What does a circle with a P mean?

It permits professional dry cleaning with either perchloroethylene or a hydrocarbon solvent. The choice belongs to the cleaner.

Does P mean perchloroethylene only?

No. A P circle permits perchloroethylene or hydrocarbon solvent. An F circle is the one restricted to petroleum-based solvent.

Can I wash a garment at home if it has a P circle?

The P circle does not answer that. Read the separate wash symbol to see whether washing at home is permitted.

What does a bar under a circle with P mean?

The P inside still gives the solvent instruction. A separate bar underneath tells the cleaner to use a gentler professional process.

Dry clean with "P" solvents

Professional dry clean using "P" solvents: perchloroethylene (perc) or petroleum-based hydrocarbons.

What to do

Take it to a dry cleaner. The 'P' permits perc or hydrocarbon solvent.

What to avoid

The letter is instructions for the cleaner, not a home method. Leave this one to a professional.

How to spot it on a label

Look at the last symbol on the label for a circle with a capital P centered inside it. Confirm the letter by finding its straight upright and single rounded loop. The P is an instruction for the dry cleaner, not a cleaning step for you to perform at home.

Easy to confuse with

Dry clean with "P" solvents
Dry clean

Check the mark

Look inside the circle for a printed letter. This symbol contains a P; the general dry-clean circle has a blank center.
Dry clean with "P" solvents
Dry clean, petroleum solvent (F)

Check the mark

Inspect the upper-right part of the letter. P has a rounded, closed loop; F has two straight horizontal arms and no loop.
Dry clean with "P" solvents
Professional wet cleaning (W)

Check the mark

Trace the letter inside the circle. P has one vertical stem and one rounded loop; W is a wide zigzag with two lower points.

On a real label

Pleated wool skirt

Read together: Do not wash, bleach, or tumble dry; iron on medium and have it professionally dry cleaned using a P process.

Category: Professional care
Appears on: US and international labels

Related symbols

Common questions

What does a circle with a P mean?: It permits professional dry cleaning with either perchloroethylene or a hydrocarbon solvent. The choice belongs to the cleaner.
Does P mean perchloroethylene only?: No. A P circle permits perchloroethylene or hydrocarbon solvent. An F circle is the one restricted to petroleum-based solvent.
Can I wash a garment at home if it has a P circle?: The P circle does not answer that. Read the separate wash symbol to see whether washing at home is permitted.
What does a bar under a circle with P mean?: The P inside still gives the solvent instruction. A separate bar underneath tells the cleaner to use a gentler professional process.

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