# Machine wash, permanent press — Laundry Care Symbol | Launderwise

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Washing

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

# Machine wash, permanent press

An ISO 3758 washtub with a single bar beneath it, calling for a reduced (gentle) mechanical action, sometimes labelled permanent press or synthetics.

## What it means

The single underline tells the machine to ease off: shorter agitation, a lower spin speed and a cool-down rinse. This protects synthetics and easy-care finishes from creasing and from the abrasion of a full-strength cottons cycle.

## What to do

Choose your machine's synthetics, easy-care or permanent-press programme, which automatically applies the reduced action. Do not overload the drum, because crease resistance depends on the clothes having room to move.

## 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, permanent press 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, normal](/glossary/machine-wash-normal/index.md)
- [Machine wash, delicate](/glossary/machine-wash-delicate/index.md)
- [Permanent press](/glossary/permanent-press/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)