Dry Flat in Shade
Lay flat to dry in shaded area
About This Symbol
The "dry flat" or "lay flat to dry" symbol means the garment should be dried while lying flat on a surface, not hung or tumbled. This prevents stretching, distortion, and maintains the garment's original shape. It's essential for knitwear, sweaters, and items that can lose their shape when hung.
Care Instructions:
- Lay garment flat on clean surface in shade
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Reshape while damp
- Flip occasionally for even drying
When to Use This Symbol
- For knitwear, sweaters, and cardigans
- For items that stretch easily
- For garments with heavy wet weight
- When the care label specifically shows this symbol
Tips and Best Practices
- Lay the garment on a clean, dry towel or mesh drying rack
- Reshape the garment to its original dimensions while wet
- Turn the garment over periodically for even drying
- Keep away from direct heat sources
- Ensure good air circulation around the garment
What Happens If This Symbol Is Ignored
Hanging or tumble drying items that should be dried flat can cause permanent stretching, loss of shape, shoulder bumps from hangers, and deformation that cannot be reversed.
Common Materials
Related Keywords
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related Drying Symbols
Tumble Dry Normal
Tumble dry at normal/high heat setting
Tumble Dry Low Heat
Tumble dry on low heat setting only (one dot)
Tumble Dry Medium Heat
Tumble dry on medium heat setting (two dots)
Tumble Dry High Heat
Tumble dry on high heat setting (three dots)
Tumble Dry No Heat
Tumble dry with no heat - air fluff only
Do Not Tumble Dry
Do not use tumble dryer - air dry only
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