Dry Clean or Wash? How to Read Clothing Care Labels
That small label inside your clothes tells you exactly how to clean them, if you can read the symbols. Here’s a simple guide.
By Chandra Power Laundry, Goregaon West ·
The 5 basic symbols
| Symbol | Means | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Tub with water | Washing | A number inside is the maximum water temperature in °C (e.g. 30 or 40). A hand in the tub means hand wash only. |
| Triangle | Bleaching | Empty triangle: any bleach. Triangle with lines: non-chlorine bleach only. |
| Square | Drying | A circle inside the square means tumble dryer. A line inside means dry flat or hang. |
| Iron | Ironing | 1 dot = low heat (silk, synthetics), 2 dots = medium (wool, polyester blends), 3 dots = high (cotton, linen). |
| Circle | Professional cleaning | Letter P or F = dry clean. Letter W = professional wet cleaning. |
A cross (X) through any symbol means “do not”. For example, a crossed-out tub means don’t wash in water, and a crossed-out iron means don’t iron.
“Dry clean” vs “Dry clean only”
“Dry clean” is a recommendation: careful hand washing may be possible. “Dry clean only” is a warning: washing in water may shrink, stretch, change the texture, or ruin the structure of the garment.
Clothes that usually need dry cleaning
- Suits, blazers and coats. The inner padding and lining can lose shape in water.
- Silk sarees, kurtas and dupattas. Water can cause marks and colour bleeding.
- Woollens like sweaters, shawls and pashminas, which can shrink and felt.
- Velvet, rayon/viscose and delicate synthetics
- Lehengas, sherwanis and anything with zari, sequins or heavy embroidery
Clothes you can usually wash at home
Most cotton shirts, T-shirts, jeans, everyday kurtas, bedsheets and towels can be washed at home. Follow the temperature on the label and wash dark colours separately the first few times. For a crisp finish afterwards, see normal iron vs steam iron.
Stuck with a stain? Send us a photo on WhatsApp or call. We’re near Inorbit Mall with free pickup and drop in Goregaon West & Malad West.
No label? Play it safe
If the label is cut off or faded, treat delicate, expensive or embellished pieces as dry clean. Test anything else with a cold-water hand wash on a hidden area first. Not sure? Send us a photo on WhatsApp and we’ll suggest the right service.
Ironing temperature matters too
Many shiny marks and burns come from ironing too hot. Silk and synthetics need low heat, ideally through a cotton cloth. Cotton and linen take high heat. Our steam ironing is a good option for formal wear that needs a sharp, crease-free finish without the risk.
Frequently asked questions
What does a circle on a clothing label mean?
A circle means professional cleaning. A circle with P or F means dry clean; with W it means professional wet cleaning. A crossed-out circle means do not dry clean.
What do the dots on the iron symbol mean?
They show the maximum heat: 1 dot is low (silk, synthetics), 2 dots is medium (wool, blends), 3 dots is high (cotton, linen).
Can I wash a ‘dry clean only’ garment at home?
It’s risky. ‘Dry clean only’ means water may shrink it, change its texture or damage its structure. It’s safer to dry clean it.
How much does dry cleaning cost in Goregaon West?
At Chandra Power Laundry, dry cleaning starts at ₹80 and a men’s 2-piece suit is ₹360. See the full price list for all 98 items.
Need it cleaned properly?
Call or WhatsApp us with your address. We’ll confirm a pickup time and take it from there.