SymbolIndex

Bosch Appliance Symbols Explained: Washer and Dishwasher Icons

Published · Reviewed by Rokas

Short answer: Bosch washing machine symbols cover locks, wash options and the detergent drawer. The Childproof lock (key) disables every button, the star saves a favorite programme, and the flower compartment holds fabric softener. On the Bosch SHP9PCM5N dishwasher, the salt and rinse aid indicators mean refill, the machine care symbol means clean the dishwasher, and the Wi-Fi symbol means it is connected to Home Connect.[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

What do the status symbols on a Bosch washing machine display mean?

These symbols, described in Bosch UK's washing machine guide, tell you what the machine is doing or whether something needs your attention. Some light up and others go out to signal a change, so watch for both.[8, 1, 9, 10, 11]

  • Adding laundry symbolAdding laundry: when this symbol goes out on the display, you can add more laundry.[8]
  • Childproof lock (key) symbolChildproof lock (key): every button is disabled. To switch it off, hold the start button or the key button for about three to five seconds until the key symbol goes out.[1]
  • Foam detection symbolFoam detection: the machine detected too much foam and adds a rinse cycle automatically to remove it. Use less detergent next time with the same load.[9]
  • Rinse (programme stage) symbolRinse: the programme is currently in its rinsing stage.[10]
  • Spin speed symbolSpin speed (spiral symbol): the programme is spinning. Depending on the programme stage, you can change the spin speed before and during the programme.[11]
  • Energy consumption indicator symbolEnergy consumption indicator (plug symbol): shows how much energy the selected programme uses, from one dash (low) to five dashes (high).[12]

Bosch washing machine option symbols

Option symbols change how a programme washes, rinses or spins. Several are aimed at heavy soiling, while others reduce creasing or noise.[13, 14, 15, 16, 17]

  • AntiStain symbolAntiStain: lets you choose the type of stain; temperature, drum movement and soaking time are adjusted to suit it.[18]
  • Easy Iron symbolEasy Iron (iron symbol): adapts the spin cycle and spin speed to reduce creasing. Laundry comes out damper and should be hung up to dry.[16]
  • Extra rinse symbolExtra rinse: switches on up to three additional rinse cycles, recommended for very sensitive skin or areas with very soft water.[19]
  • Intensive Plus symbolIntensive Plus: extends the programme by up to 30 minutes for heavily soiled laundry.[13]
  • Prewash symbolPrewash: adds a low-temperature wash before the main wash; useful for heavily soiled laundry.[14]
  • Soaking symbolSoaking: the laundry stays in the water longer before the main wash starts, which helps with stubborn soiling.[15]
  • Rinse hold symbolRinse hold: the laundry stays in the water after the last rinse; spinning and draining at the end can be switched on or off.[20]
  • Silent wash symbolSilent wash (shh symbol): turns off the end-of-programme signal and lowers the final spin speed.[17]

On machines with i-DOS automatic dosing, you can change the dosing level before the programme starts and during prewash: Light for lightly soiled laundry, Medium for normally soiled laundry, and Heavy for heavy soiling or stains.[21]

Bosch washer buttons: star, Start/Reload, remote start and drum clean

  • Start/Reload symbolStart/Reload: pauses the running programme so you can open the door, add forgotten items and carry on. This is not possible on washes above 50 °C.[22]
  • Favorite symbolFavorite (star): saves a programme with your preferred settings. Choose the programme, adjust it, then hold the star for 3 seconds.[2]
  • Remote start (Home Connect) symbolRemote start (Home Connect): a short press enables remote start through the Home Connect app; holding the button for about three seconds opens the Home Connect menu.[23]
  • Drum clean symbolDrum clean: if the machine or drum smells, run the Drum clean programme with the drum empty.[24]

What do I, II, the flower and A mean in a Bosch detergent drawer?

  • Prewash compartment (I) symbolPrewash compartment (I): for prewash detergent.[25]
  • Main wash compartment (II) symbolMain wash compartment (II): for main-wash detergent, water softener, bleach and stain remover.[26]
  • Fabric softener compartment (flower) symbolFabric softener compartment (flower): for fabric softener or liquid starch. Do not fill above the max. mark.[3]
  • Liquid detergent flap (A) symbolLiquid detergent flap (A): marks the flap for liquid detergent. It is not present on all models.[27]

Bosch SHP9PCM5N dishwasher symbols

The following meanings come from the user manual for the Bosch SHP9PCM5N dishwasher. Other Bosch dishwashers may differ, so check your own manual if you have a different model.[4, 5, 6, 28, 29]

  • Dishwasher salt refill indicator symbolDishwasher salt refill indicator: the water softener is running out of salt. Fill the salt container with special dishwasher salt immediately before starting the next programme.[4]
  • Rinse aid refill indicator symbolRinse aid refill indicator (sun symbol): the rinse aid reservoir is running low. Refill it with rinse aid when it lights up.[5]
  • Machine care indicator symbolMachine care indicator: the dishwasher itself needs cleaning, so run the machine care programme. On this model it can be started from the Home Connect app.[6]
  • Power on/off symbolPower on/off: switches the dishwasher on or off. Holding it for about 4 seconds resets and cancels the running programme.[28]
  • Favorite symbolFavorite (star button): stores the selected programme together with an option. Hold it for 3 seconds after choosing them; the button flashes to confirm.[29]

The SHP9PCM5N also shows Home Connect symbols. The WLAN connected indicator means it is on your home Wi-Fi and can be used with the app. Remote Start lets you start it from a mobile device, which requires the dishwasher to be on the home Wi-Fi and paired with the app.[7, 30]

