How many times do you throw in your clothes into the washing machine, only to realize some colors have bled, or a dress has shrunk.. and other washing disasters.

Worry not, we’ve got you. Here are the most commonly used care label symbols, and what each of them mean.

Preserving your clothes is a win-win proposition. Easy on the pocket, good for the environment, and you get to keep your favorite clothes for longer! And while it may not always be easy to figure what each symbol means, this slideshow covers the most commonly used care labels for easy reference. Make sure to save it for future use!