Machine wash, hot
An ISO 3758 washtub showing 60 °C (or three dots), indicating a maximum machine-wash water temperature of 60 °C.
What it means
The figure 60, or three dots, allows washing up to 60 °C. This is the temperature at which most household textiles are effectively hygienised, because 60 °C combined with detergent reduces common bacteria and dust-mite allergens on fabric.
What to do
Reserve 60 °C for items that genuinely benefit from it — towels, bed linen, tea towels and the laundry of anyone who is ill. Wash colourfast cottons only, and keep dyed or delicate items on a cooler cycle.
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 machine wash, hot 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 and then return to this term when the label changes the safe option.
Related terms
Sources
- ISO 3758:2012 Textiles — Care labelling code using symbols — International Organization for Standardization