Laundry Symbols Explained: The Ultimate Guide to Washing Sportswear

Everything you need to know about washing symbols, care for sportswear, and extending the life of your garments.
Sportswear is made from technical fabrics that wick away sweat, dry quickly, and provide optimal comfort during exercise. To preserve these properties, it is essential to follow the care instructions on the label. On this page, we explain all washing symbols and provide practical tips to keep your sportswear looking good for longer.

Why are care labels important?

The care label tells you exactly how a garment should be washed, dried, ironed, and cared for. By following these instructions:
  • The fit is preserved
  • You avoid shrinkage and wear
  • Colours remain vibrant for longer
  • Sportswear retains its breathable properties
  • Clothes last longer
These instructions are particularly important for sportswear. Technical materials such as polyester, elastane, and nylon can be damaged by unsuitable temperatures or aggressive drying methods.

Overview of all washing symbols

Washing

Washing allowed: This means the garment can be machine washed.
Wash at 30°C: Suitable for lightly soiled laundry and delicate fabrics.
Wash at 40°C: Suitable for normal use.
Wash at 50°C: Suitable for slightly dirtier clothes.
Wash at 60°C: Suitable for very dirty laundry and towels.
Wash at 70°C: Mainly found on workwear and special textiles.
Wash at 95°C: Boiling cycle. Only suitable for very heat-resistant fabrics.
Mild wash cycle: Use a mild or easy-care program. Very mild wash cycle: Wash with maximum care. Hand wash: Gentle hand wash only.

Do not wash: Do not wash with water. Professional cleaning only allowed.


Bleaching

Bleaching allowed: All types of bleach are allowed.
Chlorine allowed: Bleach containing chlorine may be used.
Oxygen bleach only: Bleaching allowed without chlorine.
Do not bleach: Do not use bleach. This is common for sportswear as bleach attacks elastic fibers.

Drying

Line dry: The garment can be hung on a clothesline.
Drip dry: Hang immediately without wringing.
Flat dry: Lay flat to dry. Suitable for delicate fabrics.
Shade drying : Avoids fading due to sunlight. Line dry in shade : Hang in a shaded area. Flat dry in shade : Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Drip dry in shade : Allow to drip dry naturally in a shaded area.


Tumble Drying

Tumble drying allowed : The garment can be tumble dried.
Low temperature : Tumble dry at low temperature.
Normal temperature : Tumble dry at standard temperature.
High temperature : Tumble dry at high temperature. Has become very rare.
Do not tumble dry : Do not tumble dry.

Important for sportswear : Many sportswear garments should not be tumble dried as the heat damages elastane and technical fibres.

 

Ironing

Ironing allowed : The garment can be ironed.
Low temperature (110°C) : Suitable for synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon.
Medium temperature (150°C) : Suitable for wool and blended fabrics.
High temperature (200°C) : Suitable for cotton and linen.
Steam allowed : Normal ironing including steam function. Do not steam : Ironing allowed, but without steam. Do not iron : Do not use an iron. Sports clothing generally does not need to be ironed.

 

Professional Cleaning

Dry cleaning allowed : Professional cleaning possible.
Moderate dry cleaning : Gentle cleaning process.
Very moderate dry cleaning : Cleaning with maximum care.
Cleaning with specific solvents : Specialized cleaning only.
Moderate F cleaning : Gentle treatment.
Very moderate F cleaning : Very gentle treatment.
Professional wet cleaning : Professional wet cleaning.
Moderate wet cleaning : Careful wet cleaning.
Very moderate wet cleaning : Very careful wet cleaning.
Do not dry clean : Professional cleaning not allowed.

Washing tips for sports clothing

Sports clothing requires a different approach than regular clothing.

Do's

  • Wash sportswear inside out
  • Use a mild detergent
  • Wash at a maximum of 30°C or 40°C
  • Close zippers before washing
  • Use a sports program if available
  • Air dry clothes
  • Wash immediately after intense workouts

To avoid

  • Using fabric softener: Fabric softener clogs the fibers, causing them to lose their breathable properties.
  • High temperatures: These can damage spandex.
  • Using a tumble dryer: Reduces the lifespan of technical fabrics.
  • Using bleach: Can alter colors and fibers.
  • Ironing at high temperatures: Can damage prints and logos.

How often should sportswear be washed?

It depends on the activity.

After every workout

  • Running clothes
  • Fitness clothes
  • Cycling clothes
  • Compression clothing

After several uses

  • Sports jackets
  • Hoodies
  • Tracksuits
In case of heavy sweating, immediate washing is always recommended.

Common mistakes when washing sportswear

Washing at too high a temperature
  • Hot water damages elastic fibers.
Using fabric softener
  • One of the most common mistakes.
Leaving wet laundry in the machine for too long
  • This promotes bacterial growth and bad odors.
Drying on the radiator
  • This can warp the fabric.
Washing with towels
  • Towels cause additional wear and tear and lint.

How to keep sportswear looking good for longer

  1. Always follow the washing label.
  2. Wash at a low temperature.
  3. Do not use fabric softener.
  4. Let clothes air dry naturally.
  5. Wash similar colors together.
  6. Do not use too much detergent.
  7. Avoid tumble drying as much as possible.
With proper care, quality sportswear can last for years without loss of comfort or performance.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about washing labels and sportswear

What does a wash tub with 30 degrees mean?
  • The garment can be washed at a maximum temperature of 30°C.
Can sportswear go in the tumble dryer?
  • In most cases, no. Always check the washing label. Heat can damage technical fabrics.
Why shouldn't I use fabric softener?
  • Fabric softener can reduce the breathable and moisture-regulating properties of sportswear.
What does a crossed-out triangle mean?
  • No bleach should be used.
What does a crossed-out tumble dryer mean?
  • The garment should not be tumble dried.
How do you prevent bad smells in sportswear?
  • Wash sportswear immediately after use, don't leave it wet, and use a suitable sports detergent.
What does hand wash on the label mean?
  • The garment should be washed gently by hand and usually cannot be machine washed.
Can I wash sportswear at 60 degrees?
  • This is generally not recommended. Always check the wash label. Most sportswear washes at 30°C or 40°C. [1]
Why are there dots in the iron symbol?

The dots indicate the maximum ironing temperature:

  • • = low
  • •• = medium
  • ••• = high

How do you correctly read a washing label?

Read the label from left to right:

  1. Washing
  2. Bleaching
  3. Drying
  4. Ironing
  5. Professional cleaning

This way, you'll know exactly how to safely care for your clothes.

Conclusion
Laundry labels may seem complicated, but they contain all the necessary information to care for clothing optimally. By understanding the laundry symbols and adopting the correct routine, your sportswear will stay fresh, comfortable, and in perfect condition for longer. Keep this guide as a reference to always know what each symbol means.