What do those dishwasher symbols mean?

Getting the most out of your dishwasher is easy once you understand the most common symbols and settings. Our dishwasher symbols guide helps you quickly understand the basics, and discover dishwasher functions that save you time and energy.

All Bosch dishwasher features are uniquely designed to offer peace of mind. From our energy-saving PerfectDry feature to the TimeLight function on our built-in models that lets you know the dishwasher is running without opening the door. 

Basic Dishwasher Symbols
eco 50 dishwasher symbol

Eco 50°

The economy cycle is a longer programme which uses less water and electricity, ideal for removing common household food remnants lightly dried on.

Intensive 70° dishwasher symbol

Intensive 70°

An intense cycle using high temperatures and increased spray pressure, ideal for dishes with very stubborn, burned or dried-on food remains.

auto programme dishwasher symbol

Auto 45° - 65°

The auto cycle is ideal for removing common household food remnants lightly dried on.

glass dishwasher setting bosch

Glass 40°

The Glass 40 °C programme adjusts the temperature and extends the drying period to gently clean glasses such as high-quality crystal, leaving a brilliant shine.

quiet dishwasher setting

Silence 50°

The silence programme uses an adapted Eco 50 °C programme, a reduced spray pressure and extended cleaning phase to reduce the noise levels of your dishwasher.

prerinse dishwasher setting

Pre Rinse

A short rinse cycle used before a full wash cycle. Useful for loosening dried on food remains and when dishes have been left for a while.

quick wash dishwasher setting bosch

Quick 45°

A quick wash cycle for when in a hurry. Ideal for removing part dried, common household food remnants.

short dishwasher cycle setting bosch

Short 60°

A short cycle ideal for removing common household food remnants lightly dried on.

dishwasher cleaning setting bosch

Machine Care

A programme used in combination with machine cleaning detergent to clean your dishwasher and reduce the development of limescale, grease and odours.

Additional Dishwasher Symbols
home connect dishwasher setting

Home Connect

To stay at their best, different dishes and glassware need to be washed in different ways. With the Bosch Home Connect app, simply tell your dishwasher what’s in the load and it’ll work out the perfect program.

intensive dishwasher setting bosch

Intensive Zone

The IntensiveZone option, which can be added to many programmes, ensures a higher spray pressure and increases the temperature in the lower basket. Heavily soiled pots and pans are cleaned optimally whilst more delicate items can be placed in the upper basket at the same time.

variospeed dishwasher setting bosch

VarioSpeed Plus

With VarioSpeed Plus, you can cut the cleaning time with the press of a button. Combine your favourite programme* with the VarioSpeed Plus option and cleaning time is automatically reduced by up to 66%. The result is sparkling, with dry dishes in a shorter time. (*Does not apply to pre-rinse or quick-wash programmes.)

hygiene plus dishwasher setting bosch

Hygiene Plus

A hotter final rinse is held for longer with temperatures of up to 70°C for higher anti-bacterial performance. Hygiene plus is therefore ideal for anyone who requires the highest hygiene standards, for example allergy sufferers or families with small children. Please note it is not suitable for sterilising baby bottles.

extra dry dishwasher setting

Extra Dry

Activating the Extra Dry option dries your dishes extra-thoroughly using higher temperatures during the rinse cycle and a longer drying phase - with just one push of a button.

half load dishwasher  setting

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.

shine dry dishwasher setting

Shine and Dry

By increasing the amount of water during the rinse cycle and extending the drying phase, water marks are prevented and the drying result is improved. There is a slight increase in the energy consumption. Rinse aid is recommended for the high gloss drying function (even when using combination detergents).

dossage assist dishwasher setting

Dossage Assist

Get the most out of your detergent with Dosage Assist; a small area at the front of the top basket that catches the tablet when it’s released during the cycle. It controls how the tablet is dissolved for optimum performance.

place settings

Place Settings

A selection of our dishwashers will hold up 14 place settings in one load – perfect for larger households.

self cleaning dishwasher setting

Self-cleaning Filters

Self cleaning filter system, with spray arms designed to direct water at the filters on every rotation. Please note, self cleaning filters are designed to keep filters clear during the washing cycle. Regular filter cleaning and maintenance is still recommended.

duo power twin spray arm

Duo Power

Our 45cm models feature a twin spray arm in the top basket to ensure perfect water coverage every time.

The most commonly asked questions

timer

How can I wash dishes quickly?

Advanced programmes like VarioSpeed Plus can wash and dry a full load of dishes quickly but perfectly, by reducing rinse time by up to 66%. Simply select the VarioSpeed Plus option when you need your dishes back faster.

bosch dishwasher settings explained

How can I save money on dishwashing?

Innovations like Bosch’s LoadSensor detect when you’re washing a smaller load to make sure only the necessary amount of water and electricity is used. Also, Look out for machines with EU energy ratings of A++ and A+++.

quiet dishwasher

How can I make my dishwasher quieter?

Keeping the house quiet can sometimes be difficult, but our dishwashers with EcoSilence Drive deliver a much smoother, quieter operation with the energy saving motor.

If noise levels are important, especially in open plan kitchens or when entertaining, use our special SuperSilence Plus programme to reduce noise levels to only 38db (A).

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