READ YOUR LABEL

Ironing symbols: dots, temperature limits and no steam

Understand iron dots, current international and US temperature limits, crossed irons and steam restrictions before choosing a setting.

Read the iron, then check your appliance

The ironing instruction sets limits for finishing the garment. Check for a cross, count any dots and read nearby words before heating the iron. The garment label takes priority over a fabric name printed on the appliance dial.

Compare the marks

The dots share a shape across label systems, but their stated temperature limits differ. Keep written temperature and steam directions with the symbol.

One dot: low heat

Iron outline; 1 dot inside.

Read the label’s temperature limit and check steam restrictions.

Two dots: medium heat

Iron outline; 2 dots inside.

Do not interpret this as a wash or dryer temperature.

Three dots: high heat

Iron outline; 3 dots inside.

A higher permitted maximum is not a requirement to use the hottest setting.

Do not iron

Iron outline; cross through the mark.

The cross prohibits ironing; a pressing cloth does not override it.

Separate permission, temperature and steam

A crossed iron means stop

Do not iron the item. A pressing cloth or a quick pass does not remove that restriction. Do not assume a handheld steamer is an approved alternative; consult the manufacturer if the label does not establish a suitable finishing method.

Dots are maximum heat levels

One, two and three dots indicate low, medium and high heat. Current international ISO 3758:2023 limits are 120°C, 160°C and 210°C respectively. US and older international labels use 110°C, 150°C and 200°C. Follow any printed limit; do not automatically raise an older label’s temperature.

Check steam separately

A no-steam instruction means switch steam off, even at low heat. Steam can damage sensitive items; a dot alone is not a reason to apply it. Read the garment’s written directions and the appliance instructions together before adding moisture or using a steam burst.

Match the actual controls

Check your iron’s temperature and steam controls. Confirm unclear label instructions with the manufacturer.

Put the instructions into practice

Check that ironing is needed and allowed
Read the full label, including directions on the reverse. Iron only when needed. Where ironing is permitted, note restrictions for decoration, trim or specific areas before laying it out.
Prepare the permitted setting
Use the appliance manual to select a compatible heat level and steam setting. Follow its directions when changing temperature between garments; the dial position alone does not show that the soleplate has already cooled.
Arrange and press carefully
Support the garment and follow any instruction to iron inside out or through a cloth. Use controlled movement without leaving the hot iron resting on the fabric. On wool, avoid heavy pressure that can leave a shiny surface.
Finish without escalating heat
If a crease remains, do not exceed the label limit or add prohibited steam. Let the item settle and cool before folding it away. Follow the appliance instructions for switching off and safe storage after use.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use the wash-tub or tumble-dryer dot scale for an iron.
Do not iron directly over an area the manufacturer excludes, even when the rest of the item is ironable.
Do not assume steam or a damp cloth is permitted on every low-heat item.

Turn your label into a checklist

Choose the marks actually printed on your item. Keep the complete instructions together, then copy or print your checklist.

Find the marks on my label