In plain English: Wash in hot water — 50–60°C / 120–140°F — on a normal cycle. Reserved for hardy fabrics that need serious cleaning.
What it looks like on the tagISO labels: a washtub with 50 or 60 inside. US labels: a washtub with three (or more) dots, or the words “machine wash hot.”
What to do
- Use the hot setting for whites, towels, bedding, and heavily soiled cotton.
- Hot washes are the most effective at removing oils, bacteria, and dust mites.
- Separate strictly by color — hot water accelerates dye bleed.
What happens if you ignore it
Hot-washing something rated for cold or warm is how a fitted shirt becomes a child's shirt. Heat shrinks natural fibers and can warp elastics and synthetics.
Where you'll see it
White cotton towels, bed linens, cloth diapers, gym socks, and sturdy white basics.
Common questions
Does a hot-wash rating mean I should always wash hot?
No — it means the garment tolerates it. Washing cooler extends fabric life. Save hot washes for when you need the deep clean.
What about 95°C labels?
Some European labels go up to 95°C for boil-washable items like white cotton bedding. Same idea: it's the maximum, not the requirement.
Related symbols
- Machine Wash Warm — wash in warm water
- Bleach Allowed — any bleach is safe on this garment when needed
- Tumble Dry Normal — the dryer is safe at a normal heat setting
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.