Decoding Dishwasher Symbols and Settings
Dishwashers are one of the many simple pleasures of the modern world. But like most technology, dishwashers come with a series of symbols, buttons and settings that at first glance, can be a little confusing. So let’s take a look at some of the most common dishwasher symbols, what they mean and Haier’s expert tips for shiny, sparkling dishes every time.
Dishwasher Safe Symbols
Unfortunately, there are no universal symbols to mean “dishwasher safe” and there actually isn’t even an official definition of what exactly “dishwasher safe” means. But we can assume that this term means that the material of the cookware, dinnerware and glassware is sturdy enough not to melt (in the case of plastic), break or get damaged in the dishwasher.
- Some common dishwasher safe symbols include images of plates with water droplets above them, plates in a dishwasher or cups and glassware with water spraying on them.
In general, these things tend to be dishwasher safe:
- Ceramic plates, bowls and mugs
- Stainless steel
- Pyrex
- Stoneware
- Plastic and wood composite cutting boards
- Silicone
- Metal utensils
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen scissors
- Dishwasher safe: top rack only. You may see a symbol of dishes on the top rack of a dishwasher. This means that these items can be washed in the dishwasher but cannot withstand the intense heat and washing of the bottom rack. Therefore, they can only be washed on the top rack, where washing is generally less intense.
- Dishwasher Safe Glassware. Many manufacturers stamp a symbol of a wine glass and a water droplet on the bottom of their glassware to indicate that their glasses can be washed in the dishwasher. Washing them on the top rack is recommended as the delicate stems could be broken or damaged on the bottom rack.
- Hand Wash Only / Not Dishwasher Safe. Some dishes and dinnerware cannot be washed in the dishwasher. Think hand painted dishes, wooden spoons, utensils and cutting boards and crystal glassware. These items will usually have a symbol for hand wash only such as a water tub with a hand over it or a dishwasher icon with an “X” through it. Not all dishes will have this symbol so it is important to know what can and cannot be washed in the dishwasher.
What not to put in the dishwasher:
- Anything wooden. Wood absorbs water like a sponge and is susceptible to mould and bacteria growth. Wash wooden items by hand so they don’t become waterlogged.
- Sharp knives and mandolins: dishwashers tend to dull sharp knives.
- Cast iron
- Nonstick pots and pans
- Aluminium cookware
- Copper cookware
- Fine china, crystal and hand-painted plates
- Electric kettles
- Travel mugs
- Any parts of kitchen appliances that have electric components.
- Food Safe Symbols are another common symbol that we can find on dishes and utensils. This means that the materials in the cookware are safe to be used in contact with food.
Dishwasher Program Symbols
In addition to the safety symbols stamped directly onto the cookware and dinnerware, we can also find different symbols which indicate the type of wash program the dishwasher is set to. There are no standardised symbols for dishwasher program symbols but there are common trends among brands.
The symbol for a Normal Wash cycle differs between makes and models of dishwashers. On Haier dishwashers, the normal wash cycle is represented by the word “Auto”. During this cycle the dishwasher senses how many dishes and how dirty they are and adjusts the temperature and cycle length accordingly. The Heavy Duty cycle is usually represented by a pot or a pan with a line underneath it. This cycle is best for very dirty cookware and baked-on messes. Haier dishwashers include the Perfect Power Wash which uses four extra jets on the bottom rack which effortlessly blasts away baked-on food and stubborn stains without affecting water consumption.
The Eco cycle uses less energy than a normal cycle and is good for everyday dishes and cutlery. The eco cycle is usually represented by a leaf. In addition to the classic Eco cycle, Haier also provides the Half Load Pro wash system. With the Half Load Pro you can choose to wash only one rack, either the top or the bottom. This allows you to wash normal dishes more often without wasting water and energy.
The Glass cycle is ideal for delicate glassware and other fragile items that need a softer wash at lower temperatures. It’s typically indicated by a sparkling wine glass symbol, with an extended drying time meant to give your glassware a polished finish.
The Pre-rinse cycle is often shown by several short lines, symbolising water spraying on the dishes. This cycle is designed to loosen dried-on food before the main wash cycle begins.
The Quick Wash cycle is commonly represented by the number 60 or a clock, as it usually takes around 60 minutes to complete. It's similar to the Normal cycle but runs at a faster pace.
Although you can choose your own settings and cycles manually, Haier’s top of the line dishwashers feature smart sensors that take the guesswork out of choosing the right wash settings. The built-in AI sensors calculate how dirty your dishes are and automatically adjust the wash settings to suit the load. This means you only ever use the right amount of water and energy, saving you time and money.
Dishwasher Indicator Symbols
Aside from the range of cycle and setting symbols a dishwasher can display, there are other symbols that may flash up from time to time that indicate the status of the machine during a wash cycle as well as when rinse aid and salt need to be refilled. Here are some common indicators:
Rinse Aid Refill
Rinse aid plays a crucial role in the dishwashing process by helping to prevent streaks and ensure even drying. The Rinse Aid Refill indicator is usually represented by a sparkle or snowflake icon. If your machine is washing dishes with hard water, it may use more rinse aid than usual. Be kind to your dishwasher and the planet with the ECO+ Dishwasher Rinse Aid by Care+Protect made with 100% biodegradable ingredients. The ECO+ Rinse Aid is powerful on stains and halos on dishes and glasses, providing effortless, shiny results.
Salt Refill Symbol
This symbol is usually some form of a stylised ‘s’ and comes on as a reminder to refill the salt container. Salt softens hard water and prevents limescale build up in your dishwasher and on your dishes.
Detergent Symbol
The main wash detergent symbol indicates the compartment where the detergent should be placed before running a wash cycle. This symbol is usually a series of diagonal lines showing something being “showered”. If you’re using a pod or a tablet you can simply place it in the wash tub and ignore this compartment.
To get brilliant kitchenware, the Care+Protect ECO+ All in One Dishwasher Gel is a must-have. The all-in-one formula guarantees your dishes and your dishwasher are taken care of. The biodegradable dishwasher gel is effective on grease and limescale, eliminates stains and neutralises odours. Your dishes, dishwasher and the planet will thank you.
Drying Symbol
The drying symbol is usually shown as curved vertical lines and is a status indicator showing that the machine is in the drying phase of the wash cycle.
Dishwashing with Haier
In summary, understanding dishwasher symbols and choosing the right products can help you optimise the performance of your appliance and ensure your dishes are cleaned efficiently. The right products dedicated to your dishwasher like Care+Protect’s ECO+ Rinse Aid and ECO+ All in One Dishwasher Gel keep your dishwasher efficient and sparkling clean.
Choosing the right wash cycle and recognizing when to refill rinse aid or salt, dishwasher symbols simplify the dishwashing process. Haier simplifies the process even further by using smart AI sensors that can automatically choose the correct cycle and load configurations for you. By familiarising yourself with these indicators and settings, you can achieve spotless, sparkling results while saving time and energy.
