What does an empty triangle mean on a care label?

An empty triangle permits any type of bleach, including chlorine or oxygen bleach, when needed.

Does an empty triangle mean I have to use bleach?

No. It gives permission to use bleach; it does not recommend or require it.

Can I use chlorine bleach with a plain triangle?

Yes, the plain triangle permits chlorine bleach. Follow the bleach product's directions and use it only when needed.

How can I tell an empty triangle from a faded crossed triangle?

Look for two lines meeting to form an X over the triangle and continuing beyond its border. A true empty triangle has an uninterrupted outline and a blank center.

Any bleach when needed

You can use any bleach, chlorine or oxygen, when needed.

What to do

If bleach is needed, use chlorine or oxygen bleach as the product directions allow.

What to avoid

This triangle permits bleach but does not require it. Follow the product directions; dilution is not universal.

How to spot it on a label

Find the triangle in the second position on the label, just after the wash symbol. This version is empty, with no parallel diagonal lines inside and no pair of crossing strokes extending through its outline. Bleaching has only three symbols, but the empty and crossed triangles are easy to confuse at tag size, so check that the center is truly blank.

Easy to confuse with

Any bleach when needed
Non-chlorine (oxygen) bleach only

Check the mark

Count the marks inside the triangle. This one has none; the non-chlorine symbol has two parallel diagonal lines inside it.
Any bleach when needed
Do not bleach

Check the mark

Trace any marks over the triangle. The do-not-bleach symbol has an X formed by two lines that meet over the center and continue through the outline; this triangle has no marks at all.

On a real label

White cotton dress shirt

Read together: Machine wash hot, use any bleach if needed, tumble dry at medium heat, and iron on high.

White cotton bath towel

Read together: Machine wash at no more than 60°C, use any bleach if needed, tumble dry at medium heat, and iron on high.

Category: Bleaching
Appears on: US and international labels

Related symbols

Common questions

What does an empty triangle mean on a care label?: An empty triangle permits any type of bleach, including chlorine or oxygen bleach, when needed.
Does an empty triangle mean I have to use bleach?: No. It gives permission to use bleach; it does not recommend or require it.
Can I use chlorine bleach with a plain triangle?: Yes, the plain triangle permits chlorine bleach. Follow the bleach product's directions and use it only when needed.
How can I tell an empty triangle from a faded crossed triangle?: Look for two lines meeting to form an X over the triangle and continuing beyond its border. A true empty triangle has an uninterrupted outline and a blank center.

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