Dry and wet cleaning
Dry clean (P), mild symbol
P with a bar – the same solvents, but a mild process: less agitation, lower drying temperature.
- What to do
- Tell the cleaner the label asks for a mild process.
- Avoid
- A normal process can damage the lining or finish.
- Where you see it
- Embellished, embroidered or bonded pieces
What to set on the machine
- Cleaner
- Dry clean (P), mild
Other cleaning symbols
Dry cleanJackets, coats (US labels)USDry clean (P)Tailoring, suits, coats, woolDry clean (F)Coated fabrics, bonded details, leatherDry clean (F), mildDelicate coated fabricsDo not dry cleanSportswear, coated fabrics, some printsProfessional wet cleaning (W)Tailoring, coats, woolWet cleaning (W), mildDelicatesWet cleaning (W), very mildVery delicate garmentsDo not wet cleanTailoring, bonded detailsDry clean (A) – old symbolOlder garments
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 dry clean (p), mild symbol mean?
P with a bar – the same solvents, but a mild process: less agitation, lower drying temperature.
02What should I do with the garment?
Tell the cleaner the label asks for a mild process.
03What is the most common mistake?
A normal process can damage the lining or finish.
04Does the circle mean it must go to a cleaner?
No – it only says which professional cleaning the garment can take. If there's a washing symbol too, it can be washed at home.

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