Care Instructions

When Washing or Ironing at Home

If washing or ironing at home, follow the strength indicated by the symbols below, and wash or iron within a range weaker than the symbol.

Forsymbols that represent both machine wash and hand wash, numbers like 30 or 40 may be combined, indicating the upper limit temperature of the detergent. Handling clothes with greater (higher) strength than indicated may potentially damage them, so caution is advised.

Home Washing Symbols Guide

Representative Hand Washing Methods

Fold the garment with the soiled part facing outward, and wash by repeatedly pressing or floating the garment in the washing liquid, being careful not to deform it.

Swing Washing: Suitable for thin woven fabrics like blouses

Soak the garment in the washing liquid, gently pinch both ends in the washing bucket, and swing it back and forth.

When Using Bleach

For household bleach, there are generally two types: chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach.

Check the "bleaching symbol" on the garment or the accompanying terms to determine the suitable bleach type.

When using bleach, be sure to follow the usage, precautions, and usage conditions listed on the bleach.

Types of Bleach	Chlorine Bleach	Oxygen Bleach
Types of Bleach
Features	Suitable only for whites, with limited material compatibility.	Powder type Generally suitable for whites and colored patterns, but some materials may be incompatible.	Liquid type Generally suitable for whites and colored patterns, some can be used for wool and silk.
Compatibility with Bleaching Symbols	○	○	○
	×	○ (wool or silk ×)	○
	×	×	×

Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach packaging example

An oxygen bleach suitable for colored and patterned fabrics.

Packaging is labeled with phrases such as "Oxygen bleach" or "Suitable for colored and patterned fabrics."

Note that powdered types are not suitable for wool or silk.

Bleach-Containing Detergent

For products with the indication of "... containing bleach," bleach-containing detergents should not be used.

Check the ingredient list and usage information on the detergent.

When Drying

Tumble drying at home (machine drying)

If there is a tumble drying symbol, you can use a home tumble dryer. The "･" indicates the drying temperature.

Symbols for using home tumble dryers

sets the heater to "strong (high)"

sets the heater to "weak (low)"

Tumble Dryer

A clothing drying machine that rotates laundry inside the apparatus while using warm air for drying. In Japan, this category includes integrated washing and drying machines as well as rotary-type clothing dryers.

Material and Drying temperature

Synthetic fibers such as nylon have low heat resistance, so care must be taken when drying them.

Take it out immediately after drying.

Knits and jerseys such as sweaters, polo shirts, and T-shirts tend to shrink, so check the labels.

Natural Drying Symbols and Methods (Outdoor or Indoor Drying)

Hanging Drying

Hang the garment on a hanger or other device after spinning.

Flat Drying

Spread the garment on a flat surface after spinning.

Drip Drying

If there are two lines, dry without wringing out after spinning, or lightly remove excess water with a towel.

Shade Drying

If there is a diagonal line, avoid direct sunlight and dry in the shade.

When Sending to a Cleaning Shop

Symbols marked with, such as,andindicate handling instructions for Professional cleaning (cleaning shops).

andare the types of organic solvents for dry cleaning.

indicates wet cleaning.

If you have, you can request that your laundry be washed in water at a dry cleaners, even if prohibits home washing.

Delicate items, large items, or those with concerns about deformation are better handled by professionals to minimize damage from water washing, drying, and ironing.

Common Cleaning Shop Washing Methods in Japan

Dry Cleaning

Using organic solvents like perchloroethylene to clean items prone to deformation when washed with water.

Wet Cleaning

A specialized water wash and finish performed by experts.

Laundry (No specific symbol)

This involves washing items such as dress shirts and sheets at high temperatures under the supervision of a specialist.