What does a crossed-out washtub mean?

It forbids washing in water by machine or hand. It does not give a reason or authorize professional cleaning; an item may be wet-treatment-sensitive or simply unsuitable for domestic washing because of its size. Follow the remaining care marks and written instructions.

Does do not wash always mean dry clean only?

No. The crossed tub only prohibits washing. A separate professional-care circle determines whether a dry- or wet-cleaning process is allowed, so read every remaining care mark before choosing one.

Can I hand wash a do-not-wash garment?

No. Hand washing is still washing in water. The label would show a hand in an uncrossed tub if hand washing were permitted.

Is a crossed washtub the same as do not tumble dry?

No. A crossed washtub is the first symbol and forbids washing. Do not tumble dry is a crossed circle inside a square in the drying position.

Do not wash

Do not wash this, by machine or by hand. Check the remaining care symbols for any permitted method.

Prohibition: this is a “do not” symbol

What to do

Keep it out of domestic washing. Follow only the care methods permitted by the rest of the label.

What to avoid

The mark does not say why washing is unsuitable; size alone can be a reason. It does not require dry cleaning.

How to spot it on a label

The washing instruction is the first symbol at the left of the care row. Confirm a large diagonal X crosses the washtub itself from corner to corner; do not confuse the crossing strokes with a hand inside an otherwise uncrossed tub.

Easy to confuse with

Do not wash
Machine wash, normal

Check the mark

Trace both diagonal strokes across the tub: this symbol has a complete X, while the normal tub has no overlay.
Do not wash
Hand wash only

Check the mark

Look for the second diagonal stroke: a complete X crosses this tub, while hand wash shows a single hand shape entering it.

On a real label

Structured wool blazer

Read together: Do not wash, bleach, or tumble dry. Iron only on low; the separate P symbol permits professional P-solvent dry cleaning.

Pleated acetate skirt

Read together: Do not wash, bleach, tumble dry, or iron. The separate P circle permits professional P-solvent dry cleaning.

Category: Washing
Appears on: US and international labels

Related symbols

Common questions

What does a crossed-out washtub mean?: It forbids washing in water by machine or hand. It does not give a reason or authorize professional cleaning; an item may be wet-treatment-sensitive or simply unsuitable for domestic washing because of its size. Follow the remaining care marks and written instructions.
Does do not wash always mean dry clean only?: No. The crossed tub only prohibits washing. A separate professional-care circle determines whether a dry- or wet-cleaning process is allowed, so read every remaining care mark before choosing one.
Can I hand wash a do-not-wash garment?: No. Hand washing is still washing in water. The label would show a hand in an uncrossed tub if hand washing were permitted.
Is a crossed washtub the same as do not tumble dry?: No. A crossed washtub is the first symbol and forbids washing. Do not tumble dry is a crossed circle inside a square in the drying position.

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