If your Bosch washer feels “smart but silent,” it’s because it talks in icons. Once you decode a few symbols, the panel stops being mysterious.
Table of Contents
- What the display can show
- Time icons and numbers: what they actually represent
- Bosch Washing Machine Display Symbols Explained
- i-Dos Symbols (Automatic Detergent Dosing)
- Maintenance & Smart Features
What the display can show
Bosch explains that the display shows setting values, options, and instruction texts depending on what you’re doing (choosing a program, running a cycle, pausing, etc.).
Time icons and numbers: what they actually represent
1) Remaining time (e.g., 0:40)
This is the expected program duration / remaining time in hours and minutes.
2) “Finish at” / End time
Sometimes the display shows the end time (when the program should finish).
3) Recommended max load (e.g., 8.0 kg)
The display can show the recommended maximum load for the selected program.
Bosch Washing Machine Display Symbols Explained
Below are explanations of common symbols you may see on Bosch washing machine displays. Depending on your model, you might have only some of them.
Childproof Lock
When the child lock is active, the buttons won’t respond. To deactivate, press and hold the Start button or the key symbol for 3–5 seconds until the key icon disappears.
Start/Reload (Start/Reload)
Use this to pause the current cycle and add forgotten items, then continue the wash.
Not available on some cycles when the water is too hot (commonly over 50°C) or when the water level is high.
Water Consumption (Water indicator with dashes)
Shows the estimated water use for the selected program:
- 1 dash = low water use
- 5 dashes = high water use
Energy Consumption (Energy indicator with dashes)
Shows the estimated energy use for the selected program:
- 1 dash = low energy use
- 5 dashes = high energy use
Prewash
A short, low-temperature wash before the main wash.
Use it for heavily soiled items (mud, sand, ground-in dirt). Add detergent to the prewash compartment if your drawer has one.
Washing
The machine is currently in the wash phase (main cleaning part of the program).
Soaking
Laundry stays in water longer before (or within) the main wash.
Use it for stubborn dirt that needs extra time, not extra temperature.
Spin Speed
This relates to the spin phase and/or the selected spin speed.
Many Bosch machines allow changing spin speed before starting, and sometimes during the program (depending on the stage).
Easy Iron
Reduces creasing by adjusting drum movement and spin. Laundry may come out slightly damper so you can hang it and smooth it out more easily.
Rinse
The machine is currently in the rinse phase (removing detergent from fabrics).
Extra Rinse
Adds up to three additional rinse cycles (model-dependent).
Useful for:
- sensitive skin / allergies
- baby clothes
- very soft water areas (detergent can be harder to rinse out fully)
Rinse Hold
Stops after the last rinse and keeps laundry sitting in water to reduce creasing.
You’ll need to start drain/spin (or resume) to finish the cycle.
Adding Laundry
If this symbol is shown (or if it disappears on some models), it indicates whether you can add more laundry safely.
If the icon goes out / changes state, adding laundry is usually allowed.
Silent Wash
Reduces or disables end-of-cycle beeps and often reduces final spin speed.
Good for night washing or shared spaces where noise matters.
Intensive Plus
Extends the program (often up to ~30 minutes, model-dependent) for heavy soil.
Use it when you want more cleaning time rather than higher temperature.
AntiStain
Lets you choose a stain type (e.g., oil, grass, wine — varies by model). The washer adjusts:
- temperature
- drum movement
- soaking time
to target that stain more effectively.
Water Plus
Adds more water to the wash (and often rinses).
Recommended for gentle washing and for people with sensitive skin.
i-Dos Symbols (Automatic Detergent Dosing)
i-Dos (Droplet icon) — Detergent dosing
Controls automatic dosing for detergent. You can often change the level before starting (and sometimes during prewash).
Typical levels:
- Light: lightly soiled laundry
- Medium: normally soiled laundry
- Heavy: heavy soil and/or staining
i-Dos (Flower icon) — Fabric softener dosing
Controls automatic dosing for softener (softness level):
- Light: slightly soft
- Medium: medium softness
- Heavy: extra softness
Maintenance & Smart Features
Drum Clean
Use this when there are odours or buildup. Run the drum clean program with an empty drum (no clothes).
Memory Programme
Lets you save a favourite program + settings:
- select a program
- change settings
- press and hold the memory symbol for about 3 seconds to save
Remote Start (Home Connect)
- Short press: enables remote start from the Home Connect app
- Press and hold ~3 seconds: opens the Home Connect menu (model-dependent)
Foam Detection
Lights up when the machine detects too much foam and may add an extra rinse automatically.
Tip: use less detergent next time (especially with soft water or small loads).
Tap (Water supply)
Means the washer has a water supply issue, such as:
- water pressure too low
- supply hose blocked, kinked, or tap closed
Check the tap is fully open and the inlet hose isn’t ben