What does the “do not steam” sign mean (iron with a cross at the bottom): explanation and care recommendations

Having noticed a pictogram in the form of an iron with a cross at the bottom on a clothing label, you need to conclude that the item is extremely delicate. This is what the icon means: do not steam, steaming is prohibited, iron without steaming. Obviously, hot steam can damage the fabric or decorative elements on the product.

Recommendations

Steaming is usually presented as a gentle alternative to ironing. The procedure allows you to avoid contact of the heated sole of the iron with the product. The steam evens out the fabric surface from a distance.

Steaming makes it possible to smooth out wrinkles on the smallest parts, including decorative elements, the coating of which may be damaged by direct contact with hot ceramics. But there is also the other side of the coin:

1. The product cannot be treated with steam in a single spot.
2. Wet steam can cause decorative elements and sealing adhesive inserts to peel off. In addition, when using it, the item may shrink unevenly.
3. Dry steam with a temperature of 140-160 degrees can harm very thin and delicate fabrics.

What does it look like

The icon looks a lot like a crossed out iron if you don't look closely. But these are two different signs that need to be distinguished.

A crossed out iron is another sign that prohibits ironing the item.

The “do not steam” icon contains the recognizable features of steam - two or three stripes at the bottom of the iron.Pictogram options:

It is worth clarifying that in reality this symbol is practically never found on clothing. Instead, the manufacturer provides a clarifying inscription in English at the bottom of the symbols on the label: Do not steam iron or briefly no steam, which means you can't iron it with steam.

Examples:

What not to do

Obviously, if the manufacturer does not recommend steaming a product, you should listen. You need to turn off the steam function when ironing, and also stop using a vertical steam generator.

In addition, you should carefully study other symbols and inscriptions on the tag, and, if necessary, translate them into Russian using an online translator (app on your phone for reading inscriptions in English from a photo). Often things that cannot be steamed require a more delicate attitude in other ways.

What can you do

Often, clothes that cannot be steamed can be ironed at the desired temperature. Please refer to the label for detailed information and care instructions. You may find that:

• The product can only be ironed from the inside out (Iron on reverse (wrong) side only).
• The item can be ironed, but avoid areas with print or decorative trim. (Do not iron print (decoration)).

Questions and answers on the topic

Olga

Question to the expert

How do you know that an item cannot be steamed if the tag is cut off?

As a rule, steaming is prohibited for products containing an adhesive finish, made from crinkled fabrics, very thin, almost weightless cotton, silk, polyester, some types of velor and velvet.

How to iron something without using a steamer or iron?

Products that are prohibited from ironing and steaming are stored strictly on hangers, treated with care, and taken to dry cleaning for care. But if washing and ironing at home is allowed, you can carefully shake off slightly damp clothes and hang them on hangers to dry. Then there will be no significant creases on it, and after drying, ironing and steaming will not be required.

The ability to decipher pictograms from labels on clothes is a valuable skill for any housewife. By following the manufacturer's recommendations, you can keep your product looking fresh for many years. The “do not steam” sign is a rare guest on clothing labels, and if it is included, then you should not ignore it. It is necessary to smooth the item in a different way.