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Process & technique
Do not wring

Do not wring

An ISO 3758 twisted-fabric symbol crossed out, indicating the garment must not be wrung or twisted to remove water.

What it means

The crossed-out twist forbids wringing. Twisting forces fibres past their elastic limit, permanently stretching knits and crushing the structure of wool and silk, so water must be removed by gentler means.

What to do

Press the water out instead of wringing: support the wet item, squeeze gently, then roll it in a dry towel and press to absorb the moisture. Lay it flat or line dry as the other symbols direct.

How to use this term

Use this process term when a guide tells you to pretreat, soak, brighten, rinse or adapt a stain method.

  • Read do not wring with the other symbols on the same care label; the strictest symbol wins.
  • Match the instruction to the garment's most fragile part, including trims, lining, prints and finishes.
  • If the label, fabric behaviour and stain method disagree, test a hidden area or choose the lower-risk route.

Common mistake

Do not escalate a process before checking the care label and testing a hidden area first.

For the broader method, use the Stain-removal guides and then return to this term when the label changes the safe option.

Related terms

Sources

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