The iron with two dots

Short answer: Two dots mean ironing at medium heat, around one hundred and fifty degrees. It is the setting for blends and most cotton fabrics. Here is what it covers and how to use it without going too hot.

What the symbol means

The iron symbol with two dots means medium heat, around one hundred and fifty degrees. The dots form a scale, and two sit halfway between the careful setting and the hottest. The setting is meant for blends and most cotton fabrics. Read the symbol on each item, because the maker's instruction counts, not what you usually do.

What two dots cover

Medium heat is for fabrics that tolerate more than viscose, typically cotton and polyester blends. It often appears on sturdy items such as bamboo underwear for men. It does not mean full heat, only that the fabric can handle an iron warmer than the most careful setting without being damaged or turning shiny.

Blends and the most sensitive fibre

When two dots appear on a blend, the instruction follows the most sensitive fibre in the mix. It is a simple rule that makes the label easy to understand. If several fibres are in the fabric, the one that tolerates least heat decides how high you may go. So always start from the label, not from how the fabric feels.

Watch the steam

At medium heat, steam matters more than pressure, because the moisture loosens the fibres so they settle. You do not need to press the iron hard into the fabric. Let the steam do the work and glide calmly over it. That also applies to waistbands on men's bamboo joggers, where one light pass with steam is enough.

Not for viscose

Two dots do not suit everything. Viscose cannot take one hundred and fifty degrees, so if one dot is shown instead, go down to that setting. The same applies if the label has worn off and you are unsure. Then it is better to choose the careful setting than to gamble that the fabric can take more than you know.

When in doubt

Always start on the lowest setting and work up, not the other way round. It is much easier to give an item a little more heat than to regret giving too much. Wait until the iron reaches the temperature you chose, then iron a small area at a time. Watch whether the fabric reacts before you continue over the whole item.

Test on a seam or an edge

Before you iron the whole item, try a place that is not seen, such as a seam or an edge. It takes seconds and shows whether the fabric tolerates the heat. The method works on almost anything, including bamboo socks for men and women, where the cuff or edge is a good place to test.

Should you iron basics at all

Rarely. Flat drying and steam are enough in most cases, and that is gentler than a hot iron. If you hung the laundry up straight away and shook it out, it is often smooth enough. If you do use the iron, do it on purpose and on the right setting, so you do not wear the fabric more than needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use two dots on viscose

No, go down to one dot. Viscose cannot take one hundred and fifty degrees, so choose the careful setting and iron from the inside with steam or a thin cloth.

Why are there two dots on a blend

Because the instruction follows the most sensitive fibre in the blend. The fibre that tolerates least heat decides how high the iron may be set for the whole item.

Should you iron basics at all

Rarely. Flat drying and steam are enough in most cases and gentler on the fabric than a hot iron, so use the iron only when it is needed.