Dry cleaning symbols: P, F, W and A
Dry cleaning symbols are circles, and they are instructions for your cleaner rather than for you. A letter inside names the cleaning method, lines underneath ask for a gentler process, and a cross means do not dry clean.
Not sure which one is on your tag? Point the laundry symbol scanner at it and it reads every symbol for you.
All dry cleaning symbols at a glance
Dry clean
Can be dry cleaned. An empty circle leaves the solvent to the cleaner.
What to do: Any dry cleaner can handle it. Point out stains when you drop it off.
Dry clean, any solvent (A)
Can be dry cleaned in any common solvent. The A was dropped from the ISO standard in 2012 but still appears on tags.
What to do: Any dry cleaner will do.
Dry clean, P
Professional dry cleaning with perchloroethylene (PCE) or hydrocarbon solvents. One bar means a mild process, two bars very mild.
What to do: Most dry cleaners use PCE or hydrocarbon, so this is the standard service.
Dry clean, F
Professional dry cleaning with hydrocarbon solvents only, no PCE. Bars mean a mild or very mild process.
What to do: Ask the cleaner whether they use hydrocarbon solvent before you hand it over.
Dry clean with limits
Dry clean with a restriction: short cycle, low heat, reduced moisture or no steam. US tags spell it out in words.
What to do: Show the tag to the cleaner so they apply the limit.
Do not dry clean
Do not dry clean. The solvents would damage the fabric or a finish.
What to do: Follow the washing symbols instead.
Professional wet clean (W)
A professional cleaner can wet clean it with water and special detergents. Bars mean mild or very mild.
What to do: Ask for wet cleaning. It is a gentle, solvent-free professional service.
Do not wet clean
No professional wet cleaning.
What to do: Choose dry cleaning or home washing, as the other symbols allow.
What the letters mean
| Letter | Method |
|---|---|
| None | Dry clean, any method the cleaner chooses |
| A | Any solvent (removed from ISO 3758 in 2012, still on older tags) |
| P | Perchloroethylene (PCE) or hydrocarbon solvents, the standard service |
| F | Hydrocarbon solvents only, gentler on some trims and finishes |
| W | Professional wet cleaning with water |
Can I wash it at home instead?
The circle tells the cleaner what is safe. It does not forbid washing. Look at the tub on the same tag: if it shows a temperature or a hand, you can wash it at home. If the tub is crossed out, the item needs a cleaner. Tailored jackets, structured coats, leather trims and some silks are the usual reasons.
What to tell your dry cleaner
Hand over the item with the tag visible and point out stains and what caused them. If the tag shows an F, ask whether the shop uses hydrocarbon solvent. If it shows bars under the letter, ask for a gentle or short process.
Other care symbols
The laundry symbols chart has every symbol on one page. Or read the guides to washing, bleach, drying, ironing symbols.
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