Bosch Dishwasher Symbols – What Are They and What Do They Mean

Bosch dishwasher symbols can often seem confusing, but they play a key role in helping you operate your dishwasher effectively. If you’ve misplaced your manual or can’t easily find it to look up what the symbols mean, you may find yourself stuck using the same settings for every load.

Understanding these symbols allows you to make full use of your dishwasher’s features. Bosch dishwashers come with a variety of settings designed to deliver optimal results. Some settings are tailored to protect delicate glassware, while others are designed to tackle tough grime on pots and pans.

For expert Bosch appliance repair, visit our Bosch Appliance Repair page, where we offer reliable solutions for all your Bosch products. If your dishwasher isn't performing at its best, check out our Dishwasher Repair service for fast and efficient repairs. Our team ensures your Bosch dishwasher runs smoothly, restoring its cleaning power and efficiency. Whether it's a minor issue or a major malfunction, we’re here to help. Get your appliance fixed today with our trusted repair services.

Get Professional Help Today!

This guide explains the meaning of various Bosch dishwasher symbols.

Content

• Basic and tableware symbols
• Care symbols
• Status indicators symbols
• Connected symbols
• Programs symbols
• Additional options symbols

Basic Bosch dishwasher symbols and tableware symbols

Dishwasher safe symbol

Overview: There isn’t a universally standardized definition or symbol for “dishwasher safe.” While some items must be washed manually, the dishwasher safe symbol indicates that an item can safely be cleaned in a dishwasher. Its representation varies depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and past experiences.

Best for: Ensuring you don’t damage dishware that isn’t dishwasher-friendly.

Benefits/Drawbacks: This symbol offers guidance during the dishwashing process, but its lack of standardization can lead to inconsistencies. Experience with items bearing this symbol helps determine their true dishwasher compatibility.

Dishwasher safe symbol

Overview: This symbol often shows plates or glasses in a dishwasher basket, depicted in several ways to indicate “dishwasher safe.”

Best for: Sorting items that should or shouldn’t go into the dishwasher based on their markings.

Benefits/Drawbacks: When this symbol isn’t present, you’ll need to refer to the manual to identify dishwasher-safe items.

Dishwasher proof symbol

Overview: This symbol, often featuring a number like 500 with radiating lines, represents “dishwasher proof.” Items with this designation meet the European norm EN 12875, indicating the number of dishwasher cycles the item can endure without damage. Higher numbers signify greater durability.

Best for: High-quality kitchenware designed to withstand the heat and conditions of dishwashing cycles.

Benefits/Drawbacks: This symbol provides reassurance for washing expensive items, though it’s not consistently used across all premium kitchenware.

Food safe symbol

Overview: The fork and wine glass symbol signifies that the material is food-safe, meaning it won’t contaminate your food. This symbol is typically found on the material or packaging of tableware, cutlery, or utensils.

Best for: Ensuring that items are safe for use with food.

Benefits/Drawbacks: It provides peace of mind about food safety but may not appear on smaller items, leading to potential confusion.

Bosch dishwasher care symbols

Rinse aid refill indicator

Overview: Represented by a snowflake-like symbol, this indicator alerts you to refill the rinse aid. This additive ensures dishes dry evenly and without streaks after rinsing. Fill the designated container, and the dishwasher will handle the rest.

Best for: Items prone to streaking.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Some dishwasher tabs already include rinse aid, but in areas with hard water, additional rinse aid may be necessary for optimal results.

Dishwasher salt symbol

Overview: This symbol, resembling an “S,” prompts you to refill the salt container. Dishwasher salt softens hard water, preventing limescale build-up and protecting both your dishes and the appliance. In areas with hard water, more frequent refills may be required.

Best for: Mitigating the effects of hard water.

Benefits/Drawbacks: It eliminates guesswork about when to add salt but requires prompt action to avoid potential limescale issues that could necessitate descaling the dishwasher.

Dishwasher tap symbol

Overview: A water tap symbol indicates insufficient water flow to your dishwasher. Possible causes include blockages, improperly installed hoses, a closed tap, or an electronic issue. Check the hoses, water connection, and the user manual to troubleshoot the problem.

Best for: Diagnosing and addressing water-related issues.

Benefits/Drawbacks: While helpful in signaling a problem, the symbol doesn’t specify the cause, requiring professional assistance to resolve underlying issues.

Bosch dishwasher status indicators

Brush symbol

Overview: The brush symbol means your dishwasher is actively washing dishes. Once the cycle finishes, the symbol disappears, signaling that your dishes are ready to be unloaded.

