A square containing two horizontal, parallel lines represents Drip Flat Dry. This care symbol indicates that an ultra-delicate garment must be laid completely flat while still fully saturated with water—prohibiting machine spin extraction, manual wringing, hanging, or tumble drying.
Quick Answer
Do not spin-dry, wring, or hang an item with this symbol. Lift the garment straight from the rinse water soaking wet, place it horizontally on a flat, breathable mesh drying rack or over dry towels, and gently nudge it into its original dimensions. Allow excess water to evaporate and drain away naturally.
Step-by-Step: How to Drip Flat Dry
Drip flat drying requires managing heavy moisture safely without damaging surrounding surfaces or allowing mildew to form. Follow these steps:
- Bypass the Machine Spin Cycle: If machine washing on a delicate cycle, cancel or skip the final spin entirely. Use the “Drain Only” or gentle rinse hold setting.
- Support the Garment When Lifting: Do not lift a soaking-wet delicate knit by its shoulders or collar. Cup your hands underneath the entire gathered mass to support its weight evenly as you remove it from the basin. Let the heaviest torrent of water drain for 5 to 10 seconds without squeezing.
- Set Up a Drainage Surface:
- Preferred Method (Mesh Rack over a Tub): Place an elevated mesh drying rack directly over a bathtub, shower basin, or waterproof tray. The open mesh allows water to drip freely through the bottom while maximizing airflow to both sides of the fabric.
- Alternative Method (Towel Layering): If using a flat table or counter, place a waterproof mat down, topped with two thick, clean, white bath towels. Lay the wet garment flat on top.
- Block and Reshape While Soaking Wet: Gently align side seams, square off shoulders, and ease the collar, cuffs, and hem into their proper dimensions. Do not stretch or pull; simply smooth out wrinkles with your palms.
- Manage Moisture and Air Circulation: If using towels, the underlying layer will saturate quickly. Slide a fresh, dry towel beneath the garment after the first hour, and again a few hours later. Turn on an overhead ceiling fan or place an oscillating room fan nearby to maintain constant ambient air velocity across the fabric.
Comparing Flat and Drip Dry Variations
| Symbol Format | Standard Name | Water Extraction Before Drying | Garment Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Horizontal Line | Dry Flat | Spin-extracted or towel-pressed damp | Horizontal on flat surface |
| Two Horizontal Lines | Drip Flat Dry | Soaking wet (no spin, no wring) | Horizontal on flat surface |
| Three Vertical Lines | Drip Dry | Soaking wet (no spin, no wring) | Vertical on hanger / line |
| Curved Line at Top | Line Dry | Spin-extracted damp | Vertical on hanger / line |
The two horizontal lines symbol is the most protective drying standard in garment care. By removing mechanical spinning and vertical hanging from the equation—and allowing saturated fabrics to dry flat over a breathable mesh rack—you preserve the intricate stitches, original dimensions, and luxurious feel of your most delicate clothing.