Iron without steam
ASTM's no-steam modifier sets no temperature by itself. ISO 3758:2023 uses one dot and a 120°C maximum for its no-steam treatment.
What to do
Switch off steam. For the ISO one-dot symbol, stay at or below 120°C; with the ASTM modifier, follow any separate temperature limit.
What to avoid
No steam never means unlimited heat. Follow the lower limit if another instruction sets one.
How to spot it on a label
Look for the iron in the fourth position of the standard care-label order. The ASTM-style version shown here has a blank body with crossed steam lines underneath; those marks prohibit steam but do not set a temperature. Current ISO 3758:2023 instead defines no-steam ironing with one dot inside the iron, crossed steam lines below, and a 120°C maximum. If two diagonal strokes cross the whole iron body, ironing itself is prohibited.
Easy to confuse with
- Iron without steamIron on low (one dot)
Check the mark
A lone dot in the body is the usual low-temperature mark. For current ISO no steam, that dot appears with crossed lines under the sole; the ASTM version shown here leaves the body empty.
- Iron without steamIron on medium (two dots)
Check the mark
Two interior dots indicate medium heat. No steam looks different: ISO pairs one dot with crossed marks below, and ASTM uses those lower marks beneath a blank iron.
- Iron without steamDo not iron
Check the mark
Follow the crossed marks from end to end. On this symbol they stay underneath the sole; on do not iron, two strokes cross each other over the entire iron body.
On a real label
Decorative cotton table runner (US label)
Read together: Machine wash at up to 30°C, do not bleach, dry flat, iron with the steam switched off, and do not dry clean.
- Category
- Ironing
- Appears on
- US and international labels
Related symbols
Common questions
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What does crossed-out steam under an iron mean?
- It prohibits steam. ASTM D5489 shows crossed steam lines below a blank iron; the modifier itself sets no temperature. ISO 3758:2023 pairs the crossed steam mark with one dot and a 120°C ceiling.
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What's the difference between no steam and do not iron?
- No steam still permits dry ironing within the applicable temperature ceiling. Its crossed marks stay underneath the sole. Do not iron has two strokes crossing the whole iron body and prohibits ironing altogether.
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Can I still iron when the label says no steam?
- Yes. On a current ISO label, do not exceed 120°C. The ASTM no-dot modifier sets no temperature, so check for written instructions and use a conservative low setting if the limit is unclear. Keep steam off in either case.
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What temperature should I use for a no-steam iron symbol?
- The current ISO no-steam treatment has one dot and a 120°C maximum. The ASTM no-dot modifier does not set a temperature. Do not read the absent ASTM dots as a reason to use more heat; keep steam off and choose a conservative setting when no other limit is given.