From bathroom placards to “slippery when wet” signs along the highway, our day-to-day lives are filled with symbols. We decipher these ideograms hundreds of times a day without even thinking about them; however, many of these omnipresent representations still elude many of us. Most people would quickly recognize a biohazard sign, but only a select few may be able to decipher the symbol for “tumble dry at a low temperature.”

The pesky tags on the backs of our t-shirts contain an array of useful and exceedingly specific information, much of which goes unnoticed. Understanding these modern hieroglyphics may not save your life, sure, but it just might save your sweater from shrinking. Check out our guide to the basketful of symbols below.

Hand washing is the preferred cleaning method with many delicate items. The strenuous spin and undulating of the mechanical wash cycle may stretch or damage certain articles of clothing.

This setting helps minimize the risk of shrinking or fading. Delicate fabrics are more likely to be damaged by warm water, while bright colors may bleed onto other materials.

Delicate articles may be stretched or damaged by wringing.

Machine drying is harsh on clothing. Some materials are more likely to shrink at higher temperatures (especially on the first or second wash).

This item can withstand some heat.

This item can withstand the high heat setting.

Clothes with this symbol should not go in the dryer.

Alternative drying methods are used to extend the longevity of clothing. Heavier materials that easily maintain their shape when hanging wet are ideal for drip drying.

Certain items may stretch when hanging wet on a clotheslines for an extended period of time, thus drying flat helps articles maintain their original shape.

Drying articles on a clothesline is less harsh than machine drying them. Certain clothing — especially darks and bright colors — can be easily faded by the sun.

Use bleach when necessary on this item.

Use chlorine bleach when necessary on white items.

You may use a color-safe bleach on this item.

Nylons, acrylics, acetate, and other materials can only be ironed on low temperature settings. Ironing at higher temperatures can damage delicate materials.

Screen-printed shirts sometimes have this symbol, as the heat can affect the design.

Using steam might harm this article of clothing.