A square with a circle inside means that the item can be safely tumble dried, while the number of dots inside the tumble dry symbol indicates what temperature setting to use: one dot stands for low heat, two dots for medium, and three for high heat setting. No dot means that you can tumble dry your clothes on any heat.

Another thing that makes Daoism unique is that it is more of a “way of life” than a ruling philosophy. Daoism is also unique because it encourages its followers to reject formal learning, political laws, or social customs in order to rely on instincts and senses.

Everyone recognizes the symbol: the little black and white half circles that swirl into each other, with a dot of the opposite color on either side. Just by looking at it, its most basic meaning is clear: maintain balance.

Circle: Dry-clean only. The circle will probably have a letter in it, which tells the dry-cleaner what solvent to use. If the circle has a cross through it, the item should not be dry-cleaned.

Simply put, tumble dry means that you can dry the garment in your dryer instead of air drying it. Knowing when and how to tumble dry is key to not only saving time, but to also keeping your clothes looking their best. We can help.

Important: Don’t forget to look out for dry clean signs, given by a circle, or hand wash symbols, indicated by a tub of water with a hand sign, so you’ll know when to avoid putting garments in the washing machine.

How to Wash Dry Clean Only Clothes

1. Always use cold water and a gentle laundry detergent.
2. Wash the dry clean only item by itself.
3. Clothing made with wool, silk or cotton can be gently washed by hand.
4. Use the gentle cycle if you’re using a washing machine.
5. Above all, don’t use the dryer and avoid excess heat.
6. Use a home dry cleaning kit.

What might happen if you wash a dry clean only garment? The garment could shrink – not just a little, but significantly. Some garments will shrink 2-3 sizes or more; drapes can shrink to half their size. Your garment might stretch out of shape.

It’s important to remember that if you’re doing it at home, it’s not going to be dry cleaning, per se. But, as a rule, hand-washing is always the gentlest way to wash and preserve your delicate items or items considered “dry clean” such as silk, some synthetics, lace, wool, cashmere, and other knits.

Dry Cleaning is a simple process that cleans clothing without the use of water. However, despite its name, the process is not completely dry. Fluids are used in the dry cleaning process.

Dry cleaning still involves liquid, but clothes are instead soaked in a water-free liquid solvent, tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), known in the industry as “perc”, which is the most widely used solvent. Alternative solvents are 1-bromopropane and petroleum spirits.