What does Do Not Dry Clean mean?
Quick Answer
The do not dry clean symbol (a circle with an X through it) means dry-cleaning solvents will damage the garment — do not take it to a dry cleaner. This symbol appears on some printed or coated fabrics, items with rubber or PVC elements, and washable synthetics where the solvent would dissolve coatings or bleach dyes. Follow the other wash symbols on the label for the correct home-cleaning method.
Also known as: crossed circle symbol, X through circle, no dry clean symbol, do not dry clean sign, crossed dry clean symbol
Important Warning
Dry cleaning solvents will permanently damage this item
Detailed explanation
The do not dry clean symbol (a circle with an X through it) means dry cleaning solvents will damage this garment — it must not be taken to a dry cleaner. This symbol appears on printed or pigment-dyed fabrics where solvents dissolve or discolour the dye; polyurethane-coated and PVC-laminated fabrics where solvent degrades the coating; garments with solvent-sensitive adhesive components; and certain technical fabrics and waterproof membranes where solvents break down the protective treatment. Follow the wash symbols on the same label for the correct home-cleaning method.
How to follow the Do Not Dry Clean symbol:
- 1
Do not take to dry cleaner
- 2
Dry cleaning chemicals will damage fabric
- 3
Follow washing instructions instead
- 4
Spot clean if needed
When does this symbol appear on care labels?
- Follow all other care symbols on the label — do not dry clean tells you what NOT to do, while wash symbols tell you what TO do
- For technical outerwear, wash according to label instructions and re-apply DWR waterproofing spray after washing if needed
- For coated fabrics, use a specialist technical fabric cleaner at the specified temperature
Tips and Best Practices
- Read all the symbols on the label together — this symbol prohibits one method; others specify the correct method
- For technical outerwear with waterproof coatings, use a specialist cleaner such as Nikwax or Grangers — standard detergents reduce waterproofing performance
- Spot clean minor marks with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent before resorting to a full wash
What happens if this symbol is ignored
Taking a do-not-dry-clean item to a dry cleaner results in solvent damage to the fabric, coating, or print that is typically irreversible. Coatings are stripped, prints dissolve or change colour, and construction adhesives fail.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming any professional cleaning method is safe — dry cleaning and wet cleaning are different; this symbol prohibits only dry cleaning; professional wet cleaning may be acceptable
- Dry cleaning an item because it seems too fragile to wash at home — follow the wash symbols provided on the label
Common Materials
Not sure which symbol you have?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related Dry Clean Symbols
Dry Clean - Any Solvent
Dry clean using any solvent
Dry Clean - Petroleum Solvent
Dry clean with petroleum solvent only
Dry Clean - Gentle/Petroleum
Dry clean with petroleum solvent only - gentle process
Professional Wet Clean
Professional wet cleaning recommended
Dry Clean - Any Solvent (A)
Dry clean with any solvent - standard process
Dry Clean - Gentle (A with bar)
Dry clean with any solvent - gentle process
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