01 / HOW TO IDENTIFY IT
Match the shape, not just the words.
Look for a square with horizontal or vertical strokes. Their position shows how to support the wet garment; the small corner slash means shade.
Two horizontal lines in the square specify flat drip drying without routine water extraction. This can leave substantially more water in the item while it dries.
02 / WHAT TO DO
The practical decision.
Use a waterproof-supported draining surface and protect furniture and floors. Keep the garment flat and inspect the label for any requirement to dry in shade.
Avoid the spin cycle when the label specifies drip drying.
03 / WHAT PEOPLE CONFUSE
One small detail changes the meaning.
A single horizontal line is ordinary flat drying; the two-line mark adds a drip-dry requirement.
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.