The Smart Start indicator means Smart Start is on: the dishwasher waits and starts automatically at the optimal time based on the time and energy preferences set in the app. The Delayed start indicator means a delayed start has been set, and on this model the delay is set in the Home Connect app.[31, 32]

Rating-plate marks that are not Bosch-specific

Some marks on rating plates are general standards rather than Bosch designs. The meanings below come from standard and other manufacturers' documentation, so check your own Bosch manual to confirm which ones appear on your appliance.[33, 34, 35, 36]

  • Protective earth symbolProtective earth (IEC 60417): marks where the yellow-green earth wire must be connected. The socket must be earthed, and it must never be left unconnected.[35]
  • Alternating current symbolAlternating current (~ symbol, IEC 60417): the appliance runs on alternating current. 220–240 V~ is single-phase mains; 3N~ is a three-phase supply with neutral.[33]
  • CE marking symbolCE marking: the manufacturer declares the product meets the EU requirements that apply to it.[34]
  • Climate class N symbolClimate classes on refrigeration: SN means rooms of 10–32 °C, N means 16–32 °C, ST means 16–38 °C, and T means 16–43 °C.[36, 37, 38, 39]

Frequently asked questions

What does the key symbol mean on a Bosch washing machine?
The key means the child lock is on and every button is disabled. Hold the start button or the key button for about three to five seconds until the key symbol goes out.[1]
Can I add laundry to a Bosch washer after it starts?
Press Start/Reload to pause the programme, open the door and add items. More laundry can be added when the Adding laundry symbol goes out, and this is not possible on washes above 50 °C.[22, 8]
Why is the foam symbol lit on my Bosch washing machine?
The machine detected too much foam and adds a rinse cycle automatically to remove it. Use less detergent next time with the same load.[9]
What does the salt light mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
On the Bosch SHP9PCM5N, it means the water softener is running out of salt. Fill the salt container with special dishwasher salt immediately before the next programme.[4]
What does the Wi-Fi symbol mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
On the Bosch SHP9PCM5N, it means the dishwasher is connected to your home Wi-Fi and can be used with the Home Connect app.[7]

Symbols referenced

  1. 1.Childproof lock (key) — Buttons locked (Bosch appliances).
  2. 2.Favorite — Save a memory programme (Bosch appliances).
  3. 3.Fabric softener compartment (flower) — Fabric softener (Bosch appliances).
  4. 4.Dishwasher salt refill indicator — Refill special salt (Bosch Dishwasher (SHP9PCM5N)).
  5. 5.Rinse aid refill indicator — Refill rinse aid (Bosch Dishwasher (SHP9PCM5N)).
  6. 6.Machine care indicator — Run the machine care programme (Bosch Dishwasher (SHP9PCM5N)).
  7. 7.WLAN connected indicator — Connected to home Wi-Fi (Bosch Dishwasher (SHP9PCM5N)).
  8. 8.Adding laundry — When laundry can be added (Bosch appliances).
  9. 9.Foam detection — Too much foam detected (Bosch appliances).
  10. 10.Rinse (programme stage) — Programme is rinsing (Bosch appliances).
  11. 11.Spin speed — Programme is spinning / set spin speed (Bosch appliances).
  12. 12.Energy consumption indicator — Energy use of the selected programme (Bosch appliances).
  13. 13.Intensive Plus — Longer wash for heavy soiling (Bosch appliances).
  14. 14.Prewash — Prewash on or off (Bosch appliances).
  15. 15.Soaking — Laundry soaks before the main wash (Bosch appliances).
  16. 16.Easy Iron — Fewer creases (Bosch appliances).
  17. 17.Silent wash — Quiet end of programme (Bosch appliances).
  18. 18.AntiStain — Choose the type of stain (Bosch appliances).
  19. 19.Extra rinse — Add rinse cycles (Bosch appliances).
  20. 20.Rinse hold — Laundry stays in the water (Bosch appliances).
  21. 21.i-DOS — Automatic detergent dosing level (Bosch appliances).
  22. 22.Start/Reload — Pause to add or remove laundry (Bosch appliances).
  23. 23.Remote start (Home Connect) — Start from the Home Connect app (Bosch appliances).
  24. 24.Drum clean — Clean the drum (Bosch appliances).
  25. 25.Prewash compartment (I) — Prewash detergent (Bosch appliances).
  26. 26.Main wash compartment (II) — Main wash detergent (Bosch appliances).
  27. 27.Liquid detergent flap (A) — Liquid detergent flap (Bosch appliances).
  28. 28.Power on/off — On/off and reset (Bosch Dishwasher (SHP9PCM5N)).
  29. 29.Favorite — Save favourite programme (Bosch Dishwasher (SHP9PCM5N)).
  30. 30.Remote Start — Start from the app (Bosch Dishwasher (SHP9PCM5N)).
  31. 31.Smart Start indicator — Smart Start active (Bosch Dishwasher (SHP9PCM5N)).
  32. 32.Delayed start indicator — Delayed start set (Bosch Dishwasher (SHP9PCM5N)).
  33. 33.Alternating current — Alternating current supply (IEC 60417).
  34. 34.CE marking — Complies with EU directives (safety and compliance marks).
  35. 35.Protective earth — Protective earth connection (IEC 60417).
  36. 36.Climate class N — Temperate: 16–32 °C room (refrigeration).
  37. 37.Climate class SN — Extended temperate: 10–32 °C room (refrigeration).
  38. 38.Climate class ST — Subtropical: 16–38 °C room (refrigeration).
  39. 39.Climate class T — Tropical: 16–43 °C room (refrigeration).

How this guide was made: drafted with AI assistance strictly from Symbol Index's verified records, then checked and approved by a human reviewer. Each numbered reference links to the symbol page with the full meaning.