What does an iron symbol with no dots mean?

A plain iron permits ironing at any temperature. It sets no maximum temperature, unlike the one-, two-, and three-dot versions.

Is a plain iron symbol the same as three dots?

No. A blank iron gives no temperature ceiling. Three dots set a maximum of 210°C under ISO 3758:2023 or 200°C under ASTM D5489. Read the marks that are actually printed, especially if the tag is worn.

Where does the ironing symbol appear on a care label?

It is fourth in the standard sequence, after drying and before professional cleaning. If a label omits a family, use the iron shape rather than position alone.

Does a plain iron symbol allow steam?

A plain iron does not forbid steam. Crossed steam lines underneath the iron are the mark that tells you to switch steam off.

Iron, any temperature

ASTM explicitly defines the blank iron as 'Iron - Any.' Current ISO tables define ironing temperatures with dots and do not explicitly define a blank iron.

What to do

On an ASTM label, iron at any temperature. On a current ISO label, follow its dots or written temperature instruction.

What to avoid

Steam is allowed by the ASTM mark unless a separate no-steam instruction is shown.

How to spot it on a label

In the standard care-label order, look in the fourth position for the iron outline, after the drying square. This variant is completely empty: there are no dots inside the iron body, no crossed steam lines underneath, and no pair of crossing strokes over the outline.

Easy to confuse with

Iron, any temperature
Iron on low (one dot)

Check the mark

Check the middle of the iron body. This one is blank; the low-temperature version has one dot inside.
Iron, any temperature
Iron on high (three dots)

Check the mark

Scan the inside of the iron from left to right. This one has no dots; the high-temperature version has a row of three.
Iron, any temperature
Do not iron

Check the mark

Trace the complete iron outline. This one has no strokes crossing over the body; the prohibition symbol has two that intersect over it.

On a real label

White cotton tea towel

Read together: Machine wash at up to 50°C, use any bleach if needed, tumble dry at moderate heat, iron at any temperature, and do not dry clean.

Category: Ironing
Appears on: US and international labels

Related symbols

Common questions

What does an iron symbol with no dots mean?: A plain iron permits ironing at any temperature. It sets no maximum temperature, unlike the one-, two-, and three-dot versions.
Is a plain iron symbol the same as three dots?: No. A blank iron gives no temperature ceiling. Three dots set a maximum of 210°C under ISO 3758:2023 or 200°C under ASTM D5489. Read the marks that are actually printed, especially if the tag is worn.
Where does the ironing symbol appear on a care label?: It is fourth in the standard sequence, after drying and before professional cleaning. If a label omits a family, use the iron shape rather than position alone.
Does a plain iron symbol allow steam?: A plain iron does not forbid steam. Crossed steam lines underneath the iron are the mark that tells you to switch steam off.

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