Drying
Tumble dry, any heat symbol
US symbol: a square with a circle and no dots – tumble dry at any heat.
- What to do
- A normal cotton programme.
- Avoid
- Still avoid over-drying – it stiffens cotton.
- Where you see it
- Cotton (US labels)
On European labels the same is: Tumble dry, normal heat
Decode the whole labelWhat to set on the machine
- Dryer
- any heat
Other drying symbols
Tumble dry, normal heatCotton, towels, beddingTumble dry, low heatSynthetics, stretch blends, sportswearDo not tumble dryWool, silk, knitwear, elastane, embellished piecesTumble 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 tumble dry, any heat symbol mean?
US symbol: a square with a circle and no dots – tumble dry at any heat.
02What should I do with the garment?
A normal cotton programme.
03What is the most common mistake?
Still avoid over-drying – it stiffens cotton.
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
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How to wash bras
How to wash polyester