In plain English: Use the delicate/gentle cycle: minimal agitation, a short slow spin, and ideally a mesh bag for anything that can snag.
What it looks like on the tagA washtub symbol with two horizontal lines underneath it.
What to do
- Select “delicate” or “gentle” and keep water at or below the labeled temperature.
- Put snag-prone items (lace, knits, anything with hooks) in a mesh laundry bag.
- Wash with other lightweight items — never with jeans, towels, or zippers.
What happens if you ignore it
Normal cycles stretch knits out of shape, snag lace, and twist lightweight weaves. Delicate-rated garments survive on low mechanical stress.
Where you'll see it
Fine knits, lace, lightweight blouses, tights, and machine-washable wool.
Common questions
Delicate cycle vs hand wash — same thing?
No. Delicate is still a machine cycle. If the label shows the hand-in-tub symbol, the machine is out entirely.
Should I use less detergent?
Yes — delicate loads are usually small and lightly soiled. Excess detergent doesn't rinse fully out of fine fabrics.
Related symbols
- Hand Wash Only — too delicate for a washing machine
- Permanent Press / Gentle Cycle — use the permanent press (sometimes “easy care”) cycle: reduced agitation, a cool-down rinse, and a slower spin than normal
- Dry Flat — lay the garment flat on a surface to dry
Or just scan the label
CareLabl reads the entire care label in one photo — every symbol on it, decoded into plain English, plus the fabric composition. Works with international and US labels. Try Pro free for 3 days, no credit card needed.