Phrases › At the Clothing Store › È lavabile in lavatrice?

È lavabile in lavatrice?

Is it machine washable?

Pronunciation

'Lavabile' — 'la-VA-bi-le'. Four syllables. The 'v' is soft.

When to use it

Before buying delicate items like knitwear or silk. Dry-clean-only garments are common in Italian fashion and have extra maintenance costs.

What it means

'Lavabile' = washable (adjective from lavare). 'In lavatrice' = in the washing machine. 'A mano' = by hand. 'Solo lavaggio a secco' = dry clean only.

Variations

Si lava a mano?

Is it hand wash only?

Asking if it requires hand washing

Necessita della lavanderia?

Does it need dry cleaning?

Checking for dry-clean-only requirement

Quali sono le istruzioni di lavaggio?

What are the washing instructions?

Asking for full care instructions

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Questo maglione è lavabile in lavatrice? Commessa: È consigliato il lavaggio a mano in acqua fredda. In lavatrice a trenta gradi con il programma delicati. Cliente: Va bene, grazie per il consiglio. Commessa: Prego. Si conserva meglio così.

Customer: Is this jumper machine washable? Assistant: Hand washing in cold water is recommended. In the machine at thirty degrees on a delicates cycle. Customer: Fine, thank you for the tip. Assistant: You're welcome. It keeps better that way.

Cultural Note

Italians take garment care seriously. Many prefer hand-washing or dry-cleaning quality pieces. The label ('etichetta di composizione') is expected to have full care instructions in Italian, including symbols.

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