A Complete Guide to Washing Machine Symbols

The most common washing machine symbols

There are a few laundry symbols you'll see on your washing machine that you might be familiar with, but what do they actually mean? We can split them into 5 main categories:

Wash programmes

This is the first thing to consider before pressing START on your washing machine. You'll need to think about what your clothes are made of - then you can select one of the following:

• Cottons (Cotton flower): Every day laundry like jeans, bedding and towels
• Synthetics (beaker or flask): Mixed laundry, polyester and sportswear
• Delicates (feather): Gentle wash for delicate materials
• Wool or Hand wash (ball of wool or hand in water): for jumpers
• Eco wash (leaf): Energy-saving option for everyday washing

Temperature

The temperature of your cycle will differ depending on what you're washing. You can identify the setting you need with these symbols:

• Numbers in a wash bucket: 30, 40, 60 degrees
• Numbers on a thermometer
• Snowflake (cold wash)

Spin speed

This setting impacts how quickly your washing dries. Choose a higher spin speed to get rid of excess water:

• Spiral icon or numbers: Spin/RPM (1200, 1400)
• Spiral with a line through: reduced spin, no spin

Cycle time

This setting decides how long your laundry load will take. You can identify the perfect setting by looking out for:

• Clock or stopwatch: Quick wash for small, lightly soiled loads
• Clock with an arrow: Start the load later, when it works for you
• Tub with +: Extra rinse to get rid of detergent and water

Start, stop and safety

To get the most from your washing machine, these symbols are important:

• Play/Pause: Stop or start your washing machine
• Padlock: Childlock
• Lock icon: Door locked during cycle

Different washing symbols for different brands

Not all washing machine symbols are the same. While it's good to know exactly what cycle you're choosing on your washing machine, and what it's best for, icons are likely to differ depending on the brand of washing machine you choose.

For example, some brands like AEG, Bosch and Samsung might all have the same settings, but cotton might be represented as a cotton flower on one, a t-shirt on the other, or may just state "Cotton" to avoid any confusion!

Programme symbols tend to have the most variation, whereas temperature and spin speed are more consistent, with simple numbers to show temperature and a spiral icon to show spin speed.

Time and convenience settings might also vary. Quick wash might be a stopwatch or a timer, or might be as simple as 'Rapid'. Some brands rely on words instead of symbols.

Touchscreen smart washing machines that are display-led might not have symbols at all! They're more likely to use text, or a combination of both, to help users find the programme they need.

Fabric care and energy use laundry symbols

Washing your laundry shouldn't come at a cost, in this case, misshaping or stretching out your favourite clothes. It's essential to look at the fabric care symbols on your clothes to find out the best cycle for each garment. They can be split into groups, including:

Washing symbols:

These are typically shown as a wash tub. They show if a garment can be washed, and at what temperature

Drying symbols:

These are shown as a square with dots. The dots represent the level of heat you can use on a piece of clothing.

Ironing symbols:

These show whether an item can be ironed with an iron icon. There may be dots inside the iron to represent the heat level. If the iron is crossed out, the garment cannot be ironed.

Bleaching and dry cleaning symbols:

Bleaching is shown as a triangle. If the triangle is filled in or has a cross through it, bleach should not be used. Dry cleaning is represented with a circle outline.

Laundry symbol mistakes: using the wrong programme

Laundry isn't everyone's idea of fun, which is why many of us will put the same wash on, regardless of what's in the load, just to get it over with. But this could be doing more harm than good.

Below, we'll debunk some of the most common mistakes made when washing a load, to get the best results:

• Eco doesn't mean quick: It's easy to assume that eco is a quick wash because it's efficient, but it's actually the opposite. Eco washes take longer as the washing machine runs longer at lower temperatures to save energy. Quick wash is the cycle you need when you're in a hurry.
• Cotton shouldn't be a default: Not everything you wash will be cotton. Cotton cycles use higher drum movement and spin speeds, which can damage mixed fabrics, especially delicates. Be sure to match the cycle with the type of fabric you're using.
• Turning the temperature up doesn't mean a better clean: Higher temperatures use more energy, fade colours, and shrink fabrics. Every day laundry washes just as well at 30-40 degrees, which doesn't use as much energy, and keeps your clothes in great condition.
• High spin can have consequences: A high speed setting isn't always better. It can dry clothes more quickly, but it can cause creasing, stretching, and damage to delicate fabrics.
• Ignoring extra rinse options: Many people don't bother with extra rinse options, but it comes with benefits. Detergent residue can stick to thicker fabrics like jumpers and knitwear, so it can be a great option for those with sensitive skin, baby clothes and larger, absorbent items.
• Not checking fabric care labels: You should always check care labels on your clothes to ensure you're washing them correctly. Using incorrect settings can cause shrinking, colour bleeding and damage to your favourite clothes. Check the label first, and then decide on a setting.

Tips for choosing an everyday laundry setting

Need a little help? Here are a few tips to guide you through your everyday loads of washing:

1. Programme-first: Choosing the right programme first means the temperature is already taken care of. Usually, washing falls under cottons, mixed or 40-60-degree cycles. Your washing machine will choose the correct temperature, no decisions necessary!
2. 40-degrees is a great everyday setting: Washing at 40 degrees is typically the sweet spot for most items. It's hot enough to tackle dirt, while still being gentle enough to protect colours and fabrics. It also uses less energy than hotter cycles.
3. Use eco when you're not in a hurry: Eco uses less energy and water for a more sustainable way of washing. If you're not in a hurry, choose an eco cycle for everyday, soiled laundry, and you might even save on utility bills.
4. Take care with spin speed: Stick to 1200-1400 RPM for towels and durable fabrics, and 800-1000 RPM for everyday clothing. Lower spin speeds work best for delicate items.
5. Quick wash small, lightly soiled items: Try not to overload a quick wash. Use this setting for clothes worn once, small, light loads and for freshening up laundry.
6. Always check your garment labels: Make sure you know what cycle your clothes should be washed on by checking the care label. This will improve longevity and keep your favourite pieces in the best condition. If you're washing a load, check the most delicate item's label and wash accordingly.

So, before you load up your washing machine, check your default setting and whether it's suitable for everyday use, or if you could be getting more out of your machine.

In need of a new washing machine for efficient, deep cleaning whenever you need it? Shop washing machines at Marks Electrical. We also have tumble dryers for fast, indoor drying and washer dryers if you're looking for a combination of both.