Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
There is no separate symbol just for the spin cycle. When you look for a spin symbol on a care label, what you are actually looking for are the bars under the washtub: no bar – normal spin, one bar – reduced spin, two bars – very gentle. An additional hint is given by the "drip" drying symbols (three vertical or two horizontal lines), which mean the item should not be wrung or spun.
Laundry symbols for spin – how to read them
In the ISO 3758 standard, the bars under the washing symbol describe the whole process – how hard the drum turns during washing and how hard the garment is spun at the end. That is why you do not need to look for a separate spin speed symbol. It is enough to look at what is under the washtub.
| Symbol | Process | Spin in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Washtub without a bar | Normal | Full spin according to the cotton programme |
| Washtub with one bar | Gentle | Reduced speed, usually as on a synthetics programme |
| Washtub with two bars | Very gentle | Low speed or a short spin, as on a wool programme |
| Washtub with a hand | Hand wash | No wringing; water is removed by gentle pressing |
The standard does not give exact revolutions per minute, because washing machines differ in drum diameter and programmes. That is why you will see bars on the label, not a number such as 800 or 1200.
Drying symbols that say "no spin"
The natural drying square also carries information about wringing:
- Three vertical lines in the square – the item is hung up wet, without wringing (drip dry). This is a sign to switch off the spin or reduce it to a minimum.
- Two horizontal lines – dry flat, wet, without wringing. Found on knits and delicate fabrics.
- One vertical or horizontal line – normal line drying or flat drying after a normal spin.
Why the spin matters for the garment
A strong spin removes water, but it also stretches the fibres, creates creases and wears the surface. With some fabrics the consequences are permanent.
Fabrics that do not like a high spin
- Wool and cashmere – the fibres felt with a combination of heat, water and friction.
- Viscose and modal – they are weaker when wet and become distorted.
- Silk – loses its sheen and creases permanently.
- Finished synthetics – develop creases that are hard to smooth out.
- Products with elastic or elastane – lose their stretch with repeated strong pulling.
Jersey and knits
Knitted fabrics are particularly sensitive, because the loops stretch easily. A high spin can lengthen a jumper or twist the side seams so the garment "spirals" after washing. That is why knits often combine two bars under the washtub with flat drying.
Fabrics that can take it
Cotton towels, bed linen, jeans and heavy cotton products are usually washed without a bar under the washtub and can take a full spin. This also shortens drying time and, with a tumble dryer, reduces energy use. If the jeans contain elastane, however, a moderate spin is sensible.
Practical washing machine settings
Most washing machines let you reduce the spin speed manually. Here are sensible guidelines when the label shows bars:
- One bar – choose the synthetics programme or manually reduce the spin to a medium setting.
- Two bars – a wool or delicates programme at a low speed.
- Three vertical lines in the drying square – switch off the spin or use drain only.
- Mixed loads – set according to the most delicate garment in the drum.
Common buyer questions and how to prevent them
Many complaints about shrunken or distorted garments come from misunderstanding the bars under the washtub. The buyer sees "40 °C" and runs the cotton programme with a full spin, without noticing the line underneath. Brands can reduce this risk in several ways:
- Print the symbols large enough for the bars to remain clearly visible even after several washes.
- Add a short text under the symbols, such as "Delicate programme" or "Low spin", in the language of the market.
- Explain the symbols on the hang tag or on their website, especially for expensive knits and woollens.
- Avoid placing text and symbols at the edge of the label, where the print wears fastest from friction.
These measures cost nothing extra if they are planned at the label design stage, and they save a lot of explaining after the sale.
What the manufacturer should bear in mind
For the brand, choosing the bars is part of sample testing. It is a good idea to wash a sample on the planned regime and check whether the dimensions, collar shape, seams and face of the fabric stay unchanged. Details require special attention: labels, appliqués, fused interlinings and embroidery. If these distort with a full spin, at least one bar must be shown on the care and composition label.
The label itself must also withstand the process. Printing on satin or taffeta is done with textile inks, and the edges are cut so they do not fray. For products that undergo frequent and intensive processing, such as workwear, some brands prefer textile labels made from a denser tape.
Labels with the right symbols from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of clothing accessories with over 30 years of experience. We help arrange the symbols and composition and print care labels with your logo, with a sample before the run and delivery within the EU. Send an inquiry via our contact page.
