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Short answer
Care labels use five basic symbols: a washtub for washing, a triangle for bleaching, a square for drying, an iron for ironing and a circle for professional cleaning. Numbers and dots show temperature, bars under a symbol mean a gentler cycle, and a cross through any symbol means do not. Always follow the label; it overrides general advice.
The five basic symbols
| Symbol | Means |
|---|---|
| Washtub | Washing |
| Triangle | Bleaching |
| Square | Drying |
| Iron | Ironing |
| Circle | Professional cleaning (dry or wet cleaning) |
A cross through any symbol means do not do it.
Washing: the washtub
| Label | Means |
|---|---|
| Washtub with 30, 40 or 60 | Maximum water temperature in °C |
| Washtub with dots | Temperature shown as dots instead: more dots, warmer |
| One bar under the tub | Gentle (permanent press) cycle |
| Two bars under the tub | Very gentle (delicate) cycle |
| Hand in the tub | Hand wash only |
| Crossed-out tub | Do not wash |
Tip
Most polyester sheers and dimouts carry a low temperature and one or two bars: wash cool and gentle. See How to Wash Curtains.
Bleaching: the triangle
| Label | Means |
|---|---|
| Empty triangle | Any bleach may be used |
| Triangle with two diagonal lines | Only non-chlorine (oxygen) bleach |
| Crossed-out triangle | Do not bleach |
Drying: the square
| Label | Means |
|---|---|
| Square with a circle | Tumble drying allowed; dots show the heat |
| Crossed-out square with a circle | Do not tumble dry |
| Square with a curved line at the top | Line dry |
| Square with three vertical lines | Drip dry, hung up wet |
| Square with one horizontal line | Dry flat |
| Diagonal lines in the corner | Dry in the shade |
Curtains are best rehung slightly damp so their weight pulls out creases; dark colours dry in the shade to avoid fading.
Ironing: the iron
| Label | Means |
|---|---|
| Iron with one dot | Low heat, up to about 110 °C (for example acrylic) |
| Iron with two dots | Medium heat, up to about 150 °C (for example polyester, wool) |
| Iron with three dots | High heat, up to about 200 °C (for example cotton, linen) |
| Crossed-out iron | Do not iron |
Watch out
Never iron the face of velvet or the coated side of a blackout, whatever the label allows for the fabric.
Professional cleaning: the circle
| Label | Means |
|---|---|
| Circle with P or F | Dry cleaning; the letter tells the cleaner which solvent |
| Circle with W | Professional wet cleaning |
| Bar under the circle | A gentler process |
| Crossed-out circle | Do not dry clean |
Lined and interlined curtains, velvets and many coated blackouts are usually best professionally cleaned.
Frequently asked questions
What does the washtub with one bar mean?
Wash on a gentle (permanent press) cycle. Two bars mean a very gentle (delicate) cycle.
What does a triangle mean on a care label?
Bleaching. An empty triangle allows any bleach, two diagonal lines mean non-chlorine bleach only, and a crossed-out triangle means do not bleach.
What does a circle on a care label mean?
Professional cleaning. A letter P or F means dry cleaning, W means professional wet cleaning, and a cross means do not dry clean.
What do the dots on the iron mean?
Ironing heat: one dot is low, about 110 °C; two dots medium, about 150 °C; three dots high, about 200 °C.
What if a curtain has no care label?
Ask the curtain maker for the fabric's care instructions. If in doubt, vacuum it and have it professionally cleaned rather than washing it hot.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
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