Bosch dishwashers are equipped with a variety of symbols on the control panel to help you easily select cycles, options, and settings. Understanding these symbols can help you operate your dishwasher efficiently and effectively. Here’s a quick guide to the most common Bosch dishwasher symbols you’ll encounter in the UK.
1. Power Button Symbol
- Symbol: A circle with a line at the top (⏻).
- What It Means: Turns the dishwasher on or off. Simply press to start or stop the machine.
2. Start/Reset Button Symbol
- Symbol: A circle with an arrow pointing to the right (⟳).
- What It Means: Starts the selected cycle or resets the dishwasher if it’s stuck on a cycle or showing an error.
3. Wash Cycle Symbols
- Eco Cycle Symbol: A bowl with a spoon inside, often marked with “Eco” next to it.
- What It Means: An energy-efficient cycle that uses less water and energy, ideal for lightly soiled dishes.
- Intensive Wash Symbol: A pot with steam lines above it.
- What It Means: A high-temperature wash for heavily soiled items like pots and pans.
- Quick Wash Symbol: A clock with a line across it.
- What It Means: A shorter cycle for lightly soiled dishes that need to be washed quickly.
- Delicate/Glassware Symbol: A wine glass or delicate dish with a wavy line underneath.
- What It Means: A gentle cycle for fragile items like glassware and fine china.
4. Drying Options
- Heat Dry Symbol: A small wave or fan icon, sometimes accompanied by “Heat Dry”.
- What It Means: Activates the heating element to dry your dishes after the wash cycle. Some models may use SmartDry or CrystalDry for more effective drying.
- No Heat Dry Symbol: A line across a fan or wave symbol.
- What It Means: This option skips the heating element, reducing energy usage.
5. Rinse Aid Symbols
- Rinse Aid Indicator: A small bottle or droplet.
- What It Means: Shows when the rinse aid level is low. Rinse aid helps to improve drying and reduce water spots on dishes.
6. Child Lock Symbol
- Symbol: A padlock.
- What It Means: Locks the control panel to prevent accidental changes to settings, especially useful in households with young children.
7. Delay Start Symbol
- Symbol: A clock or a time dial with a number next to it (e.g., 1h, 3h, etc.).
- What It Means: Delays the start of the wash cycle by the selected amount of time, perfect if you want the cycle to begin later.
8. Water Softener Symbol
- Symbol: A droplet with a line under it, sometimes with “salt” written.
- What It Means: Indicates the need to add dishwasher salt for softening hard water and improving wash results.
9. Overflow or Drainage Symbol
- Symbol: A droplet with waves beneath it or a funnel with a line under it.
- What It Means: Signals a water drain or overflow issue. If this light flashes, check for blockages in the filter or drain hose.
10. End of Cycle Symbol
- Symbol: A checkmark or “End” written on the display.
- What It Means: Indicates that the wash cycle has finished. You can now unload your dishwasher.
FAQs
What does the “Eco” symbol mean on my Bosch dishwasher?
The “Eco” symbol represents an energy-efficient cycle that uses less water and power, making it ideal for lightly soiled dishes.
How do I know if my Bosch dishwasher needs rinse aid?
Look for the rinse aid symbol (a small bottle or droplet). If it lights up, it means you need to refill the rinse aid dispenser.
What does the “Heat Dry” symbol do?
The “Heat Dry” symbol activates the dishwasher’s drying function, using heat to dry dishes more effectively at the end of the wash cycle.
How can I use the child lock feature on my Bosch dishwasher?
The child lock symbol (a padlock) locks the control panel, preventing accidental changes. Simply press and hold the designated button to activate or deactivate the lock.
Conclusion
Understanding the Bosch dishwasher symbols on your control panel helps ensure you’re using the correct cycle and settings for optimal performance. Whether you’re selecting an eco-friendly cycle, adjusting drying options, or adding rinse aid, these symbols guide you through a more efficient and effective washing experience.
