What does Do Not Tumble Dry mean?

Detailed explanation

The do not tumble dry symbol (a square with a crossed-out circle) is an absolute prohibition: the combination of heat and mechanical tumbling in any dryer will damage this garment. Wool and cashmere felt irreversibly under heat and mechanical agitation. Silk develops heat-set wrinkles and a permanent rough texture. Loosely knitted or crocheted garments distort badly under tumbling forces. Items with glued or taped seams — particularly waterproof outerwear — have seam tape that melts in a dryer. Structured garments collapse when internal fusing elements are exposed to heat and moisture simultaneously.

How to follow the Do Not Tumble Dry symbol:

1. 1

   Do not place this item in a tumble dryer under any circumstances

   not even on the no-heat or air-fluff setting

2. 2

   Remove excess water without wringing

   roll the garment in a clean dry towel and press firmly along the roll, or allow it to drain in the basin before handling

3. 3

   For knitwear

   lay flat on a clean dry towel on a flat surface; use your hands to reshape to the original dimensions immediately while the fabric is still damp

4. 4

   For silk and structured garments

   hang on a padded or shaped hanger, or lay flat, as directed by the other drying symbols on the label

5. 5

   Dry in good air circulation

   near an open window or with a fan running nearby; avoid direct heat sources such as radiators, fan heaters, or sunny windowsills

6. 6

   Flip flat-drying items every 2–3 hours so the underside dries evenly; knitwear trapped against a surface stays damp on the underside much longer

7. 7

   Plan washing time in advance

   air-dried items take several hours; do not wash a do-not-tumble-dry item the evening before you need it

When does this symbol appear on care labels?

• Always use an alternative drying method — check other symbols on the label (line dry, dry flat, drip dry)
• For all natural-fibre knitwear — wool, cashmere, and merino
• For silk and fine woven delicates
• For most waterproof and DWR-coated technical outerwear (some technical garments are an exception — always check the full label)
• For items with embellishments, prints, or bonded/laminated layers

Common mistakes to avoid

• Putting the item in the dryer "just for five minutes to remove creases" — even the briefest heated cycle causes irreversible damage to wool and silk
• Hanging heavy wet knitwear on a hanger rather than laying it flat — the wet weight stretches the shoulders and body out of shape permanently
• Drying directly on a radiator — localised high heat is as damaging as a tumble dryer
• Not planning drying time — washing a do-not-tumble-dry item the evening before you need it often leaves insufficient drying time

Common Materials