The dots in the tumble drying symbol
Short answer: The dots in the circle show how hot you may tumble. One dot means low heat, two dots mean normal heat, and no dots mean the heat is free. If the circle is crossed, the item must not go in the tumble dryer at all.
One dot is the gentle one
Low heat takes longer, but it strains elastic, print and colour far less than high heat does. If you are unsure, choose low heat, even when the label allows more. See bamboo bedding and read the label, so you know exactly what applies to your item.
Two dots are the normal programme
Normal heat is used for ordinary cotton and robust fabrics that can take it. If the label has two dots, you can use a normal programme, but you do not have to go that high. See sleepwear and period underwear and compare the care labels.
No dots mean free heat
An empty circle without dots means tumble drying is allowed without a fixed limit on heat. That is not the same as high heat being best. Here too a gentle programme is an advantage, if you do not need the clothes fully dry quickly.
A cross means no tumbling at all
If the circle is crossed, the item must air dry. The heat in the machine can ruin the fabric, and the damage is rarely fixable. That also covers short dryer programmes and cold programmes, unless the label says otherwise. Lay the item on a rack or hang it up.
Underline on the circle
A line under the square with the circle means a gentle programme, and two lines mean very gentle. This is about how hard the machine's movement is, not about heat, which the dots control. Read both messages together and choose the programme that satisfies both.
What happens at too much heat
Elastic loses its spring, and the fabric can shrink more than it otherwise would. Printed designs can turn brittle, and colour can become weaker. The damage is often gradual, so you notice it only after several washes. That is why it is wisest to keep the heat low from the start.
Tumble briefly, then hang
A short time on low heat makes the fabric soft and removes most of the moisture. The rest can then air dry on a rack. It is a good combination if you are in a hurry and the label allows tumbling. Take the item out while still slightly damp.
Making it a habit
Look at the dots every time you fill the dryer, and choose the programme to match. Sort by the lowest number of dots so everything can dry together. Remove anything with a crossed circle before you start. After a few times it becomes a routine you hardly think about.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at too much heat
Elastic loses its spring, and the fabric can shrink more than it otherwise would. The damage often builds gradually, so clothes look worn only after several cycles in the dryer.
Can I tumble briefly and hang to dry afterwards
Yes. A short time on low heat makes the fabric soft, and the rest can air dry. Check first that the label allows tumbling, since a cross over the circle also applies to short programmes.
Does hotter tumbling save time
A little, but it costs the life of the clothes. The extra heat strains elastic, colour and fibres, so the clothes last a shorter time. Often the time saved is too small to outweigh the wear.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
