# Machine wash, normal — Laundry Care Symbol | Launderwise

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Washing

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

# Machine wash, normal

The basic ISO 3758 washtub symbol with no bar beneath it, meaning the garment can be machine washed on a normal (unrestricted) mechanical action, spin and rinse.

## What it means

A plain washtub icon represents the standard wash process. The number inside the tub, when present, is the maximum water temperature in degrees Celsius; an absence of any bar under the tub signals that normal agitation, normal spinning and normal rinsing are all allowed.

## What to do

Wash the item in a regular cottons or mixed cycle at or below the stated temperature. No special gentleness is required, so you can fill the drum to its rated load and use a standard spin speed.

## 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, normal 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, permanent press](/glossary/machine-wash-permanent-press/index.md)
- [Machine wash, delicate](/glossary/machine-wash-delicate/index.md)
- [Do not machine wash](/glossary/do-not-machine-wash/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)