Have you ever heard the saying that there is no such thing as a silly question? This is definitely true when it comes to interpreting the symbols on your washing machine!
There could be a number of consistencies across the range of washing machines. However, it is worth taking a few minutes to learn more about the settings on your individual machine. This way, you know exactly what the intended use of each programme is.
Check your manual for the most accurate instructions on the meaning behind the symbols on your washing machine. If you've lost track of the paper copy, go online to find your model’s manual
Wash Setting Symbols on a Washing Machine
Again, check your manual to understand how to read laundry symbols. Every machine is different and if you want to get the best out of yours, it is important to know how use it correctly.
Pro Tip: Read our guide on how to use a washing machine to achieve the best results for your laundry.
You will notice several dials on the control panel of your machine, no matter the brand:
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The largest dial will be for wash type. There may be options for fabrics like cotton, colours, synthetics, sports clothes, wool, curtains, and more.
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Another one will be for temperature, usually ranging from 30-90. Consider the type of clothes you’re washing and the quality of your detergent when setting this. Cooler washes may need a good bio detergent like Persil Bio Caps to clean clothes fully. We suggest reading our article about how to use laundry capsules for more details.
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The third dial, if you have one, is usually designed to control the drying spin cycle in terms of dryness and/or the amount of time you want your clothes to tumble for. Options will include closet-ready dry, damp (good for ironing afterwards) and no spin at all. It is critical to choose an appropriate setting for the types of fabrics you are washing. Drying is where many clothes lose their shape or size so beware!
Also, choose the ideal drying temperature. For instance, if your goal is to kill bacteria, longer drying time and higher temperature would be advisable.[1]
The symbols on a washing machine around the dials will match the list of options on the panel, which are usually numbered. Simply pick which wash cycle suits the load, turn the dial to indicate your choice, put in your detergent, and press start!
Most machines will display the amount of time the wash takes so you know when to come back and retrieve your clothes or begin the drying process. There will likely be other, smaller buttons, for separate options like eco-wash, time delay, and the almighty on/off button.
Symbols on Washing Machine Detergent Drawers
Once you have your clothes ready and the best wash cycle, temperature, and spin selected, it’s time to add what your clothes need to become clean: detergent, fabric conditioner, and pre wash!
When it comes to putting these products in the right place, the symbols on a washing machine generally indicate:
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I= pre wash
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II= main wash
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Flower symbol= fabric softener
The smaller section is for fabric conditioner, the larger for washing powder or liquid, and the third (if there is on) is for pre-treatment. For more information, check out our guide on where to put fabric conditioner and laundry products. You can also read our article about how much washing powder to use for more details on detergent dosing.
Washing Machine Cycle Symbols
If the garment is safe for washing machine and you know the appropriate temperature for it, you must choose the wash cycle. Remember that washing machine cycle symbols vary. However, in general, these icons are self-explanatory. You’ll usually see a basin symbol with horizontal line/s below it.
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Normal cycle – This symbol is a basin containing water with no horizontal line below it. You can use normal cycle mode for stronger pieces of clothing like socks, jeans or shirts. This wash cycle uses more agitation to effectively loosen grime and dirt.
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Permanent press cycle – You’ll see a single horizontal line below the basin containing water. Use the permanent press cycle for washing garments with polyester or other synthetic fibres. Because this mode uses slower cycles and warmer water, it avoids creating wrinkles on the garment.
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Delicate cycle – Note that there are two horizontal lines under the basin in this wash cycle symbol. You can use this washing mode for delicate pieces of clothing and fabrics. It prevents damage by using slow spin, low agitation and colder water temperature. Check out our guide on washing delicate garments to know how to take care of wool, silk and linen.
Samsung washing machine symbols: what do they mean?
