We've all had the experience of trying to wash a new garment and being confused by the wash mark on the tag. It can be a horrible feeling to set the temperature and program of the washing machine and just hope for the best.

If you have only a basic understanding of laundry symbols, or simply need a refresher, we have put together a guide to finally solve this problem. Everything you need to know about laundry symbols and what they mean is here.

These "tub" symbols indicate which temperature and spin cycle to use or if the machine is washable! If these settings are not correct, they can lead to shrinkage, color fading, and other damage.

The basics are easy to understand. Temperature is indicated by the number of dots, and cycles are recommended by the number of lines under the tub. One dot is 30°C (often the "cold" setting) and two dots are 40°C (often the "warm" setting). Each additional dot adds another 10°C.

If there is one line under the symbol, it means that the garment is machine washable on the permanent press cycle. If there are two lines under it, the delicate cycle should be used. Another common symbol is a hand in a tub, which means hand wash only.

Also note tubs marked with an X, meaning do not machine wash. Such care labels may recommend dry cleaning, in which case there is a single circle.

The dry mark is just as important as the wash mark. Think of a jumper that only holds a teddy bear! It may seem a little more complicated than the laundry symbol, but it's not as scary once you know what to look for.

Clothes can be dried naturally or tumble-dried, which is what you need to decipher first. Tumble drying is marked by a circle within a square, while line drying is a line within a square. If it is suitable for tumble drying, the number of dots represents the temperature, with more dots meaning it can withstand higher temperatures. If the circle is filled in, then the drying process should be done without heat.

As with the laundry symbol, the line under the square indicates whether permanent press or delicate cycle should be used; remember to note the X mark again, as an X means that the garment should not be put in the dryer.

Bleaching instructions are also listed on the care label. A triangle means bleach can be used, a triangle marked with an X means it cannot be used, and a triangle with two diagonals means only non-chlorine bleach should be used.

Most of us try to avoid ironing at all costs! However, when ironing is absolutely necessary, the last thing we want to do is damage our clothes by ironing. These marks are easy to spot because they look like little irons. Also, as expected, they have a dot regarding temperature. Also, be wary of those with a crosshair below the little iron logo; if the X covers the entire iron, the garment should not be ironed.