Drying
Do not tumble dry symbol
Not for the tumble dryer at any heat setting.
- What to do
- Dry on a line, a hanger or flat on a towel – check the label for a natural-drying symbol.
- Avoid
- 'Just ten minutes in the dryer' is enough to shrink a knit.
- Where you see it
- Wool, silk, knitwear, elastane, embellished pieces
What to set on the machine
- Dryer
- do not tumble dry
Other drying symbols
Tumble dry, normal heatCotton, towels, beddingTumble dry, low heatSynthetics, stretch blends, sportswearTumble dry, any heatCotton (US labels)USTumble dry, no heatDown jackets and pillows, plastic trimsUSTumble dry, permanent pressShirts, blendsUSTumble dry, delicateDelicatesUSLine dryShirts, dresses, cottonDrip dryNon-iron shirts, viscoseDry flatKnitwear, wool, cashmereDrip dry flatDelicate knits, embellished piecesDry in the shadeDarks, brights, silkLine dry (US)US labelsUSDrip dry (US)US labelsUSDo not wringWool, silk, knitsUS
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Got the whole label?
Pick all its symbols and get the washer, dryer and iron settings in one place.
Decode the labelPrintable symbol chart →01What does the do not tumble dry symbol mean?
Not for the tumble dryer at any heat setting.
02What should I do with the garment?
Dry on a line, a hanger or flat on a towel – check the label for a natural-drying symbol.
03What is the most common mistake?
'Just ten minutes in the dryer' is enough to shrink a knit.
04Can I dry it on a radiator?
Labels don't mention radiators, but direct heat harms wool and synthetics much like a dryer. Room temperature is safest.
05Why do some clothes stretch while drying?
Wet knits are heavy: hung up, they stretch under their own weight. That's why knits dry flat.
How to wash cashmere
How to wash wool
How to wash silk
How to wash a puffer jacket
How to wash a hat
How to wash white clothes
How to wash sneakers
How to wash jeans
How to wash linen
How to clean a leather jacket
How to wash bras
How to wash polyester