01 / HOW TO IDENTIFY IT
Match the shape, not just the words.
Look for a triangle. An empty triangle, two diagonal strokes inside it, or a large cross over it have different meanings.
A crossed triangle prohibits bleaching, including oxygen-based bleach. This rule is easy to overlook when a detergent contains whitening or bleaching additives.
02 / WHAT TO DO
The practical decision.
Choose a bleach-free detergent and treat stains according to the full garment label. Avoid assuming that oxygen bleach is safe merely because it seems milder than chlorine bleach.
Bleaching may damage the colour, fibres or finish; choose a bleach-free detergent.
03 / WHAT PEOPLE CONFUSE
One small detail changes the meaning.
Compare this with the lined triangle, which allows non-chlorine bleaching, and the empty triangle, which allows any bleaching agent.
04 / AFTER YOU IDENTIFY IT
Check the rest of the tag.
The washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and professional-care instructions work together. This page interprets one symbol only; a blank or unreadable mark does not grant permission for any other treatment.
Never replace the maker’s written instructions with a guess based only on material composition or appearance. Read the complete care-label method.