What to do
- Select low heat — often labeled “delicate” or “gentle” on the dial.
- Expect a longer cycle; resist the urge to bump the heat to speed it up.
- Better still, pull items out slightly damp and air-finish them.
What happens if you ignore it
High heat is what melts spandex, shrinks blends, cracks prints, and sets stains permanently. Low-rated garments usually contain heat-sensitive fibers or finishes.
Where you'll see it
Activewear, anything with spandex/elastane, printed shirts, and synthetic blends.
Common questions
How hot is “low”?
Roughly 50–55°C / 125–130°F exhaust temperature, versus 65–75°C / 150–165°F on high. Machines vary — when in doubt, cooler.
Is “air fluff” the same as low?
No — air fluff (no heat) is even gentler. It matches the no-heat symbol: a circle-in-square with no dots filled, or an empty circle on some labels.
Related symbols
- Tumble Dry No Heat — the tumbling action is safe, but heat isn't
- Tumble Dry Normal — the dryer is safe at a normal heat setting
- Line Dry / Hang Dry — hang the garment to dry
Or just scan the label
CareLabl reads the entire care label in one photo — every symbol on it, decoded into plain English, plus the fabric composition. Works with international and US labels. Try Pro free for 3 days, no credit card needed.