Dishwasher symbols – what do they mean?

Ever put a plastic container in the dishwasher only to remove a dramatically shrunk one? Find out what the symbols on your dishes and dishwasher mean, and what needs to be washed carefully.

Dishwasher cycle symbols

Not every dishwasher has the same wash-cycle options, but a few are fairly standard.

Normal/medium wash

The “normal” wash is designed for dishes with regular soiling from everyday use, such as lunch or dinner plates. Usually denoted by the words “Normal” or “Medium”, there are quite a variety of symbols used for this type of cycle.

Auto wash

This cycle uses sensors to determine how dirty your dishes are and then adjusts the time and temperature accordingly to deliver the best wash. This cycle often saves water, power and time.

Light/fast wash

This cycle is often around 60 minutes and is a light wash that skips some of the more intensive washing stages. Lightly soiled dishes will still be cleaned on this cycle, but you should avoid adding pots and pans.

Eco mode

This dishwasher mode is designed to use less water and energy. But be aware it might take longer, as it compensates by adding time to ensure an effective wash.

Delicate items

This cycle is designed to be gentler on delicate items, such as glassware, fine crockery and crystal. It may use lower temperature water and less powerful water sprays. That doesn’t mean damage can’t happen. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and hand wash.

Heavy/intense wash

This cycle is designed for pots, pans, messy plates and anything that needs an intense wash. Be careful that the items you put in this wash cycle aren’t delicate, as it often uses higher temperature. Plastics, in particular, are not a good idea as they can warp.

Half load

When you don’t have many items to wash, then you can use this cycle. Depending on your model, it might use less water or only spray water in half the appliance. Check your manual to see where to place items for this wash and remember to adjust the amount of detergent!

Delay start

This feature lets you delay the wash (using a pre-selected cycle) until a particular time, such as at night when power is cheaper.

Rinse only

If you use your dishwasher infrequently, this cycle is a good option to keep nasty smells at bay. It isn’t a wash but a rinse with no detergent.

General dishwasher symbols

Detergent dispenser

The detergent dispenser is one of the most commonly used components of the dishwasher (you do use detergent in every wash, right?).

This is where you put the powder or tablets for the wash. In some older models, tablets may not fit, but you can place the tablet elsewhere in the dishwasher. Check your manual first.

Rinse aid

One of the most underrated dishwasher cleaning agents is rinse aid. It ensures that the rinse cycle doesn’t leave water spots on dishes and speeds up drying.

Vinegar is often suggested as an alternative to rinse aid, but it doesn’t do quite the same job and can cause damage to the rubber components of your dishwasher, as it’s more caustic than rinse aid.

Salt dispenser

Hard water is no joke (particularly for those on tank water). It can leave your dishes spotted and glassware opaque, so some dishwashers have a salt dispenser. Don’t fill this with everyday table salt – instead use special dishwasher salt, which is formulated to soften hard water.

Do not mistake dishwasher salt for household salt – it is not safe to consume!

Child lock

If your model has a child lock, then it’s a great feature to protect kids. Check what the lock applies to – some child locks only lock the dishwasher controls, so it’s possible children could still open the door.

Symbols on crockery, glassware and plastics

Dishwasher safe/proof

There are many generic symbols for dishwasher safe, but the most common is a symbol of a glass and fork.

That doesn’t mean you can chuck the item anywhere in the dishwasher. Look for more symbols to see if it’s delicate or if there’s a particular place to put it.

Glassware

This symbol is used on delicate items that can be damaged by more intense washing, particularly wine glasses. Dishwasher detergents can also cause haziness on glassware. This icon indicates that the manufacturer is confident that the glassware will stand up to the rigours of a dishwasher.

Top rack only

The top rack is generally an area of the dishwasher that has less intense washes and lower temperatures, so it’s the perfect place for more delicate items, such as plastic containers and glassware.

Hand wash/not dishwasher safe

Not everything can go in the dishwasher. Some items are easily damaged, so it’s important to take note when you see a symbol indicating something isn’t dishwasher safe.