What do all those symbols on the washing machine display mean? Here's how to interpret the signs of washing programs in the washing machine.
We have already learned to understand what the washing symbols on clothes labels mean but now we have to put them in the washing machine and find out which program is right!
Various factors are involved in programming the washing machine:
- detergent, fabric softener container;
- duration of washing;
- degrees;
- centrifuge;
- weight of the laundry;
- washing time;
Appliance manufacturers are trying to facilitate the task, (or perhaps to drive us crazy!), By creating a series of ad hoc programs that combine these factors for each type of garment, marking them with small sometimes indecipherable symbols. So this guide will help you extricate yourself from the mysterious world of washing symbols and learn how to make exceptional washing machines without thinking about it for more than a second.
Index
Where to pour the detergent and fabric softener
The first question to be resolved concerns where to put the detergent, fabric softener or bleach. There are typically three compartments. You have to open the drawer and see what is written in each compartment:
- Basin and a temple: pre-wash detergent. In this compartment we will put a possible whitener, an active oxygen powder, bleach or simply an additional dose of detergent.
- Basin and two arms: detergent for washing. In this compartment we will put the actual washing detergent. It can be both liquid and powder. It is always good to check the instructions for use to be sure that the powder detergent dissolves even at low temperatures.
- Flower symbol: If you want the garments to be softer and more fragrant, you will have to pour the softener into the compartment with the flower symbol.
The symbols of fabrics
Although many manufacturers indicate the names of programs in letters, it is not uncommon to find washing machines where the programs are indicated by symbols. It is therefore necessary to carefully read the table in the instructions to recognize these symbols.
The symbol of cotton or t-shirt indicates that we can wash all items in cotton: t-shirts, towels, shirts, sheets. Generally these are strong and light fabrics that can be washed even at high temperatures. However, we recommend that you read the labels carefully because some items may have a less intense spin than others. This is the case of shirts and t-shirts, which are more delicate and can be ironed easily with a more delicate spin cycle.
ECO arrow: the arrow symbol indicates ECO washing. This is a low temperature wash, ideal for cotton fabrics. This program usually lasts more than two hours, but ensures a considerable saving of electricity.
Ball: indicates washing clothes in lana. This is a very delicate wash, usually of a short duration. We recommend inserting a few items and setting a short and light spin cycle (400 revolutions per minute.) This program is also excellent for items that need to be washed by hand, precisely because it is more delicate.
Butterfly or handkerchief: the symbol of the butterfly or the handkerchief indicates the silk washing. This program can coincide with that of delicates but sometimes, the latter is indicated by a flower or from a feather. Silk and very delicate garments are washed cold and at very low temperatures, often without spinning. Special mild detergents or neutral soap are also used.
Triangle: this symbol, which can appear as an open triangle or with other symbols inside or above, indicates that the washing of synthetic garments. These are all those garments in polyester, acrylic, polyamide, etc. These garments are generally very resistant but depending on the yarn, they may require more or less strong temperatures or spin cycles. The temperature ranges from 30 degrees to 60 degrees.
Black T-shirt: the black t-shirt symbol indicates the program for black or dark garments. The peculiarity of these garments is that they can easily fade. Therefore it is advisable to use low temperatures and delicate or special detergents.
Dirty shirt or droplets: these symbols indicate more intensive washing, due to dirt that is more difficult to remove.
Jeans: the jeans are made of a very thick cotton fabric. They accumulate a lot of dirt and tend to yellow. Therefore, the jeans program may involve high temperatures. In addition, being a very resistant fabric, they are not afraid of the spin cycle. If they are dark, it is advisable to wash the jeans at a low temperature (max 30º) while if they are light they can be washed at 40º or 50º.
Curtain: the curtain symbol indicates the washing of the curtains. This program is quite delicate, however it will depend on the type of curtain. It will not be the same to wash polyester curtains as it does silk brocade curtains. So it is good to read the label carefully before establishing the program.
The most modern washing machines offer specific programs for shirts, cotton clothes, duvets, quilts, for lingerie, for sportswear, for children or for a mix. Generally the corresponding symbol is intuitive.
Clock with 3 lines: quick or express programs, for example for lightly soiled and lightly heavy laundry.
Pre-wash, wash, spin and rinse symbols
The bowls indicate the type of wash and are used when you want to anticipate a certain type of program with another or if you want to rinse or drain excess water.
The basin with a dash above it indicates pre-wash. It is a kind of soaking, suitable for particularly dirty or stained garments that need some time to soak or with a particular detergent. It is used for example for stained tablecloths.
Il hand symbol inside the basin, means hand wash or delicate.
La basin with water and with a down arrow indicates discharge. It may be necessary if the previous wash did not drain all the water.
The symbol of basin full of water indicates rinsing.
La spiral indicates the centrifuge. While the crossed out spiral indicates "without spin".
Time and block programming symbols
The headband with the vertical line above indicates the power button of the device but not of the program.
Clock: postpone the program. This command is used to postpone the start of the wash. In general, numbers are indicated for each drive, 1, 2, 3 which mean: in 1 hour, in 2 hours, etc.
Pause / wash: Like a TV program or stereo, the triangle and dashes indicate that the program is running or paused.
Child lock: some washing machines offer the possibility of locking the controls for children at home.
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