Best for: Identifying when the dishwasher is running.

Benefits/Drawbacks: It prevents accidental openings during the cycle, avoiding mess and interruptions.

Pre-rinse symbol

Overview: This symbol, showing dotted lines radiating toward a plate, indicates a short rinse cycle before the main wash begins. This feature helps loosen tough food particles, ensuring a more thorough clean.

Best for: Dishes with dried-on food or those left unwashed for an extended period.

Benefits/Drawbacks: It saves time and reduces the likelihood of needing a second wash for stubborn debris.

Dishwasher drying symbol

Overview: This symbol signifies that the dishwasher is in the drying phase of the wash cycle. Once the process is complete, your dishes will be ready to store.

Best for: Avoiding wet dishware or glassware.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Conveniently ensures dishes are dry and ready for storage, minimizing the risk of residual moisture.

Child lock

Overview: The child lock feature, symbolized by a lock graphic, prevents children from opening the dishwasher. To deactivate it, you can use a specific button combination or press and hold a button for a certain duration.

Best for: Homes with small children.

Benefits/Drawbacks: This feature safeguards against children accidentally opening the dishwasher mid-cycle or causing damage. However, if activated unintentionally, it can prevent the dishwasher from functioning until the lock is deactivated.

Connected Bosch dishwasher symbols

Home Connect symbol

Overview: Depicted as a rectangle resembling a smartphone with Wi-Fi bars radiating outward, the Home Connect symbol indicates the use of Bosch’s smart connectivity feature. With the Home Connect app, you can select dishwashing settings tailored to your cookware, dishes, or glassware. This app allows you to control your dishwasher remotely and optimize washing programs for the specific items in your load.

Best for: Maximizing the efficiency of your wash cycles.

Benefits/Drawbacks: This feature offers convenience by enabling you to control the dishwasher from anywhere in your home. However, its functionality depends on having a smartphone and stable connectivity.

Favourite symbol

Overview: Represented by a star, the Favourite symbol allows you to save your most frequently used dishwashing programs. With the Bosch Home Connect app, you can access these saved programs quickly, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Best for: Simplifying your washing routine with custom settings.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Saves time by reducing the steps needed to start specific programs. However, customization requires initial setup in the app.

Bosch dishwasher programs

Eco 50°

Overview: The Eco 50° program is designed to wash and dry delicate items like cups and glasses at a moderate temperature. It minimizes the risk of damage while providing effective cleaning and drying.

Best for: Fragile items, such as wine glasses or premium dishware.

Benefits/Drawbacks: This program is gentle and helps reduce wear on delicate dishes. However, it may not be as effective for stubborn grime or heavily soiled items.

Auto 45° – 65°

Overview: The Auto program is an all-purpose setting that adjusts temperature and cycle length based on the load’s needs. It’s ideal for everyday dishwashing when no special care is required.

Best for: General dishwashing tasks.

Benefits/Drawbacks: This program offers convenience by eliminating the need for manual adjustments. However, it may not be suitable for all types of dishware.

1h program

Overview: The 1-hour program, denoted by a stopwatch and a 1h symbol, completes a full wash and dry cycle in just 60 minutes. It’s an efficient choice for quick cleaning.

Best for: When time is limited.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Saves time and energy for lightly soiled dishes, but may not handle heavily soiled items as effectively as longer cycles.

Express 45°

Overview: Represented by a stopwatch, cup, and glass, this program is tailored for cleaning delicate glassware quickly. It uses cooler water temperatures to protect fragile items and completes the cycle in a short time.

Best for: Lightly soiled glasses and dishware.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Ideal for quick and gentle cleaning but may not be effective for dishes with tough residue.

Express 60°

Overview: Indicated by a stopwatch with two plates, the Express 60° program is a fast yet efficient option for cleaning tableware. Its higher temperature makes it more effective at removing dirt and grime than lower-temperature express programs.

Best for: Moderately soiled dishware needing a quick wash.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Offers faster cleaning with better results for dirtier items, but it’s not suitable for delicate or heat-sensitive dishware.

Glass 40°

Overview: Designed specifically for delicate glassware, the Glass 40° program uses lower temperatures and extended drying times to provide gentle yet thorough cleaning. It protects sensitive items like crystal while ensuring a brilliant finish.

Best for: Fine glassware and crystal.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Helps maintain the condition and appearance of glassware while conserving energy and water. However, it may not accommodate all types of glass, particularly etched or textured pieces.

