Laundry symbols are icons found on clothing care labels that provide instructions on how to wash, dry, and iron garments. These symbols help ensure that clothes are cleaned properly without damage. Common symbols include a washing machine for machine wash, a hand for hand wash, and a triangle for bleach usage. Understanding these symbols can prevent mishaps like shrinking or color fading. For example, a circle with a dot indicates the appropriate temperature for dry cleaning, while a square with a circle shows how to tumble dry. Familiarizing yourself with these symbols can extend the life of your clothes.