In plain English: Wash in warm water — up to 40°C / 105°F — on a normal cycle. This is the default setting for most everyday clothing.
What it looks like on the tagISO labels: a washtub with the number 40 inside. US labels: a washtub with two dots, or the words “machine wash warm.”
What to do
- Use your machine's warm setting (40°C / two dots).
- Good for everyday cottons, linens, and mixed loads that aren't delicate.
- Check the rest of the label — a warm wash often pairs with a low tumble dry.
What happens if you ignore it
Going hotter risks shrinking cotton and setting wrinkles in synthetics. Going colder is always safe — cold is gentler than the label requires.
Where you'll see it
Everyday cotton t-shirts, underwear, bed sheets, pajamas, and most workwear.
Common questions
Can I wash a 40°C garment in cold water instead?
Always. The label states the maximum safe temperature. Washing cooler is gentler and saves energy — it just may clean slightly less aggressively.
What if the tub has two dots but no number?
That's the US (ASTM) style: one dot is cold, two dots warm, three or more hot. Two dots ≈ 40°C / 105°F.
Related symbols
- Machine Wash Cold — wash this garment in cold water
- Machine Wash Hot — wash in hot water
- Permanent Press / Gentle Cycle — use the permanent press (sometimes “easy care”) cycle: reduced agitation, a cool-down rinse, and a slower spin than normal
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.