Different Symbols of Dishwasher Meaning and Importance

Although every dishwasher is different, most of the symbols are similar across the different dishwasher brands and models.

Symbols of Dishwasher Explained

Before jumping into each model, it is easiest to have a quick look at the control panel display for each of the 4 dishwashers we are using as an example, to understand what the difference is between programs, indicators, and other warning type lights.

Have a look at each interface below:

 

 

 

 

Dishwasher Program Symbols

Each dishwasher offers a different range of programs that you can run the machine on, and each program has a specific symbol that represents that program cycle.

The most common dishwasher programs are represented below.

Cooking Pot/Pan symbol with an additional line below – This symbol may be used to for Intensive programs, which are used for heavily soiled items. They take longer to un and use more energy.

Cooking Pot/Pan symbol – This symbol alone may be used for the Normal/Standard program.

ECO symbol – This symbol is used for an eco-friendly wash. This program takes more time than a normal wash but uses less energy. Expect the average Eco cycle to take around 3 hours.

Glass symbol – This symbol is used for a lighter wash that is often quicker and not as hot as the standard washes. This is ideal for loads that aren’t very dirty, such as a dishwasher full of glasses after a party.

90 / Clock symbol – A clock symbol is often used to represent a quick wash, with the number (90 in most cases) stating how long the cycle takes. The cycle is usually very similar to the dishwasher’s Normal program, but each phase is quicker to reduce the overall time.

Sprinkle – A sprinkle symbol may be used for a quick rinse or pre-wash program. This program is best used if it takes days to fill up your dishwasher, and you want to give the items inside a quick rinse to avoid dirt baking on.

Dishwasher Indicator Symbols

The most common indicators here are salt refill and rinse-aid refill indicators or delay timers.

The salt refill indicator symbol is shown as two arrows that loosely represent an ‘S’. When this light is on, you should top up your dishwasher’s salt levels.

The rinse aid refill indicator symbol looks like a ‘sparkle’/snowflake icon. When this light is on, you should top up your dishwasher’s rinse-aid.

Delay timers are usually an icon such as 3h, 6h, 9h etc. These icons are used to show how many hours you have set the dishwasher to delay. For example, if you start a program at 1 pm and delay it for 3h, then it will start at 4 pm.

Other Dishwasher Warning Lights

There are other error codes or warning light sequences that can also be displayed. These are more common when the dishwasher is being installed, and something may not have been turned on or connected properly, but they can also represent an appliance fault if they display at a later date.

A definition of the different error codes or warning lights, and what they mean can be seen below each specific appliance listed later in this article.

Klarstein Amazonia 6: Dishwasher Symbols and Error Codes

The Klarstein Amazonia 6 has 6 different programs (isn’t that a coincidence?). These are Normal, Intensive, Eco, Glass, 90 min, and Rapid.

 

 

• Intensive – For heaviest soiled crockery, and normally soiled pots pans dishes etc with dried on soiling. This cycle takes 140 minutes and uses 10 litres of water.
• Normal – For normally soiled loads, such as pots, plates, glasses and lightly soiled pans. This cycle takes 120 minutes and uses 8 litres of water.
• ECO (*EN 50242) – For normally soiled tableware. This cycle takes 180 minutes and uses 6.5 litres of water.
• Glass – For lightly soiled loads, such as glasses, crystal and fine china. This cycle takes 75 minutes and uses 7 litres of water.
• 90 min – For lightly soiled crockery and glass. This cycle takes 90 minutes and uses 7 litres of water.
• Rapid – A shorter wash for lightly soiled loads and quick wash. This cycle takes 30 minutes and uses 6 litres of water.

The rinse-aid refill indicator can be seen below the program symbols on the left-hand side, and the salt refill indicator can be seen below the program symbols on the right-hand side.

Klarstein Amazonia 6 Error codes

The following error codes may flash on the front display:

• E1 (Longer inlet time) – Faucet is not opened, or water intake is restricted, or water pressure is too low
• E4 (Overflow) – Some element of dishwasher leaks. If overflow occurs, turn off the main water supply before calling for a service. If there is water in the base pan because of an overfill or small leak, the water should be removed before restarting the dishwasher

White Knight DW1460WA: Dishwasher Symbols and Error Codes

Let’s focus on the control panel which is annotated in the above diagram with the number 3 (apologies for having to squint, but White Knight does not have a larger or higher quality image to use!).

