Understanding the care label on clothing is key to keeping garments in good condition, and the triangle symbol is one of the most commonly misunderstood icons. A triangle containing two straight lines means no bleach should be used on the fabric.
The symbol appeared on a pair of trousers bought in Japan, prompting a social media user to ask for clarification on Reddit. The label also showed a tub of water with 40, indicating a maximum wash temperature of 40 degrees, a crossed-out circle in a square meaning no tumble drying, an iron with two dots for medium heat, and an F in a circle for dry cleaning.
What the Triangle Symbol Means
According to Ariel's instructions, an empty triangle means bleach can be safely used on the clothing when necessary. Diagonal lines inside the triangle refer to the use of non-chlorine bleach, but when the triangle is crossed out by two lines, bleach should not be used at all.
The Reddit user explained the full set of symbols, noting that the other square means it is safe to dry on a washing line, and the F in a circle indicates petroleum solvent only for dry cleaning.
Reactions and Common Mistakes
The discovery surprised many on the thread, with one user commenting: "They should teach you stuff like this in school. I've definitely ruined clothes before." Another wrote: "I didn't know about the triangle! I thought it had something to do with the clothes hanger."
The exchange highlights how easily care symbols can be misread, leading to damaged garments such as wool jumpers losing their shape. Organising washing by colours and care symbols can help ensure each item receives the proper treatment.
