How to Read Laundry Care Labels for Children’s Clothing
If you’ve ever stood in the laundry room staring at a tiny tag full of symbols, you’re not alone. Laundry care labels can feel confusing—but when it comes to children’s clothing, understanding them can make a big difference.
Proper care helps clothes last longer, stay softer, and keep their shape and color—especially important for the organic and sustainably made pieces you love. Let’s break down what those symbols actually mean and how to care for kids’ clothes with confidence.
Why Laundry Care Labels Matter—Especially for Kids
Following care labels helps:
- Prevent shrinking (a big one with kids’ clothes!)
- Preserve softness and breathability
- Keep colors vibrant and prints intact
- Extend the life of hand-me-down-worthy pieces
- Reduce unnecessary waste by caring for clothing properly
In short: reading the label is one of the easiest ways to shop—and live—more sustainably.
The Four Main Laundry Care Symbols to Know
Most care labels are made up of four basic categories. You don’t need to memorize everything—just understand the basics.
1. Washing (The Bucket Symbol)
This tells you how and at what temperature to wash the garment.
- Cold wash (30°C / 86°F): Best for organic cotton, prints, and everyday kids’ wear
- Warm wash: For sturdier items like denim or sweatshirts
- Hand wash only: Extra-delicate items (often dresses or special pieces)
- Do not wash: Rare for kids’ clothing, but always check!
Green Crib Tip: Cold water is gentler on fabrics and uses less energy—win-win.
2. Bleaching (The Triangle Symbol)
This symbol tells you whether bleach is safe.
- Empty triangle: Bleach is allowed (rare for kids’ clothes)
- Triangle with lines: Non-chlorine bleach only
- Crossed-out triangle: Do not bleach
Most children’s clothing—especially organic pieces—should never be bleached, as it can weaken fibers and fade colors.
3. Drying (The Square Symbol)
Dryers can be tough on kids’ clothes, so this one matters.
- Tumble dry low: Common for everyday items
- Line dry / lay flat: Best for delicate fabrics and knits
- Do not tumble dry: Helps prevent shrinking and wear
Green Crib Tip: Air-drying kids’ clothes not only protects them—it often keeps them looking new longer (and uses less energy).
4. Ironing (The Iron Symbol)
This shows how much heat (if any) the garment can handle.
- One dot: Low heat
- Two dots: Medium heat
- Three dots: High heat
- Crossed-out iron: Do not iron
Many kids’ clothes don’t need ironing—especially soft cotton knits and playwear.
Common Laundry Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Even with the best intentions, these mistakes happen often:
- ❌ Washing everything on hot “just to be safe”
- ❌ Tossing delicate items in the dryer
- ❌ Ignoring labels on special pieces
- ❌ Using harsh detergents on sensitive fabrics
Instead:
- Wash similar fabrics together
- Use gentle, fragrance-free detergents
- Turn clothes inside out to protect prints
- When in doubt, choose cold wash + low dry (or air dry)
Caring for Clothes = Caring for the Planet
Taking the time to follow care labels helps your child’s clothes last longer, reduces the need for replacements, and supports a more sustainable lifestyle—values we care deeply about at The Green Crib & Kid.
Thoughtful care means:
- Fewer clothes in landfills
- Less water and energy used
- More opportunities to pass pieces down or resell
Small steps in the laundry room really do add up.
Final Takeaway
Laundry care labels may be small, but they’re mighty. Understanding them helps you protect your child’s clothing, your investment, and the planet—all while making laundry day a little less stressful.
Have questions about caring for a specific item? We’re always happy to help—because kids’ clothes should be made to play, and made to last.