What does a crossed-out iron symbol mean?

It forbids ironing at any temperature. Check the garment's other care symbols and written instructions for the care methods that are allowed.

Is do not iron the same as no steam?

No. On do not iron, two strokes intersect over the whole body. On no steam, the crossed marks stay underneath the sole and still permit dry ironing with the steam switched off.

Can I use a low setting when the label says do not iron?

No. The prohibition applies at every iron temperature, including the lowest setting. Follow the rest of the label instead.

How do I remove wrinkles if the tag says do not iron?

This symbol only tells you not to iron. Check the other symbols and any written instructions on the garment to see what care is permitted.

Do not iron

Don't iron this. Heat will damage the fabric or finish.

Prohibition: this is a “do not” symbol

What to do

Don't iron this. Smooth wrinkles some other way, without direct heat.

What to avoid

Ironing heat will damage the fabric or its finish.

How to spot it on a label

Ironing occupies the fourth spot in the standard care-label order. Confirm this prohibition by tracing both diagonal marks over the full iron body. They intersect at the center of the body. Crossed marks only underneath the sole belong to the no-steam symbol, not this one.

Easy to confuse with

Do not iron
Iron, any temperature

Check the mark

Look for two diagonal strokes intersecting over the iron body. They are present on do not iron; the plain any-temperature outline has no strokes across it.
Do not iron
Iron without steam

Check the mark

Check where the crossing appears. Do not iron has two strokes crossing over the whole body; no steam has crossed marks only underneath the sole.

On a real label

Waterproof rain shell

Read together: Machine wash at up to 30°C, do not bleach, line dry, do not iron, and do not dry clean.

Sequined evening top

Read together: Do not wash, bleach, tumble dry, or iron. Take the top to a professional cleaner that follows the P-solvent instruction.

Category: Ironing
Appears on: US and international labels

Related symbols

Common questions

What does a crossed-out iron symbol mean?: It forbids ironing at any temperature. Check the garment's other care symbols and written instructions for the care methods that are allowed.
Is do not iron the same as no steam?: No. On do not iron, two strokes intersect over the whole body. On no steam, the crossed marks stay underneath the sole and still permit dry ironing with the steam switched off.
Can I use a low setting when the label says do not iron?: No. The prohibition applies at every iron temperature, including the lowest setting. Follow the rest of the label instead.
How do I remove wrinkles if the tag says do not iron?: This symbol only tells you not to iron. Check the other symbols and any written instructions on the garment to see what care is permitted.

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