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What does 30 with two lines under it mean?

A clear, label-first answer: the tub symbol with 30 and two bars means machine-wash at up to 30°C on a very gentle program, with minimal spin and a small load. See how it differs from dots and tumble-dry symbols, and how to wash safely.

By Talk About Sleep editorial team · 2026-10-24

Neatly folded delicate garments on a white bed with a softly lit washer blurred in the background in soft lavender and deep plum accents

It means machine-wash at a maximum of 30°C on a very gentle cycle. The number sets the upper water temperature, and the two bars under the tub require reduced mechanical action with little or no spin and a small load size (LLOYD laundry symbols; Bosch washing symbols).

What the 30 with two lines means, precisely

On care labels that use the international system, the washtub icon shows wash instructions. A number inside (here 30) is the maximum wash temperature in degrees Celsius. Lines under the tub modify how gentle the process must be: one line means gentle; two lines mean extra-gentle. For two lines, select a particularly mild program such as Wool/Delicates, avoid or minimize spin, and reduce the drum fill (about one-third is advised) (LLOYD laundry symbols). Bosch further notes two bars indicate an extra-gentle wash and to avoid the spin cycle if possible (Bosch washing symbols).

Dots, bars and dryer symbols: don’t mix them up

Number vs dots in the tub: Some labels show numbers (e.g., 30). Others use dots. One dot in the tub corresponds to cold/low temperature up to about 30°C (Bosch washing symbols).
Bars under the tub: Lines indicate how gentle the wash should be. Two bars = extra-gentle program with low mechanical action (LLOYD laundry symbols).
Tumble-dry symbols are different: Drying uses a square; a circle inside the square means tumble drying. Dots inside that circle indicate dryer heat, and lines under the square indicate gentle dryer programs. These are separate from the wash symbol and must be followed if present (Bosch washing symbols).

Close up sewn care label showing a washtub symbol with two lines underneath on neutral fabric

How to wash an item with 30 and two lines

Set temperature: Choose 30°C as the maximum water temperature.
Pick the program: Select Delicates, Gentle or Wool. These reduce agitation to meet the two-bar requirement; avoid or use the lowest possible spin (Bosch washing symbols; LLOYD laundry symbols).
Load lightly: For two bars, keep the drum roughly one-third full to reduce stress on fibers (LLOYD laundry symbols).
Use mild detergent: A detergent suitable for delicates or wool supports gentle cleaning.
Protect the fabric: Close zips, use a mesh bag for fine knits or trims, and turn delicate items inside out.

Before you press Start: 30°C with two lines checklist

Temperature set to 30°C (or the machine’s 30/cold setting)
Program set to Delicates/Gentle/Wool with low or no spin
Drum only one-third full; delicate items in mesh bags
Checked the rest of the label for bleach, dry and iron symbols
Used a mild detergent; no harsh bleaches unless allowed

Drying and finishing: follow the rest of the label

After washing, look for drying symbols. If the label shows the tumble-dry square with a circle, follow the dots for heat and any underline for a gentle dryer program. If tumble drying is crossed out, air dry instead. Flat-dry symbols help knits keep their shape (Bosch washing symbols).

Vector illustration of a delicate ivory blouse draped into an open front loading washing machine on an unlabeled delicates setting with a wooden hanger on the rim calm editorial view

Common pitfalls to avoid

Exceeding 30°C: The number is a maximum, not a suggestion (LLOYD laundry symbols).
Choosing a normal cycle: Two bars require extra-gentle action. Use Delicates/Wool and reduce spin, or avoid spinning if possible (Bosch washing symbols).
Overfilling the drum: For the two-bar mark, keep the load small to protect fibers (LLOYD laundry symbols).
Confusing wash bars with dryer bars: Lines under the tub govern washing; lines under the dryer square govern tumble drying. Always read the whole label (Bosch washing symbols).

Short FAQ

Does 30 with two lines mean hand wash only?

No. It specifies machine washing at up to 30°C on an extra-gentle program. Only a hand-in-tub symbol means hand wash (Bosch washing symbols).

Can I use the spin cycle?

Two bars call for very low mechanical action. Avoid spin if possible; if your machine requires it, select the lowest speed (Bosch washing symbols; LLOYD laundry symbols).