What do washing symbols mean?

As a global leader in home appliances we know a thing or two about laundry. With new innovations that make washing easier and even more efficient, it can be confusing to keep up with the many programmes and symbols that appear on modern washing machines.

With our washing machine symbols guide we will explain everything you need to know to make washing simple. From the symbols on your control display and detergent drawer, to feature settings that make washing convenient.

Washing Machine Display Symbols

Below are the explanations of symbols you might find on your washing machine display.

Childproof Lock

Childproof lock symbol

When the child lock is activated, all the washing machine buttons will be disabled. To deactivate, press and hold the start button or the key symbol button for three to five seconds. After this time the key symbol will disappear.

Start/Reload

Start reload symbol

Use the button to pause the running cycle and open the door to simply reload forgotten items into the drum and continue the wash. (Not possible on washes over 50°C)

Water Consumption

Water consumption symbol

This washing machine symbol indicates the water consumption for the selected programme. Low is shown as one dash, high is shown with 5 dashes.

Energy Consumption

Energy consumption symbol

This washing machine symbol indicates the energy consumption for the selected programme. Low is shown as one dash, high is shown with 5 dashes.

Prewash

Prewash symbol

A low temperature cycle before the main wash. Can be activated or deactivated. Ideal for washing heavily soiled laundry.

Washing

Washing symbol

The programme process is shown as washing.

Soaking

Soaking symbol

Before the main wash cycle starts, the laundry remains in the water for longer. Ideal for laundry with particularly stubborn soiling.

Spin Speed

Spin speed symbol

The programme is shown as spinning. Depending on what stage the programme is in, you can change the spin speed before and during the programme.

Easy Iron

Easy iron symbol

Reduces creasing in the laundry by adapting the spin cycle and the spin speed. The laundry is damp enough after washing that it needs to be hung out on a washing line.

Rinse

Rinse symbol

The programme process is shown as rinsing.

Extra Rinse

Extra rinse symbol

Up to three additional rinse cycles can be activated or deactivated. It is recommended to use for particularly sensitive skin or in regions with very soft water.

Rinse Hold

Rinse hold symbol

The laundry will remain in the water after the last rinse cycle. Activate or deactivate spinning and draining at the end of the washing cycle.

Adding Laundry

Adding laundry symbol

If this symbol goes out on the display panel, it is possible to add more laundry.

Silent Wash

Silent wash symbol

The audible signal at the end of programme is deactivated and the final spin speed is reduced.

Intensive Plus

Intensive plus symbol

The programme duration is extended by up to 30 minutes. Suitable for heavily soiled laundry.

AntiStain

AntiStain symbol

Use this washing machine symbol to select the type of stain. The temperature, drum movement and soaking time are all adjusted to suit the type of stain.

Water Plus

Water plus symbol

Wash with more water. Recommended for particularly sensitive skin and for treating laundry more gently.

i-Dos

idos droplet symbol

You can change the settings for automatic detergent dosing before the washing programme starts and during pre-wash.

Light: For lightly soiled laundry
Medium: For normally soiled laundry
Heavy: For particularly heavy soiling and/ or staining

i-Dos

idos flower symbol

Fabric softener dosage for a medium level of softness.

Light: For slightly soft laundry
Medium: For laundry with a medium level of softness
Heavy: For particularly soft laundry

Drum Clean

Drum clean symbol

If there are odours in the washing machine or drum, run a Drum clean programme with no clothing in.

Memory Programme

Memory programme symbol

You can save a selected programme with your favourite settings here. Simply select a programme and change it to your desired settings, press and hold the symbol for 3 seconds and the programme will be saved.

Remote Start

Remote start symbol

If you briefly press the button, the appliance will be enabled for remote start via the Home Connect app If you press the button for approx. 3 seconds, the Home Connect menu opens.

Foam Detection

Foam detection symbol

If this washing machine symbol lights up in the display panel, the appliance has detected too much foam during the wash cycle and will automatically activate an additional rinse cycle to remove the foam.

Tip: Add less detergent to the next washing cycle with the same load.

