Do you know what each of those symbols mean on the care label of that shirt you’re about to wash?

All new U.S. garments sold in the U.S. are required to have a care label...

...and some of them skip the words and just use the symbols. Here’s what they mean:

• The first one is usually a container of water with a temperature in there. That means it can safely be washed in cold, warm or hot water – depending on the number.

• The next one is the triangle – that refers to bleach. You’ll often see an X through that triangle which means SKIP the bleach.

• The 3rd symbol is a square with a circle in it. That represents your dryer. Again, if there’s an X through it – you’ll have to hang it up or lay flat to dry.

• The next symbol is an iron – and indicates whether you’re allowed to use one.

• The last symbol is a circle with a P in there. That lets you know it’s safe to go ahead and let the dry cleaner deal with that garment – assuming there’s no X through it.