# Machine wash, warm — Laundry Care Symbol | Launderwise

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Washing

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

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

## Related terms

- [Machine wash, cold](/glossary/machine-wash-cold/index.md)
- [Machine wash, hot](/glossary/machine-wash-hot/index.md)
- [Machine wash, normal](/glossary/machine-wash-normal/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)