Tap

Tap symbol

The water pressure is too low or the supply hose is blocked or kinked. For more information, find out more here.

Washing Machine Features

Find all the convenient features that make your life easier when using your washing machine.

WaveDrum

WaveDrum feature icon

Preserve delicate clothing with Wave Drum. The unique, patented VarioDrum system structure uses even water distribution to gently and efficiently wash all types of clothing - without stretching, creasing or damaging your most beloved items.

EcoSilence Drive™

EcoSilence drive feature icon

Washing machines with Eco Silence drive generate noise of just 41 decibels. That's quieter than the sound of the sea at 55 decibels.

Aqua Stop

Aqua stop feature icon

AquaStop gives you peace of mind that the water will stop in the event of a leak. The AquaStop function locks the water supply via a shut-off valve.

i-DOS

idos feature icon

Save money and time with i-DOS as it automatically senses exactly the right amount of water and detergent to use, as well as the correct temperature. The machine adapts to fabrics, level of soiling and weight of the load.

Reload

Reload feature icon

Never leave that one sock behind again! With Reload simply pause the cycle and the machine will automatically adjust the water. This then allows you to add or remove any items of any size to your wash.

Time Delay

Time delay feature icon

If you are going to bed or going out to work, simply have your laundry ready when you need it. Just delay the wash at the press of a button.

AntiVibration Design

AntiVibration design feature icon

A spiral design on the side of the washing machine that increases stability and reduces vibration. The enhanced insulation also regulates noise levels, making Bosch washing machines very quiet, even during the spin cycle.

ActiveWater Plus

ActiveWater plus feature icon

This function delivers perfect results by only using the water needed. Built-in sensors adjust the water consumption according to the fabric type and the automatically detected load, while the patented drum and water induction systems allow for faster soaking. Choose the wash that helps you manage your water usage and delivers all-round peace of mind.

Anti-Stain System

Anti stain system feature icon

The Anti-Stain option helps you to reliably move stains. Anti-Stain removes up to 16 of the most stubborn stains, including chocolate, grass, red wine and oil. The machine automatically adjusts the temperature, drum movement and soaking time best suited to removing the stain. Find out more with our stain buster*

Home Connect Remote Control

Home Connect remote control feature icon

No need to worry about your washing sitting damp in your washing machine anymore. When you know you won't be around for the end of the cycle, simply pause the wash which will stop the cycle before the final rinse. When you're ready, start the final rinse and your clothes will come out clean and smelling fresh.

SpeedPerfect

SpeedPerfect feature icon

Developed for situations where time matters. Reduce your washing time by up to 65%. Use in conjuction with most programmes. For example select your chosen programme, and then choose the Speed Perfect setting to save time.

Quiet Wash

This function reduces the high spin speed during the spin cycle so you can do your washing without disturbing your family.

Allergy Plus

Special setting specifically for the needs of allergy sufferers and sensitive skin.

Drum Clean reminder

After 20 cycles operating under 40 degrees, your washing machine will automatically remind you to clean the drum using the DrumClean programme to maintain perfectly cleaned washing.

4D Wash System

This is a highly efficient water and detergent fabric penetration system for spotless results.The system is based on a combination of water spray and additional extra spin wash, soaking the laundry more evenly and effectively. The Intensive Plus option is specifically for heavily soiled washing and large amounts of washing which require cleaning.

DETERGENT DRAW EXPLAINED

Which is the detergent drawer?

A = liquid detergent flap

II = Detergent for the main wash, water softener, bleach, stain remover Compartment

Flower = Fabric softener, liquid starch; Do not exceed max. mark

I = Detergent for prewash

*not specific to all models

Which washing machine programme should I use?

Find the most important programmes that can be found on our Bosch washing machines and in what situations they should be used. 

Find out more

What do the laundry symbols mean on my clothes?

We have provided below a picture of the most important European laundry symbols that are found on your clothes and an explanation of what they represent.

Find out more

Washing machine help

If you have any problems or issues with you appliance, or you have any questions about usage and maintenance, we are here to help.

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