever stared at a laundry tag and wondered if it was written in hieroglyphics? 
Here’s your cheat sheet to decoding those symbols:

Washing Symbols

Tub = Machine Wash – If there’s a hand in the tub, hand wash it.
Temperature Dots Inside the Tub:
One dot = Cold wash (30°C or below)
Two dots = Warm wash (40°C)
Three dots = Hot wash (50°C or above)

If There’s an X Over the Tub – Do not machine wash. It’s dry clean only.

Bleaching Symbols

Triangle = Bleach OK – If it’s empty, use any bleach.
Triangle with Two Lines = Non-Chlorine Bleach Only – No harsh chemicals.
Triangle with an X = No Bleach – It’ll ruin the fabric.

Drying Symbols

Square with a Circle = Tumble Dry – But check the dots inside!
One dot = Low heat (delicates, modal, performance fabrics)
Two dots = Medium heat (cotton, blends)
Three dots = High heat (towels, linens)

X Over the Square? Air dry only.

Ironing Symbols

Dots Inside the Iron Shape = Temperature Levels:
One dot = Low heat (silk, synthetics)
Two dots = Medium heat (wool, blends)
Three dots = High heat (cotton, linen)

Steam or No Steam? If the iron has a steam symbol with an X, skip the steam setting.

Final Thoughts: No More Laundry Guesswork

Follow these steps, check the labels, and you’ll never ruin a favorite pair again. Your underwear (and your wallet) will thank you.

TL;DR – Quick Laundry Cheat Sheet:

Tub		Wash Rules (Cold, warm, or hot)
Triangle		Bleach Rules (Check for the X!)
Square with a Circle		Tumble Dry (Dots matter!)
Iron Shape		Temperature Rules

Laundry doesn’t have to be complicated. 
Sort it, wash it right, and read the tag before you throw it in.
Easy.