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.

With our washing machine 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

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.

reload setting

Start/Reload

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 washing symbols

Water Consumption

Water consumption for the selected programme. Low is shown as one dash, high is shown with 5 dashes.

energy consumption energy symbol

Energy Consumption

Energy consumption for the selected programme. Low is shown as one dash, high is shown with 5 dashes.

prewash washing setting

Prewash

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

washing symbol

Washing

The programme process is shown as washing.

soaking washing symbol

Soaking

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

spin speed washing machine symbol

Spin Speed

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 washing machine symbol

Easy Iron

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 washing machine symbol

Rinse

The programme process is shown as rinsing.

rinse washing machine symbol

Extra Rinse

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 washing symbol

Rinse Hold

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 washing symbol

Adding Laundry

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

silent wash

Silent Wash

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

instensive plus

Intensive Plus

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

anti stain washing machine setting

AntiStain

Select the type of stain. The temperature, drum movement and soaking time are all adjusted to suit the type of stain.

water plus washing symbol

Water Plus

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

i-dos washign machine symbol

i-Dos

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

i-Dos

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 washing symbol

Drum Clean

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

save your own programme setting

Memory Programme

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 control

Remote Start

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 symbol

Foam Detection

If this symbol lights up in the display panel, the washing machine 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 symbol

Tap

The water pressure is too low or the supply hose is blocked or kinked.

Washing Machine Features

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

wave drum feature

WaveDrum

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.

eco silence washing machine symbol

EcoSilence Drive™

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 washing machine feature

Aqua Stop

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 icon

i-DOS

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.

active oxygen

ActiveOxygen

This setting cleans your most delicate fabrics at low temperatures. The setting still protects colour while eliminating 99.9% of the bacteria and germs found in clothes but without the use of chemical additives.

reload icon

Reload

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

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 icon

AntiVibration Design

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.

active water plus symbol

ActiveWater Plus

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 icon

Anti-Stain System

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.

home connect icon

Home Connect Remote Control

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.

speed perfect icon

SpeedPerfect

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 drawer symbols

*not specific to all models

DETERGENT DRAW EXPLAINED

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

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