Read the Tumble-Dry Symbol Before Using the Dryer: Six Steps

Check the square-with-circle, dots and crossed-out symbols on a garment's care label before using the dryer. Compare the linked GINETEX and Woolmark diagrams, then follow the actual label and appliance manual.

4 min read2026-10-24

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What you need

The actual garment and its sewn-in care label
Good light to read small care symbols
Your tumble dryer's manual or program guide
Suitable alternative drying space if tumble drying is prohibited

How to

1. Find the care label sewn into the clothing and read the drying section before putting everything in the dryer. Different garments in the same load may have different limitations.
2. Look for the square marking drying instructions. A circle inside that square points to tumble drying; lines inside a square may instead concern natural drying.
3. If the square-and-circle symbol is crossed out, do not place that garment in a tumble dryer. Use an alternative drying method permitted by its own label.
4. One dot inside the circle generally indicates a milder, reduced-temperature process; two dots indicate a normal tumble-dry process. Match these limits with the appliance's documented settings.
5. Separate only dryer-eligible garments and follow the appliance capacity and cycle recommendations. Do not increase heat or drying time blindly if an item remains damp.
6. After drying, check for shrinking or damage and record any ambiguous symbols to ask the maker. Never assume the instructions from one shirt automatically apply to another item.

One more tip

A crossed-out circle inside a square means do not tumble dry. Dots indicate the drying intensity or temperature limit, but a dryer's program names may vary, so read its manual as well as the garment label. Some clothing has special coatings or trims that affect drying care. If the label is unreadable, do not choose high heat by guesswork; contact the manufacturer for guidance.

Photos, videos, and links

OriginalComparison of no-tumble-dry and mild-dry symbolsWoolmark

What you need

How to

One more tip

Photos, videos, and links

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