How to Read a Laundry Care Label: Decoding Symbols for Bedding and Towels

Have you ever pulled a fresh set of sheets from the dryer only to find they’ve shrunk, faded, or developed mysterious pilling? You’re not alone. The little tags sewn into your bedding and towels hold the secret to keeping them soft, bright, and long-lasting—but only if you can decode the symbols. Laundry care labels use a universal system of icons that tell you exactly how to wash, dry, iron, and bleach each item. Once you learn the basics, you’ll never have to guess again.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common laundry care symbols you’ll find on your Brooklinen bedding and towels. From the wash tub to the iron, we’ll explain what each icon means and how to apply it to your favorite linens. Whether you’re caring for a delicate duvet cover or a thick bath towel, understanding these symbols is the first step to a smarter laundry routine.

The Wash Tub Symbol: Water Temperature and Cycle Type

The wash tub symbol is the most important icon on any care label. It looks like a small bucket of water and may include dots or lines that indicate water temperature and machine cycle. One dot means cold water (around 30°C or 85°F), two dots mean warm water (40°C or 105°F), and three dots mean hot water (50°C or 120°F). A line under the tub signals a gentle or permanent press cycle, while two lines mean a very delicate wash. For most Brooklinen sheets and towels, a warm or cold gentle cycle is ideal to preserve fibers and prevent shrinkage.

If you see a hand reaching into the tub, that means hand wash only. This symbol appears on items like the KULE Cashmere Blend Robe - Last Call, which requires extra care to maintain its plush feel. For everyday towels and sheets, you can safely machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Always check the label before tossing anything in the machine—especially if you’re washing a new set for the first time.

• One dot = cold water (30°C/85°F)
• Two dots = warm water (40°C/105°F)
• Three dots = hot water (50°C/120°F)
• Line under tub = gentle/permanent press cycle

The Bleach Triangle: What It Means and When to Use It

The bleach symbol is a triangle, and it can be confusing because there are three variations. An empty triangle means any bleach (chlorine or non-chlorine) is safe to use. A triangle with two diagonal lines inside means only non-chlorine (oxygen) bleach is allowed. A crossed-out triangle means no bleach at all. For most colored bedding and towels, you’ll want to stick with non-chlorine bleach to avoid fading. White linens can handle chlorine bleach, but always test a small area first.

If your care label shows a crossed-out triangle, that’s a clear signal to skip bleach entirely. This is common on delicate fabrics like the Prism Alpaca Throw Blanket, which can be damaged by harsh chemicals. For your everyday bath towels, a non-chlorine bleach alternative is a great way to brighten whites without weakening fibers. Remember, over-bleaching can cause yellowing over time, so use it sparingly.

• Empty triangle = any bleach OK
• Triangle with lines = non-chlorine bleach only
• Crossed-out triangle = no bleach

The Drying Square: Tumble Dry, Line Dry, or Flat Dry

The drying symbol is a square, often with a circle inside for tumble drying. A circle with one dot means low heat, two dots mean medium heat, and three dots mean high heat. If the circle is crossed out, do not tumble dry. A square with a curved line at the top means line dry, while a square with a horizontal line in the middle means flat dry. These options are gentler on fabrics and help prevent shrinkage, especially for natural fibers like cotton and linen.

For your Brooklinen sheets and towels, low to medium heat tumble drying is usually safe, but check the label first. The Marlow Fleece Travel Blanket - Last Call, for example, may recommend low heat or line drying to maintain its softness. Flat drying is best for items like the Sunwashed Check Bed Blanket, which can lose shape in the dryer. When in doubt, choose a lower heat setting or air dry to extend the life of your linens.

• Circle with dots = tumble dry (1 dot low, 3 dots high)
• Crossed-out circle = do not tumble dry
• Square with curved line = line dry
• Square with horizontal line = flat dry

The Iron Symbol: Heat Settings and Steam

The iron symbol looks like a small iron and uses dots to indicate temperature. One dot means low heat (synthetic fabrics), two dots mean medium heat (cotton blends), and three dots mean high heat (linen or cotton). A crossed-out iron means do not iron at all. Some symbols also include a steam icon—a series of dots or lines below the iron—which indicates whether steam is safe. A crossed-out steam icon means no steam, which is common for fabrics that can water-spot.

Most Brooklinen bedding, like the Breezeweave Crinkle Cotton Duvet Cover, can be ironed on medium to high heat with steam if you want a crisp look. However, many of our linens are designed to be wrinkle-resistant or have a relaxed texture, so ironing is optional. For items that are delicate, such as the Rewards Luxe Pillowcase Set, a low heat setting and no steam will protect the fabric. Always test a small hidden area first to avoid scorching.

• One dot = low heat (synthetics)
• Two dots = medium heat (cotton blends)
• Three dots = high heat (cotton/linen)
• Crossed-out iron = do not iron

Special Symbols: Dry Clean, Do Not Wring, and More

Beyond the main symbols, you may encounter a circle with a letter inside—this indicates dry cleaning instructions. The letter tells the dry cleaner which solvent to use. A crossed-out circle means do not dry clean. Another common symbol is a twisted cloth with a cross through it, which means do not wring. Wringing can damage fibers and cause creases, so it’s best to gently squeeze out excess water instead. You might also see a triangle with a cross through it for no bleach, as mentioned earlier.

For specialty items like the Reversible Looped Bath Mat, you may see a symbol indicating no bleach and low heat drying. Some accessories also have a symbol that says “do not use fabric softener,” which can reduce absorbency. Learning these extra symbols helps you avoid common mistakes. If you’re ever unsure, stick with the gentlest method: cold water, low heat, and mild detergent. Your linens will thank you with years of soft, vibrant use.

• Circle with letter = dry clean (letter indicates solvent)
• Crossed-out circle = do not dry clean
• Twisted cloth with cross = do not wring
• Some tags show ‘do not use fabric softener’

Decoding laundry care symbols doesn’t have to be a chore. Once you know what each icon means, you can confidently care for your Brooklinen bedding and towels, keeping them soft, bright, and cozy for years. Next time you do laundry, take a quick peek at the tag—it’s your linens’ way of saying, “Treat me right.” Ready to refresh your linen collection? Explore our range of easy-care sheets and towels that are designed to stand up to everyday life.