According to Statista research, there are over 2 million Samsung washing machine users in the UK, making the brand among the most popular names in the field. If you’re wondering what the codes or symbols on a Samsung washing machine mean, refer to the table below:
Code | Meaning |
0 | This is a reminder to run the DRUM CLEAN cycle to maintain the cleanliness and performance of your Samsung washing machine. |
1C, 1E | The machine’s sensor has found a problem with the water level. Try turning off the appliance, then wait for a minute before switching it on again and choosing a new programme. |
3C, 3E, 3E1, 3E2, 3E3, 3E4 | There might be an issue with the motor. To see if the problem persists, try switching the machine off and then on again. |
3CP | There’s a problem with the electronic control. You should try restarting the cycle. |
4C, 4E | There’s an issue with the water supply. You can perform basic troubleshooting like checking if the tap is open or ensuring that the water hose isn’t clogged. If those don’t work, contact a technician. |
4C2, 4E1, 4E2, 4Ed | Check if your hose is attached to a cold supply instead of a hot supply. These codes indicate a problem with the water temperature. |
5C, 5E | Your machine is not draining water properly. Try using the emergency hose or checking any blockages in the waste and hose connection. |
6E | The water heater is malfunctioning. For this issue, it’s best to contact a Samsung service centre. |
8C | The MEMS sensor is detecting a problem. Try switching the appliance off and then run a cycle again. |
8E | There might be a problem with the current. To check, restart the machine and run a new programme. |
9C1, 9C2 | These indicate low voltage, so check if the appliance is getting an adequate power supply. |
9E1, 9E2, 9H1 | These may mean a power error. Switch the appliance off, unplug it and then reconnect it to the power supply. Turn on the machine and try running a new cycle. |
11E | The machine has detected low water levels. Ensure that there is no blockage in the drain hose. Make sure that the drain hose is higher than the appliance’s base. |
12E | The buttons might be sticking. |
13E | This indicates an issue with signal communication. You can wait this out. Otherwise, restart the machine. |
14E | Another button issue indicator. |
These are just the general codes or symbols you’d see on a Samsung washing machine. To understand specific codes, your best bet is to check the manual that came with the appliance. If the troubleshooting instructions do not fix the issue, you should contact Samsung’s customer service.
Frequently asked questions about washing machine symbols
Q. What are the 3 symbols in a washing machine?
As we’ve shared in this article, the three common symbols in a washing machine are I – Pre-wash, II – Main wash and Flower symbol – Fabric Softener.
Q. Which symbol means detergent?
The two-line symbol signifies the main wash compartment. Moreover, you open this slot to pour the detergent. When washing clothes, you’ll primarily encounter this symbol.
Q. What is the normal wash symbol?
Look at the basin symbol to identify the recommended washing method for the material you’re washing. If you see a bucket of plain water with no dots inside or lines underneath it, it means you can use the normal setting for washing the garment. Moreover, you can use any type of detergent and even the hottest temperature setting for the machine.
Q. What mode should I set my washing machine?
Use Normal mode for coloured and mixed fabrics. This option uses warm water for washing, then cold water for rinsing. Meanwhile, use White mode for white clothing. This cycle runs with the highest water temperature and strongest agitation speeds to get the stains and dirt out of white fabrics. For sensitive materials like lace and silk, use Delicate mode. This cycle will run with slow agitation speeds and cold water.
Q. What is the best setting for washing machine for economy?
According to experts, cold cycles will cut your energy consumption by 80 per cent. Your washing machine will take up more energy when it heats the water up. So, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint while saving on energy costs, run the machine on colder water cycles.[2]
Q. Is eco wash better than quick wash?
Eco wash is also referred to as “quick wash”. So, they fulfil the same purpose. You may also encounter them in different names, including “light wash” and “speed wash”.
Now that you have a better idea of how to translate the language of the washing machine, you should be able to make better use of the settings and select the washing machine symbols that suit your clothes best!
Q. What is the 30 symbol on a washing machine?
The 30 symbol on a washing machine signifies a cold wash with a water temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius.
Q. What is the 40 symbol on machine wash?
When you see this symbol on the garment’s laundry care guide, it means the highest water temperature you can use is 40 degrees Celsius or 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q. What happens if you wash 30 clothes on 40?
Going beyond or below the recommended washing temperature may damage the garment. The colours of the clothing may fade. If the material is delicate, it may shrink.
Now that you have a better idea of how to translate the language of the washing machine, you should be able to make better use of the settings and select the washing machine symbols that suit your clothes best!
References:
1. Abney, S. E., Ijaz, M. K., McKinney, J., & Gerba, C. P. (2021). Laundry Hygiene and odor Control: state of the science. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 87(14). https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.03002-20
2. Knibbs, J. (2022, November 30). What is the most eco-friendly wash cycle? Tips to reduce your carbon footprint. Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/wash-cycle-cold-water-energy-dryer-eco-energy-bills-washing-machine-b1043915.html
