# Machine wash, hot — Laundry Care Symbol | Launderwise

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Washing

![Machine wash, hot](/images/care-symbols/machine-wash-hot.svg)

# 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 ](/blog/laundry-temperature-guide/index.md)and then return to this term when the label changes the safe option.

## Related terms

- [Machine wash, very hot](/glossary/machine-wash-very-hot/index.md)
- [Machine wash, warm](/glossary/machine-wash-warm/index.md)
- [Colourfast](/glossary/colourfast/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)