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Drying
Tumble dry, medium heat

Tumble dry, medium heat

An ISO 3758 tumble-dry circle with two dots, indicating tumble drying at a medium heat setting (a maximum exhaust temperature of about 80 °C).

What it means

Two dots inside the dryer circle allow a moderate temperature — hotter and faster than low heat, but still below the maximum. It suits sturdy everyday items that can take some heat without distorting.

What to do

Use the medium or permanent-press dryer setting. Shake items out before loading and don't overpack the drum, so air circulates and the load dries evenly without hot spots.

How to use this term

Use this drying symbol before choosing tumble heat, line drying, flat drying or shade drying.

  • Read tumble dry, medium heat 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 treat drying as a harmless final step; heat and hanging tension can shrink, stretch or set a remaining stain.

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

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