Iron without steam
An ISO 3758 iron symbol with the steam lines beneath it crossed out, indicating the garment may be ironed but only with a dry iron — no steam.
What it means
The cross over the steam vents at the base of the iron prohibits steam while still allowing dry ironing. Steam can leave water spots, flatten pile or shrink certain finishes, so these fabrics must be pressed dry.
What to do
Switch the iron's steam function off and empty or avoid the water reservoir. Press with a dry plate at the dotted temperature shown, using a dry pressing cloth rather than dampening the fabric.
How to use this term
Use this ironing symbol before applying heat, steam or pressure to the garment surface.
- Read iron without steam 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 press over a stain, print, coating or delicate fibre until you know heat is allowed and the mark is gone.
For the broader method, use the Beginner laundry guide and then return to this term when the label changes the safe option.
Related terms
Sources
- ISO 3758:2012 Textiles — Care labelling code using symbols — International Organization for Standardization