washable

Washable describes a material or product that can be cleaned with water and detergent without undergoing irreversible damage to its structure or appearance. The term is widely used for textiles, household goods, and some consumer products, and is typically indicated on care labels or packaging.

In textiles, washability informs how items should be cleaned. Care labels may specify machine washing, hand washing, or dry cleaning, along with water temperature, cycle type, and whether bleach or fabric softeners are appropriate. Following these guidelines helps prevent shrinkage, color loss, stretching, and other damage.

Materials vary in washability. Cotton and many synthetics are generally machine washable, while wool, silk, leather, and certain trims may require gentle handling, specialist programs, hand washing, or dry cleaning. Some items are labeled washable but not machine washable due to delicate finishes or risk of deformation.

Other uses of the term appear in products such as washable markers and paints, designed to be removed with water. In all cases, the practical meaning of washable rests on the item’s ability to be cleaned without compromising its function or integrity under typical home laundering conditions.