Machine wash, warm
An ISO 3758 washtub showing 40 °C (or two dots), indicating a maximum machine-wash water temperature of 40 °C.
What it means
The figure 40, or two dots, caps the wash at 40 °C — a middle ground that lifts everyday body soil and light grease better than 30 °C while still being gentle on most colours and synthetics.
What to do
Use a 40 °C cycle for mixed everyday loads such as shirts, underwear and lightly soiled cottons. Do not exceed 40 °C, as hotter water can shrink or fade fabrics labelled for this temperature.
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, warm 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