What does Do Not Iron mean?

Detailed explanation

The do not iron symbol (an iron icon with an X through it) is an absolute prohibition: any iron contact — even at the lowest setting — will cause permanent damage. This symbol appears most commonly on garments with heat-sensitive elements: screen-printed, heat-transfer, and flocked designs crack, peel, or delaminate under direct heat; rubber and plastic embellishments melt; sequins warp and lose their reflective coating; and certain pile fabrics such as velvet are permanently crushed by direct iron contact. Additionally, some synthetic fabrics have low enough melting points that even the lowest iron setting causes glazing.

How to follow the Do Not Iron symbol:

1. 1

   Do not use iron on this fabric

2. 2

   Use a steamer from a distance instead

3. 3

   Hang in bathroom while showering to release wrinkles

4. 4

   Or tumble dry on low for a few minutes

When does this symbol appear on care labels?

• Never iron this item — use one of these alternatives instead:
• Hang in a steamy bathroom while showering — steam relaxes fibres gently and removes light creasing
• Use a handheld garment steamer held 5–10 cm from the fabric — steam without direct contact is safe for most do-not-iron items
• Tumble dry on low heat for 10 minutes (if permitted by label) — the gentle tumbling removes most creasing effectively
• Hang immediately after washing and smooth by hand — preventing creases is always easier than removing them

Common mistakes to avoid

• Ironing over a logo, print, or graphic design at any heat setting — cracks and peels immediately
• Using a steam iron held close to the fabric as an improvised steamer — the concentrated hot steam from a steam iron is far more damaging than a handheld steamer
• "Quickly touching up" creases — there is no safe way to iron this garment; use a steamer instead

Common Materials