Do Not Tumble Dry Symbol: Meaning and Care Instructions
Decoding the Tumble Dry Symbol
The tumble dry symbol is a small graphic found on clothing labels that provides instructions on how to safely dry the garment. It typically features a circle with a smaller circle inside, and may have additional symbols or markings to indicate specific drying conditions.
Symbol Variations and Meanings:
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**Do Not Tumble Dry:** An X over the tumble dry symbol indicates that the garment should not be put in a clothes dryer at all. It should be dried naturally instead. *
**Tumble Dry Low Heat:** A circle inside a square symbolizes a clothes dryer with one dot inside. This means the garment can be dried on a low heat setting. *
**Tumble Dry Normal Heat:** A circle inside a square with two dots inside means the garment can be dried on a normal heat setting.
Understanding the "Do Not Tumble Dry" Instruction
Certain garments should never be put in a dryer because they are made from delicate materials that can easily be damaged by the high temperatures and tumbling action of a clothes dryer. These materials include: * **Silk:** Silk is a luxurious fabric that can shrink or become damaged if exposed to high heat. It should always be dried flat or hung to dry. * **Wool:** Wool is another delicate fabric that can shrink or felt if dried on a high heat setting. It should be dried on a low heat setting or laid flat to dry.
Alternative Drying Methods
If a garment has the "Do Not Tumble Dry" symbol, there are several alternative ways to dry it safely: * **Hang to Dry:** Hang the garment on a clothesline or drying rack in a well-ventilated area. * **Drip Dry:** Place the garment on a towel or drying rack over a sink or bathtub so that the water can drip off naturally. * **Air Dry Flat:** Lay the garment flat on a towel or drying rack to air dry.
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