What does the drying sign on clothes mean (square on the tag): explanation and care recommendations

The drying icon on clothes is a square in various variations, the general meaning of which is spinning and drying.

Recommendations

Before sending a new item for washing, you need to study the meaning of the symbols on the clothing tag. It is necessary to carefully read every detail of the sign, since it is these little things that determine whether it is possible to use machine drying, twist the item, and even how to place it on the clothesline.

What does it look like

An empty square is a drying icon; it can be supplemented with other elements. Each such sign contains certain recommendations:

• A square with a strikethrough – usually appears in tandem with the “do not wash” sign. This means that the item cannot be washed or dried.
• Square with a horizontal stripe – drying is allowed only in a horizontal form.
• A square with two horizontal stripes - the item can be dried, but cannot be twisted.
• A square with one vertical stripe – clothes can be hung on a rope or on hangers.
• A square with two vertical stripes - dry without squeezing.
• If, in addition to horizontal or vertical stripes, there is a pair of diagonal lines in the left corner of the square, then the item should be protected from direct sunlight.
• A square with a circle inside – machine drying is allowed.
• A square with a circle inside and a dot (1-3 dots) – designation of the drying temperature in increasing order.Three dots – the highest temperature.
• A horizontal line under a square with a circle inside - the thing requires delicate handling. Two stripes on the label - very delicate mode.
• Crossed out icon – procedures in the automatic machine are prohibited.
• A square with an arc on top - the item requires drying in a vertical position.
• Three lines diagonally inside the square - the item requires drying in the shade.
• A square with three vertical stripes means the item should be dried without prior spinning.

Olga

Question to the expert

What not to do

You must always adhere to the requirements indicated on the laundry label.

• You cannot dry an item in a horizontal position if the tag indicates vertical drying and vice versa. Otherwise, the item will be deformed in size and stretch or, conversely, “shrink.”


• Do not tumble dry clothes if there is a prohibition symbol on the label. The item may become deformed, change in size, and strings may appear on it.


• Do not expose brightly colored fabrics to direct sunlight as the colors will quickly fade. Wool should also not be placed in the sun, as it quickly becomes deformed from its aggressive effects.

What can you do

The tips below will help you dry your clothes without warping them:

• If the machine provides a delicate spin, the item must be carefully folded, wrapped in a dry towel and placed in a fabric bag. Then dry the item at low speed.


• If machine drying is strictly not recommended on the clothing label, wrap the wet item in a dry terry towel and gently wring it out by hand. Loose pile will absorb excess moisture.


• Any item will dry quickly in warm, windy weather, or in a room with good air permeability.


• Before rinsing, it is useful to drop a little vinegar into the water: it will help preserve the brightness of the colors when drying, and will prevent the item from “fading” in the sun.

The drying stage is no less important than the washing process, since the appearance of the washed item depends on it. Proper drying will help avoid fabric deformation, loss of colors, and extend the life of your favorite clothes.