- What are the symbols on a dishwasher?
- Extra symbols you need to know about
- How to know what symbols on your dishwasher mean
Dishwashers are life savers. When you have a busy schedule, there's nothing like sticking all your plates in this machine and letting it work its magic. However, do you know what the dishwasher symbols mean? These signs let you know what the machine is doing and what it needs. To take care of it, you must understand the main symbols.
If you're confused, you needn't be. The truth is that it's easy to understand the symbols on a dishwasher. This guide will look at some of the most popular signs.
What are the symbols on a dishwasher?
The exact symbols on your dishwasher will depend on the brand. However, there are some common ones that we often see. These signs often have the same meaning. With that in mind, let's look at some common symbols on a dishwasher.
Arrow or salt symbol
The salt symbol on your dishwasher should be easy to recognise. This is usually a stylised "S" sign that either lights up or has a small light below it on the machine itself. Some call this the arrow symbol as it looks like two arrows, making an "S" sign.
Meaning: What does the arrow symbol mean on a dishwasher? You guessed it! The salt symbol means that your dishwasher needs more salt. Salt softens hard water, meaning your machine can properly clean the things inside it.
Brush symbol
The brush symbol is one that you won't see very often. However, you need to know what it means if you want to take proper care of your dishwasher. This is a small brush sign that usually doesn't do anything, but it may flash from time to time.
Meaning: What does the brush symbol on a dishwasher mean? If you see that this symbol is flashing, that typically means a problem with your machine's drainage. You should refer to the packaging or the manual for advice on what to do next.
Pre-rinse symbol
Next up, the pre-rinse symbol looks like a dish with water being poured onto it. You may notice this on the main panel of your dishwasher. Alternatively, it can sometimes flash when setting the dishwasher cycle up.
Meaning: When you see the pre-rinse symbol, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean that you have to do anything. This sign tells you that the dishwasher performs a quick pre-wash rinse to remove waste or grime from your plates.
Drying symbol
The drying sign, symbolised by three wavy lines, is common on most modern dishwashers. You will often see this sign when your machine is mid-cycle, and you may wonder what it means. Once again, it can be a light itself, or you may find it is a symbol with a light below it.
Meaning: When the light is on for the drying symbol, the dishwasher has reached the drying part of the cycle. Usually, this means that the process will be over soon.
Snowflake or star symbol
The next symbol comes in two forms: the star or the snowflake. However, since these two tend to mean the same thing, they belong in the same section. If you notice either lighting up, you might need to do something to make your dishwasher work properly.
Meaning: What does the star symbol mean on a dishwasher? The answer is that your rinse agent reservoir is empty. You will usually find this compartment inside the door of your dishwasher, but it may vary depending on the model you have. Follow the manual instructions to fill the reservoir before running a new dishwasher cycle.
Sun symbol
The sun symbol looks like small dotted rays coming from one point to another. It is one of the most common symbols on a dishwasher. However, many people don’t know what this means. You don't need to do anything when you see this one lit up.
Meaning: The sun symbol is another version of the rinse aid sign. Once again, it means that your machine needs a top-up of rinse aid. You should check the compartment and see whether it is out of this agent. If it is, you need to add more before using the dishwasher.
Tap symbol
Most dishwashers also have a small tap symbol. When you see this sign lighting up (or even flashing), you must take action sooner rather than later.
Meaning: What does the tap symbol mean on a dishwasher? This symbol usually means that your dishwasher is not getting enough water. However, there are times when it means the opposite — that it is getting too much water. Either way, you need to check it out. It may be worth contacting an expert, such as a plumber, to see what the source of the problem is.
Extra symbols you need to know about
Now that you know about the dishwasher's main symbols, take things one step further. There are some extra symbols that you may come across in your kitchen. Here are two of the popular signs you need to know about.
Food safe symbol
The food-safe symbol is often a fork and a wine glass beside each other. This sign tends to appear either on packaging or products. For example, you may see it on food containers, cutlery, or even lunchboxes.
Meaning: The food safe symbol means the product will not release harmful chemicals into your food. You should look for this before you decide which products to use.
Microwave safe logo
Three squiggly lines usually symbolise the microwave-safe logo. It is found on food packaging and—sometimes—on Tupperware containers. You should always look out for this sign before you decide to heat a product in the microwave.
Meaning: You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to determine the meaning here. The microwave-safe logo simply means that a product can be safely heated in the microwave.
How to know what symbols on your dishwasher mean
In this guide, we have given a brief overview of the different dishwasher symbols. However, there is a critical point that you need to keep in mind. The signs on your machine will vary depending on the brand and model you have.
For that reason, the best way to know what each symbol means is to read the manual. Whether you have a Bosch, Beko, or Neff dishwasher, these signs could be different to what you expect. Taking the time to learn about your specific machine is the best way to go here.
Believe it or not, understanding the symbols on your dishwasher does not have to be complicated. Use this guide as a starting point, but do your research. Figuring out how your machine works means that you can maintain it well and protect it from any silly issues down the line.
Q&A
Looking for some more answers? Take a look at our frequently asked questions below:
How to tell if something is dishwasher safe?
If you're wondering whether something is dishwasher safe, the best thing you can do is check the bottom of it. The dishwasher-safe symbol resembles a square box containing two plates and some lines. While designs may differ, looking out for this sign is always smart.
Can Pyrex go in the dishwasher?
No. You should avoid putting Pyrex in the dishwasher, as that can damage the material completely. Instead, it is far better to use hot water and a soft sponge to clean these products. Always be careful when using this product, or you could ruin it.
Is stainless steel dishwasher safe?
Most of the time, the answer is yes. Stainless steel is usually safe for dishwashers. That means that if you have cookware made of this material, you can pop it in the machine. Of course, each product will vary. Always check that it is safe before putting it in the dishwasher.
Should you put nonstick pans in the dishwasher?
The dishwasher cycle can damage nonstick pans. Unless the manual says otherwise, avoid putting these items in your dishwasher. It’s better to clean nonstick pans by hand to keep them safe.
Are there any other signs on your dishwasher? Let us know in the comments below.
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