There are 14 symbols altogether, starting from the top row from left to right:

• #1 Half load function indicator: (1/2 indicates the half load function has been selected)
• #2 – #7 Programs: Intensive, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90 min, Rapid
• #8 Water faucet indicator: Indicates there is no water supply to the appliance
• #9 Rinse Aid indicator: Indicates when the dispenser needs to be refilled
• #10 Add salt indicator: Indicates when the dispenser needs to be refilled
• #11 – #14 Delay time: Indicates that a delay time has been set, which can be cycled through as 3h 6h 9h 12h

Other button functions as annotated above:

1. On/Off Button: To turn on/off the power supply
2. Half Load Button: Select when washing 7 or less place settings. This will use less water and electricity
3. (As already mentioned above)
4. Delay Button: To cycle through the 4 available delay times
5. Program Button: To cycle through and select which program to use
6. Start/Pause button: To start the selected washing program or pause the washing program when the machine is working

White Knight DW1460WA Errors, Beeps and Flashing Lights

The Rapid program light flashes

Longer inlet time. Faucets are not opened, or water intake is restricted, or water pressure is too low.

The Glass program light flashes

Overflow. Some element of the dishwasher is leaking. If overflow occurs, turn off the main water supply before calling for a service. If there is water in the base because of an overfill or small leak, then the water should be removed before restarting the dishwasher.

Indesit DIF 04B1: Dishwasher Symbols and Error Codes

The Indesit DIF 04B1 is an integrated dishwasher with a minimal control panel display.

The image of the control panel above shows the available dishwasher programs, as follows:

The ECO wash cycle is the standard cycle to which the energy label data refers. It can be used to wash crockery with a normal soil level and is the most efficient cycle in terms of energy and water consumption for this type of crockery.

Heavily soiled dishes and pans (not to be used for delicate items).

Normally soiled pans and dishes.

Pre-wash while awaiting completion of the load with the dishes from the next meal. No detergent is needed for this program.

There are no salt or rinse-aid indicators on the main panel. These indicators can be seen next to each dispenser.

Indesit DIF 04B1 Errors, Beeps and Flashing Lights

Beeps are emitted (in some models), and all the cycle indicator lights flash

There is no water in the mains supply, or the water inlet hose is bent. Ensure the tap is turned on and the appliance will start after a few minutes.

The ON/OFF indicator light flashes rapidly, and the 2nd and 3rd wash cycle indicator lights flash

The appliance lock has been activated because no action was taken when the beeps sounded.

Switch off the machine using the ON/OFF button, turn on the tap and switch the machine back on after a few seconds by pressing the same button. Re-program the appliance and restart the wash cycle.

Bosch Serie 2 SPV25CX00G: Dishwasher Symbols and Error Codes

There are a number of different Bosch models available in the Serie range, with Bosch Serie 2 being the best buy, but Bosch Serie 4 and Bosch Serie 6 being great additions for those looking to spend a little extra.

One thing that is pretty obvious with the Bosch Serie range is that their freestanding models are much easier to understand. This is because the control panel area is much larger, and therefore Bosch have opted to use the space to label each button and light clearly.

I would hazard a guess that if you’re currently Googling “What do the Bosch Serie dishwasher symbols mean?”, then chances are you are struggling with the integrated version of the machine, which has a much more limited space, and relies on a symbol only panel face, with no text to explain each option.

 

 

If you have read the entire article up to this point, then you should have likely already covered most of the indicators in the above diagram. There are only a couple that haven’t been covered so far (7 and 8).

The list below describes the function for each button and indicator in the previous Bosch Serie 2 diagram:

1. ON/OFF switch
2. Set delayed timer
3. Additional options (see below)
4. Displays which program is selected
5. Select program (cycle left)
6. Select program (cycle right)
7. Indicates the appliance is in the cleaning phase
8. Indicates the appliance is in the drying phase
9. START button
10. Rinse aid refill indicator
11. Salt refill indicator
12. ‘Check water supply’ indicator

Bosch Serie 2 Additional Options (Button #3)

The additional options that can be triggered by button 3 are as follows:

Express Wash / Speed Perfect / (VarioSpeed)

This function can reduce the running time by approx. 20% to 50% depending on the selected rinse programme. To obtain optimum cleaning and drying results at a reduced running time, water and energy consumption are increased.

Intensive zone

Perfect for a mixed load. You can wash very soiled pots and pans in the lower basket together with normally soiled utensils in the upper basket. The spray pressure in the lower basket is intensified, the rinsing temperature is increased slightly.

Hygiene

The temperature is increased during the cleaning process. This increases the hygiene status. This additional option is ideal for cleaning e.g. chopping boards and baby bottles.

Half load

If you have only a few items to wash (e.g. glasses, cups, plates), you can  switch to “half load”. This will save water, energy and time. It is
recommended to put a little less detergent in the detergent dispenser than for a full load.

Extra drying

An increased temperature during the final rinse and an extended drying phase ensure that even plastic parts dry better. There is a slight increase in energy consumption.