Tumble dry safe sign

Almost all housewives check the care label before washing a new item. It contains the manufacturer's care recommendations. While we're all accustomed to symbols that prohibit or permit machine washing and inform us about the optimal water temperature, you might also see unfamiliar symbols on the label that tell you how to dry your laundry properly.

What does the "Tumble Dry Safe" symbol look like on a clothes tag? What other symbols should dryer owners be aware of? Let's explore the nuances.

Designation allowing drying without restrictions

Improper drying, like washing, can permanently ruin your favorite dress or blouse. Therefore, before throwing your laundry in the washer or dryer, be sure to read the care label. The label contains instructions on how to properly care for the item.

Today, there are almost as many drying symbols as washing symbols. And to ensure the best possible care for your garment, you'll need to decipher them. The circle in a square symbol means that the item can be tumble dried without restrictions. Moreover, the drying program will not matter – the sign informs that the fabric will withstand any treatment.

It's important not to confuse this symbol with any other design. The symbol for unlimited drying is simply a circle within a square, without any lines, dots, or other markings. In this case, the circle will be empty.

Images of drying symbols

If there is no symbol on the label that means you can tumble dry without restrictions, it means the fabric requires more careful care. Carefully study the label – there will definitely be an icon there informing you how to dry the item correctly. It may be necessary to hang the item in the shade or lay it out on a horizontal surface, avoiding the use of a drying machine.

When tumble drying is prohibited, the label will have a crossed-out circle in a square.

Let's look at what signs you can find on clothing labels that tell you about drying instructions.

• A square with a circle containing a dot. This is the symbol for drying at a maximum temperature of 40°C. This requirement is typically applied to synthetic items.
• An underlined square containing a circle with a single dot indicates that the garment should be dried at a temperature no higher than 40°C. Be sure to select the gentle cycle provided by your tumble dryer, such as "Iron Dry."
• A square with two lines underneath, a circle, and a single dot indicates the need for a gentle drying cycle. The air temperature should not exceed 40°C. In this case, be sure to use the gentlest setting available on your dryer.
• A square containing a circle with two dots inside. Tumble dry at up to 60°C. This symbol is typically found on cotton or blended items.
• An underlined square with a circle containing two dots inside indicates that the garment should be dried on a gentle cycle with the temperature in the chamber not exceeding 60°C.
• A square with a circle containing three dots indicates that the item can be tumble dried at high temperatures. This symbol can be found on children's clothing and bedding.
• A rectangle with a black circle inside. Drying is possible using a fan, without heating the fabric.
• A square with a curved line drawn at the top indicates that the garment should only be hung upright for drying; after spinning, it should be hung immediately. Do not place this garment in a dryer.
• A square with two diagonal lines in the upper left corner. Drying in the shade only. These items should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
• A rectangle with two lines in the left corner and an arc at the top indicates that clothes should only be dried vertically and in the shade.
• A square with a single line inside. This symbol can be seen on knitted, woolen, or acrylic items. This symbol indicates that the garment should only be dried flat. Therefore, immediately after washing, lay the item flat on a hard, flat surface, placing a clean sheet or towel underneath.
• A square with one line in the center and two diagonal lines in the upper left corner. This item should only be hung flat to dry in the shade. This fabric may be damaged by UV exposure.
• A rectangle with three lines. This symbol means the item must be dried without spinning. The item should be hung to dry vertically.
• A square with three straight lines down the center and two dashes in the left corner. Hang to dry, away from direct sunlight.
• A crossed-out circle in a square means that the item should not be tumble dried.
• A crossed-out twisted item. This symbol indicates that the item should not be twisted during spinning. Excess water should be gently brushed off or blotted with a terry towel.

Before washing and drying a new item, be sure to check the care label to see how the manufacturer recommends caring for the item.

You may also see unfamiliar symbols on the label, such as the letters A, P, W, or F, circled. Items with one of these symbols on the label should not be washed or dried. They should be taken to a dry cleaner.

The manufacturer's labels provide all the recommendations that are important to follow to preserve the original appearance and properties of the garments for a long time. Once you understand the nuances of all the washing, drying, and ironing instructions, caring for your clothes will become easier.

   

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