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Washing machine symbols explained simply

Thijs24 AUGUST 2025
Inside a washing machine drum, multiple colored clothes are visible through the porthole.

Symbols can be found on washing machines, tumble dryers, and inside your clothes. But what do these wash symbols actually mean and how do you read them? We’ve listed all the key symbols you might come across, with a straightforward explanation of what each one means.

Washing symbols

On the control panel and display of a washing machine, you’ll sometimes see symbols instead of text. The symbols can vary by brand, although there are often similarities. Here are some of the most common washing symbols:

A chart displays washing machine symbols and their meanings in Dutch, including temperature, spin speed, and error codes.

Dryer symbols

On the control panel of a tumble dryer, you’ll often see text, but sometimes there are symbols as well. Like washing machines, these differ by brand, though some icons are similar across brands:

The image shows a white table with three rows. The first column has a padlock, Wi-Fi, and timer icons. The second column has text in Dutch.

Symbols in your detergent drawer

A detergent drawer usually has 3 compartments, each with its own symbol: one for pre-wash (I), one for main wash (II), and one for fabric softener (usually a flower symbol).

Pre-wash

Got mud, oil or another stubborn stain on your clothes? A pre-wash helps remove them. Put the detergent in the compartment marked with the Roman numeral I. This is mainly used for intensive washes.

Main wash

If your laundry isn’t very dirty, the main wash programme is ideal. Add detergent to compartment 'II' of the drawer. If you’ve chosen a programme with pre-wash, add detergent to both compartments.

Fabric softener

The third compartment, usually the smallest, is for fabric softener. This makes your clothes extra soft. Your washing machine will add the softener at the end of the main wash cycle.

A white table shows three rows, each with a washing machine compartment symbol and corresponding Dutch text.

Care symbols on your clothing

You’ll also find wash symbols on clothing labels. Some look quite similar. For example, some symbols have dots – these indicate the maximum temperature for washing, drying or ironing. The more dots, the higher the temperature. Lines underneath a symbol mean you should use a gentle programme for washing or drying. Here are the most common care symbols and their meanings:

The image shows a table with laundry symbols and their meanings, including washing, drying, and temperature instructions.

Do all washing machines use the same symbols?

A laundry room scene: A white washing machine with an open door, two pillows on top, and laundry baskets.

Not all washing machines use the same symbols. Major brands have their own icons, although they are often quite similar. If you have a washing machine from Miele, Bosch, Siemens, Samsung, or AEG, always check the manual for the exact meaning of each brand’s symbols.

Want to learn more about wash symbols? Read our article on MediaMarkt.be.

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