The square and drying
Short answer: The square covers everything about drying. A circle inside the square means tumble dryer, and lines inside the square mean line drying or drying flat. Read the square correctly and you spare your clothes the most common wear in the laundry routine.
The circle is the machine
A circle in the square is about the tumble dryer. A cross over it means the item cannot take tumbling and must dry another way. If the circle is empty, tumbling is allowed. The dots inside the circle show how hot, and we cover those in a separate post.
The lines mean air drying
A vertical line means drying hanging, and a horizontal line means drying flat. The symbol therefore tells you not only that the clothes should air dry, but how. Follow the line on the label so the item does not stretch out of shape. See bamboo sleepwear for men and read the label before the first wash.
Flat is for the heavy ones
Knitwear that is heavy when wet must dry flat, otherwise the weight pulls it out of shape. Lay it on a towel and gently shape it to its normal size. See bamboo sheets and bamboo tank tops for men, and choose the drying method by the label.
Hanging to dry
Hanging suits light fabrics that do not become heavy with water. Hang the item on a smooth hanger or over the line across its width, so no sharp creases form. Avoid pegs that leave marks in the fabric. Give the item a light shake before hanging it up.
Why tumbling is so hard
Tumbling strains clothes because heat and movement work together. It is mostly the heat that strains elastic and fibres, and after many cycles the clothes can wear out or shrink. That is why the label often forbids tumbling, especially on clothes that sit close to the body.
Gentle tumbling
If the label allows tumbling, you can choose a cold or gentle programme, which is far milder than normal heat. Take the clothes out while still slightly damp and let them finish drying on a rack. That way you avoid over-drying, the most common problem.
Space and time
Air drying needs space and time, but it need not be a chore. A rack in a room with good airflow is usually enough. Clothes dry faster when there is air between the pieces, so do not overload the rack. Plan the wash so the clothes can dry while you are out.
Making it a habit
Read the square before you put the laundry in the machine, and take out the items that should dry on a line or flat. Set them aside so they do not end up in the dryer by mistake. After a few times it becomes routine, and clothes keep shape and colour longer.
Frequently asked questions
Why is tumbling so hard on clothes
Because heat and movement work together. It is the heat that strains elastic and fibres most, and after many cycles the clothes can wear out or shrink.
Can I tumble on cold
Many machines have a cold or gentle programme, and it is much milder. Check first that the label allows tumbling, since a cross over the circle also applies to cold tumbling.
Does clothing dry faster on a line
Not always, but it keeps shape and colour better than tumbling. With space and air, clothes often dry faster than expected, so there is rarely a reason to tumble.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
