01 / HOW TO IDENTIFY IT
Match the shape, not just the words.
Look for a square enclosing a circle. Dots indicate dryer heat; a diagonal cross prohibits the machine tumble-drying process.
The crossed circle inside a square means the garment must not be placed in a tumble dryer. Heat, tumbling action, or both may be unsuitable.
02 / WHAT TO DO
The practical decision.
Look for a separate square with lines describing line, drip or flat drying. If no alternative drying mark appears, seek the manufacturer’s full instructions rather than guessing that a radiator or hot air is safe.
Tumbling or dryer heat may shrink, warp, weaken or otherwise damage the garment.
03 / WHAT PEOPLE CONFUSE
One small detail changes the meaning.
Do not confuse “do not tumble dry” with “do not dry”; the first forbids the machine dryer, not all methods of drying.
04 / AFTER YOU IDENTIFY IT
Check the rest of the tag.
The washing, bleaching, drying, ironing and professional-care instructions work together. This page interprets one symbol only; a blank or unreadable mark does not grant permission for any other treatment.
Never replace the maker’s written instructions with a guess based only on material composition or appearance. Read the complete care-label method.