Last Updated on May 13, 2022
Are you confused by the different symbols found on dishwashers? What does each symbol mean?
Dishwashers come in various sizes and shapes. Some models even have built-in water softeners. There are also different types of detergents, such as powder or liquid, and some models even have options for washing dishes separately from other items.
Dishwasher Symbols Explained
The first thing to know about dishwashers is that they don’t all look alike. They can be round, square, rectangular, oval, or any shape imaginable. Some models even have a built-in water softener.
Some dishwashers are designed with an automatic cycle. These cycles include prewash, soak, wash, rinse, and dry. Others may only have one cycle: wash.
Some dishwashers have a high volume setting. This means that it will fill your sink with hot water. Other dishwashers have low volume settings.
There are many different kinds of dishwashers available today. You should always read the manual before purchasing a new model. If you need help choosing a dishwasher, ask your local appliance store for advice.
How do I choose the right size dishwasher for my home?
To determine how much space you need, measure the area where you plan to install the dishwasher. Then add 10 inches to this measurement. For example, if you want to place the dishwasher under the kitchen countertop, figure out how long the counter is. Add 10 inches to that length. That gives you the total width of the cabinet opening. Now divide that number by two. That tells you how wide the dishwasher needs to be.
If you live in a small apartment, you might not need a large capacity dishwasher. A smaller dishwasher could work just fine for you.
You can find a variety of dishwasher models online. Many manufacturers offer free shipping on their products. When you buy a dishwasher online, make sure you get a warranty. Most companies offer a limited warranty.
You can also check out our guide to buying a dishwasher. We cover everything from what features to consider when shopping for a dishwasher to which brands we recommend.
Dishwasher Program Symbols
A dishwasher program symbol indicates how often the machine washes dishes. It shows whether the dishwasher has a regular wash cycle, a quick wash cycle, or a sanitize cycle.
Regular Wash Cycle
This symbol usually appears next to the word “regular” or “normal.” Regular wash cycles use warm water and detergent. They clean dishes well but take longer than a quick wash cycle.
Quick Wash Cycle
Quick wash cycles use cold water and a special type of detergent called a “high efficiency detergent.” These cycles are faster than normal ones. But they aren’t as effective at cleaning dishes.
Sanitize Cycle
Sanitizing cycles use cool water and a special type detergent. These cycles remove both food particles and bacteria from dishes.
Most dishwashers have several programs. You can select the best one based on the amount of time you spend doing dishes each week.
90 / Clock symbol
When you see a clock symbol next to a dishwasher program, it means the machine uses up to 90 percent of its full capacity while washing dishes.
Sprinkle
Some dishwashers have an option to sprinkle water over dishes before washing them. Sprinkling helps prevent food stains.
Wash Only
These machines wash dishes without rinsing them first. Rinsing removes leftover soap and prevents spots from forming.
Cleaning Rinse
Some dishwashers have a rinse cycle. During this cycle, the machine sprays hot water over dishes. This cleans them better than using plain tap water.
Rinse & Spin
These machines spin the dishes after they finish washing. This makes them easier to dry.
Dishwasher Programs
The most important consideration when selecting a dishwasher program is how frequently you use it.
Weekly Use
If you cook dinner every night, you probably won’t need a weekly wash cycle. Choose a program that fits your lifestyle.
Every Day
If you don’t cook dinner every day, you might want a daily wash cycle. Daily cycles use more water and energy than other programs. So, they cost more to run.
Once a Week
If you cook only once per week, you may want to select a weekly cycle. This will save you money because less water and electricity is used.
Dishwasher Indicator Symbols
An indicator light tells you if the dishwasher is ready to start. If there’s no light, the machine isn’t running.
On/Off Light
This symbol lights up when the dishwasher starts. It turns off when the cycle ends.
Timer Light
Some models have a timer light. When the cycle begins, the light flashes until the cycle finishes. Then, it stays lit.
Lighted Display
Some models display information about the current cycle on their control panel. For example, some show the number of items in the load, the estimated time remaining for the cycle, and the temperature of the water.
