What The Dishwasher Symbols Mean And How To Use Them!

Dishwashers have become an indispensable part of our modern lives, making it easier than ever to keep our dishes sparkling clean. However, navigating the maze of symbols that adorn these appliances can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide will demystify what dishwasher symbols mean, empowering you to fully utilize the features of your dishwasher and achieve optimal cleaning results.

Understanding the Basics

Dishwasher symbols typically fall into three main categories:

• Cycle Settings: These symbols represent the different wash cycles available, such as Normal, Heavy, Delicate, and Quick Wash.
• Additional Options: These symbols indicate additional features that can be activated during a wash cycle, such as Extra Rinse, Heated Dry, and Half Load.
• Status Indicators: These symbols provide information about the current status of the dishwasher, such as Running, Finished, or Error.

Cycle Settings

Normal:

• Symbol: A circle with a line through it
• Description: A standard wash cycle suitable for most dishes.

Heavy:

• Symbol: A circle with three lines through it
• Description: A heavy-duty wash cycle for heavily soiled dishes, pots, and pans.

Delicate:

• Symbol: A circle with a dot in the center
• Description: A gentle wash cycle for delicate items such as glassware and china.

Quick Wash:

• Symbol: A circle with a clock inside
• Description: A shortened wash cycle for lightly soiled dishes.

Additional Options

Extra Rinse:

• Symbol: A faucet with a drop of water
• Description: Adds an additional rinse cycle to remove any remaining food particles or detergent residue.

Heated Dry:

• Symbol: A circle with a flame inside
• Description: Uses heat to dry dishes after the wash cycle.

Half Load:

• Symbol: A circle with a line dividing it in half
• Description: Optimizes the wash cycle for smaller loads of dishes.

Status Indicators

Running:

• Symbol: A circle with a rotating arrow inside
• Description: Indicates that the dishwasher is currently running a wash cycle.

Finished:

• Symbol: A circle with a checkmark inside
• Description: Indicates that the wash cycle has completed.

Error:

• Symbol: A circle with an exclamation mark inside
• Description: Indicates that the dishwasher has encountered an error. Refer to the user manual for troubleshooting steps.

Other Common Symbols

Child Lock:

• Symbol: A padlock
• Description: Prevents accidental changes to the dishwasher settings.

Rinse Aid Indicator:

• Symbol: A triangle with a drop of water inside
• Description: Indicates that the rinse aid dispenser needs to be refilled.

Salt Indicator:

• Symbol: A circle with a salt shaker inside
• Description: Indicates that the water softener needs to be refilled with dishwasher salt.

Advanced Features

Some dishwashers may also feature advanced symbols that indicate additional capabilities:

Steam Wash:

• Symbol: A circle with a cloud inside
• Description: Uses steam to penetrate and remove tough stains.

Sanitize:

• Symbol: A circle with a cross inside
• Description: Kills bacteria and other microorganisms on dishes.

Auto Wash:

• Symbol: A circle with a lightning bolt inside
• Description: Automatically adjusts the wash cycle based on the soil level of the dishes.

Takeaways

Understanding what dishwasher symbols mean is essential for maximizing the performance and convenience of your appliance. By deciphering these symbols, you can tailor the wash cycle to your specific needs, ensuring that your dishes are thoroughly cleaned and sparkling every time.

Questions You May Have

Q: What does the “Normal” cycle symbol look like?
A: A circle with a single line through it.

Q: How do I activate the “Extra Rinse” option?
A: Look for the symbol of a faucet with a drop of water.

Q: What does the “Child Lock” symbol indicate?
A: It prevents accidental changes to the dishwasher settings.

Q: How do I know when the dishwasher has finished its cycle?
A: Look for the symbol of a circle with a checkmark inside.

Q: What does the “Error” symbol mean?
A: It indicates that the dishwasher has encountered an error. Refer to the user manual for troubleshooting steps.