# Do not machine wash — Laundry Care Symbol | Launderwise

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Washing

![Do not machine wash](/images/care-symbols/do-not-machine-wash.svg)

# Do not machine wash

An ISO 3758 washtub crossed out, indicating the garment must not be washed in water by any method, whether by machine or by hand.

## What it means

A cross through the washtub is an absolute prohibition on wet cleaning. Water would shrink, distort or dissolve the construction, so the item must be cleaned another way — usually professionally, as shown by the accompanying circle symbol.

## What to do

Do not put the item in water. Check for a dry-clean circle on the same label and take it to a professional cleaner, or spot-clean carefully if no wet method is allowed at all.

## How to use this term

Use this washing symbol before choosing water temperature, cycle intensity or whether the item should go in the machine at all.

- Read do not machine wash with the other symbols on the same care label; the strictest symbol wins.
- Match the instruction to the garment's most fragile part, including trims, lining, prints and finishes.
- If the label, fabric behaviour and stain method disagree, test a hidden area or choose the lower-risk route.

### Common mistake

Do not upgrade to a hotter or heavier cycle because the stain looks stubborn; the strictest care symbol still sets the limit.

For the broader method, use the [Laundry temperature guide ](/blog/laundry-temperature-guide/index.md)and then return to this term when the label changes the safe option.

## Related terms

- [Dry clean](/glossary/dry-clean/index.md)
- [Professional wet cleaning (W)](/glossary/professional-wet-cleaning/index.md)
- [Do not dry clean](/glossary/do-not-dry-clean/index.md)

## Sources

- [ISO 3758:2012 Textiles — Care labelling code using symbols ](https://www.iso.org/standard/42918.html)— International Organization for Standardization

[ Back to the full glossary](/glossary/index.md)