Programmable Controls
You can set the controls on many modern dishwashers to match your preferences. Some programs allow you to choose whether to spray water over dishes during the rinse cycle.
How To Clean A Dishwasher?
To clean a dishwasher:
1. Remove all dirty dishes from inside the machine.
2. Place the machine on a level surface.
3. Make sure the door closes securely.
4. Turn the power switch to the On position.
5. Wash the dishes as directed by the manufacturer.
6. After the cycle is finished, close the door and turn the switch back to Off.
7. Let the machine air-dry.
8. Disconnect the hoses and drain the washer.
9. Check the filter for clogs or debris.
10. Replace the filter if necessary.
11. Reattach the hoses and test the machine.
12. Run a final cycle to ensure everything works properly.
13. Enjoy!
Dishwashing Machine – What Does It Mean?
A dishwashing machine is one of those household appliances that are indispensable for any kitchen. They are not just a necessity but also a luxury item. In fact, these devices are quite expensive. But with proper care and maintenance, you can keep your dishwasher working at its best for years.
A dishwashing machine is an appliance that does the job of cleaning your dishes efficiently. It helps you get rid of dirt and grime from your plates, glasses, pots, pans and cutlery. These devices come equipped with different features such as automatic settings, timers, sensors, etc., which help make the task easy for you.
Have you just bought a new dishwasher? Or you are looking to buy one? In both conditions, you must be hesitant about its operation and installation as well as the errors that could happen! Fortunately, you have come to the right place! Today I shall attempt to ease out this issue, underrated though faced by many of us in our daily lives.
Introduction
A symbol is used for a specific meaning, which is universally understood and accepted. So you must have prior knowledge of Symbols indicated on the appliance you are using. Today we are going to be looking at some standard dishwasher symbols which will ease out your usage. This guide aims to arm you with sufficient knowledge for installing, operating, and handling that new dishwasher you bought last week. As each dishwasher is manufactured from a different place, the symbols are also many, but we shall be exploring these symbols from the Best 5 Dishwashers recommended for you. Without further ado let’s move on towards the contents of what we will be learning today, Table of Contents
- Dishwasher symbols
- Dishwasher Program symbols
- Dishwasher Indicator Symbols
- Dishwasher Warning lights
- Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher Symbols and Error codes
Portable Countertop Dishwasher NOVETE Compact Dishwasher Symbols and Error codes
Airmsen AE-TDQR03 Portable Countertop Dishwasher Symbols and error codes
Dishwasher Symbols 
Dishwasher Program symbols Cooking Pot/Pan symbol with a line below This symbol may be used for Intensive programs, which are used for heavily soiled items. They take longer to run and use more energy. 
Cooking Pot/Pan symbol – When only this symbol is made then it indicates Standard/Normal procedure. 
ECO symbol Well this is an important symbol which indicates Eco-friendly wash, when the Dishwasher takes more time but less energy is expended. An average ECO cycle can be completed in about 3 hours. Glass symbol The symbol which is indicated in the picture above is for indicating a light wash which is quickly completed. This wash is not very hot but it is perfect for utensils which are not very dirty. 
90 / Clock symbol As the name suggests this symbol uses a clock which represents how quickly the cycle will get completed. This cycle is somewhat similar to the normal phase of the dishwasher but in every cycle the time reduces and process quickens. In most of these cases the clock cycle is of 90 mins and so most of the clocks have it only. Chef 70° Chef 70° has arrangements for a powerful spray and hot temperature settings which is perfect for cleaning the dirtiest pots and pans. It has the arrangement to place the dirty utensils at a lower level which are then subjected to high spray pressure which eliminates the dirtiest strains at all. Auto 45°-65° This selects the same temperature which is required for cleaning a load of utensils properly and cleanly. It is controlled by a program which does this job. Glass 40° This is responsible for adjusting the temperature and water hardness to protect delicate glasswork. Silence 50° This indicates a reduced spray pressure and a longer program time which is designed to be gentle on the dishes and reduce the possibility of breaking. Pre-Rinse Symbol This symbol indicates that a short rinse cycle is completed before a full wash such that the food stuck in the plates, pans get easily removed. Machine Care This symbol indicates that a program and machine cleansing detergent combination is used to clean the dishwasher and reduce limescale and grease. Express 45 It indicates that you can give a hurried, immediate wash which is ideal for emergencies and less-messy utensils. Sprinkle This symbol of Sprinkle indicates an immediate and quick rinse/pre-wash. It is used in the case when the dishes are piling up for quite a long time and you want that the dirt shouldn’t bake on. You can activate this mode and leave it on which will quickly rinse the dishes.
