Bleach Triangle Laundry Symbols: Six Checks Before Using Bleach

The empty, two-line and crossed-out bleach triangles mean different things. This six-step garment-care guide cites official GINETEX symbols and CDC product safety guidance.

3 min read2026-10-24

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OriginalCDC's bleach handling and ventilation precautionsCredit: original publisher

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What you need

Garment care label
Good lighting
Product label if you own bleach

How to

1. Locate the care label at the garment's side seam or neckline and look for a triangle.
2. An empty triangle means, under standard garment labeling, chlorine and oxygen bleach are allowed. It still does not override the product's safe-use directions.
3. Two oblique lines inside the triangle allow oxygen/non-chlorine bleach only. Avoid chlorine bleach.
4. A crossed-out triangle means do not bleach. Skip bleach on that garment and review the other care symbols.
5. Read the cleaning product's ingredient, dilution, ventilation and protection instructions. Never mix bleach with another cleaning product.
6. Bleach only if both the care label and the bleach bottle permit it and treatment is truly needed; otherwise use ordinary laundry care or consult a professional.

One more tip

A symbol permitting bleaching does not require you to bleach. Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia, acids or other cleaners. Follow dilution, ventilation and safety directions on each product. Only publisher source links are used for cover media.

What you need

How to

One more tip

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