Which of the following symbols represents washing care instructions for textiles?

The symbol that represents washing care instructions for textiles is indeed the bucket. This icon is universally recognized in care labels used on textiles and indicates that the fabric can be washed. The bucket symbol may also be accompanied by further details like the water temperature, agitation level, or whether the item should be hand washed or machine washed.

The reason the bucket is associated with washing is its resemblance to the action of submerging fabric in water, which is fundamental to the washing process. Care labels provide crucial information that helps maintain the longevity and appearance of garments, and understanding the symbols is essential for proper textile care.

Other symbols, such as the circle, triangle, and square, have different meanings in the context of textile care. The circle typically denotes dry cleaning instructions, the triangle is used for bleaching recommendations, and the square represents drying methods – whether to dry flat, line dry, or tumble dry. Each of these symbols serves a specific purpose, but in terms of washing instructions, the bucket is the correct symbol to follow.