Dishwasher Indicator Symbols
General Indicator symbols used most commonly are the Salt-refill and rinse-aid refill indicators (delay timers as well). Salt refill Indicator This symbol is indicated by two arrows which represent the letter ‘S’. When this indicator lights up then it indicates that your dishwasher’s salt levels require replenishment and you have to add salt. Delay Timers This icon is usually indicated by the abbreviations 3h.6h and 9h depending upon machines to the machine. These numbers indicate how many hours has the dishwasher been set to delay. You can understand it as if you have set the Dishwasher to a 6h delay at 2 pm then it will begin working at 8 pm. Rinse-Aid Refill symbol This symbol is pretty much similar to a Snowflake design. As the name suggests its turning on indicates that the amount of rinse-aid in the dishwasher has reduced and needs to be refilled. 
Dishwasher Warning lights Apart from these Indicators and general symbols we also have some error codes and warning light symbols to be displayed. These must be kept in mind when the dishwasher is to be installed so as to connect and install them properly. These also let you know if there is any fault in the appliance at a later date. We shall understand and learn more about the error codes in general for these recommended dishwashers on Amazon. Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher Symbols and Error codes 
Digital LED controls which are Easy to use and Include automatic water level indicators. 
This symbol indicates that it can fit a variety of dishes upto 12-inches at an angle. 
This indicates that no Hookups are required as it has an in-built 5-litre water tank. 
This symbol is the Universally known symbol which indicates the Power button, using which we Switch ON and OFF the appliance. 
These are some specific symbols and buttons to this piece and several others of the same company.These include The Buttons for Glass, Fruit, Baby Care and the modes Normal, Rapid and Air Refresh. The modes Normal and Rapid indicate the speed which you want which in turn depends on the utensils to be washed while the buttons indicate the type of object which should be washed. If you haven’t bought any Dishwasher till now and are looking to buy a new one, then You can have a look at this one https://www.amazon.com/Farberware-FDW05ASBWHA-Countertop-Dishwasher-Wash-White/dp/B07VR22832/ref=zg_bs_3741271_1?
Portable Countertop Dishwasher NOVETE Compact Dishwasher Symbols and Error codes
The symbols and error codes on this Dishwasher are understood as below. Some of them are unique to the piece while others are the Universally adopted ones. 
In the above symbols we have the ECO symbol, Normal, Speed and Baby care/heavy symbols. Which indicate the following ECO Symbol indicates the energy saving mode which takes longer time but lesser energy and saves on power consumption. Normal and Speed are indicators for the speed of washing which you have to assign depending upon the utensils to be washed. The Baby care/Heavy and Fruit symbols indicate which mode to be used depending on what you are cleaning( Baby’s stuff or fruits, vegetables, seafood). You can have a look at this dishwasher on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Countertop-Dishwasher-NOVETE-Dishwashers-Apartments/dp/B089YD3Z91/ref=zg_bs_3741271
Airmsen AE-TDQR03 Portable Countertop Dishwasher Symbols and error codes
The symbols and error codes on this model are also different and specific, indicated on the top side of the Dishwasher. 
This includes the Power button symbol for ON and OFF and the modes DRY, ECO,the speeds, Normal and Rapid as well. These modes have the same indications as explained above. Conclusion The guide has explored several general symbols of Dishwashers and some specific ones as well. Although it is very important to keep in mind these Indicators, warnings and error codes but if you learn it once then definitely you won;t forget. These are all important for helping to install, manage and operate a Dishwasher successfully and obtain work from it. I hope this guide gave you a clear understanding about these symbols.Would like to get your feedback in the comments.
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