Intensive 70°

Overview: Symbolized by a large pot and two plates, the Intensive 70° setting is designed for heavily soiled cookware, such as pots and pans with baked-on food. It uses high heat and increased water pressure for a powerful clean.

Best for: Removing stubborn grime from cookware.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Reduces the need for manual scrubbing, but the high temperature may not be safe for all cookware materials.

Machine Care

Overview: Represented by two racks within a rectangle and a sparkle, the Machine Care program is for cleaning the dishwasher itself. When paired with a machine cleaning detergent, it removes limescale, grease, and odours, keeping the appliance in optimal condition.

Best for: Maintaining dishwasher performance.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Ensures effective cleaning and prevents odours, but requires regular attention and specific cleaning agents.

Additional Bosch dishwasher options

SpeedPerfect

Overview: The SpeedPerfect option, represented by a stopwatch and the words "Speed Perfect," lets you speed up your preferred wash cycle. This option shortens the cycle time by up to 66%, so your dishes will be cleaned quickly.

Best for: Customized washes that need a faster turnaround.

Benefits/Drawbacks: You can maintain the benefits of a custom wash setting while saving time and energy. However, this setting is not available for pre-rinse or express programs.

SpeedPerfect+

Overview: The SpeedPerfect+ option, like SpeedPerfect, shortens your preferred program's run time by up to 66%. This function provides fast results, ensuring your dishes are sparkling clean in less time.

Best for: Lightly soiled dishware that needs quick cleaning.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Ideal when you're in a rush or need to save time, but it’s not applicable for pre-rinse or express cycles.

Hygiene

Overview: The Hygiene function is designed for households with small children or allergy sufferers. During this cycle, temperatures reach up to 70°C, ensuring strong antibacterial performance and effectively eliminating bacteria and germs from your dishes.

Best for: Dishes that need extra sanitization, like those used by children or allergy-prone individuals.

Benefits/Drawbacks: It ensures safe and hygienic dishes, preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses. However, it’s not suitable for sterilizing baby bottles.

Hygiene+

Overview: The Hygiene Plus function enhances the sanitization process with an extra-hot final rinse, providing superior antibacterial performance. This setting is particularly useful for cleaning chopping boards or sterilizing baby bottles.

Best for: Sterilizing baby bottles or ensuring extra cleanliness for sensitive items.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Provides extra hygiene benefits, particularly for items like baby bottles, but you may need to avoid certain items that could be damaged by the high heat.

IntensiveZone

Overview: The IntensiveZone option, indicated by two rows of spray, ensures higher spray pressure and increased temperature in the dishwasher’s lower basket. It’s perfect for tough, baked-on food and greasy cookware.

Best for: Mixed loads with both delicate and heavy-duty items.

Benefits/Drawbacks: This function lets you handle both delicate and heavily soiled items in one load, providing versatility. However, the high spray pressure and temperature could damage fragile dishes or glassware.

Shine & Dry

Overview: The Shine & Dry function, symbolized by a wine glass with a sparkle, enhances drying results by adding more water during the rinse cycle and extending the drying phase. It’s designed to reduce watermarks and improve drying, leaving your dishes spotless.

Best for: Dishware prone to water spots, like stainless steel or glass.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Ensures a spotless finish, but it may slightly increase energy consumption, and using rinse aid is recommended for optimal results.

Extra Dry

Overview: The Extra Dry feature, represented by three wavy lines with a plus sign, uses higher temperatures during the rinse cycle and a longer drying phase. It guarantees thoroughly dry dishes, especially those made from non-porous materials like plastic or stoneware.

Best for: Items that retain moisture, such as plastic dishes or stoneware.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Helps prevent moisture-related issues like mold in cupboards, but it may waste energy for dishware that doesn’t require extended drying.

Half Load

Overview: The Half Load setting, indicated by a rectangle with a fraction symbol, allows you to run a wash cycle when you only have a small load of dishes, such as cups, plates, or glasses. This setting saves water, energy, and time.

Best for: Smaller loads of dishes that don’t fill the entire dishwasher.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Saves on water and energy, making it a cost-effective option for small loads. However, the cycle may not be as efficient as a full load, so it’s best used for minimal dishware.

Timer

Overview: The Timer function lets you schedule when your dishwasher cycle finishes, with a delay start option of 3, 6, or 9 hours. This gives you flexibility to run your dishwasher at a later time.

Best for: Starting the wash cycle at a specific time, like when you’re away or during off-peak hours.

Benefits/Drawbacks: Ideal for timing your wash to avoid peak energy rates. However, you can’t set the exact time for the cycle to start—only the delay in hours.