How to translate "Ammorbidente" on a washing machine
Most Italian washing machines are extremely easy to use thanks to the simple icons used to indicate programs. Seeing the "Hand Wash" symbol, users can easily figure out when to use this mode. However, not every model offers this functionality. Some have minimal icons, while the remaining modes are labeled in Italian, which is completely incomprehensible to our compatriots. For example, "Ammorbidente" (Ammorbidente)—a beautiful word, but what does it mean?
What is Ammorbidente?
If you use Yandex Translate, you'll get a result that seems completely unrelated to the washing machine. But in fact, it's about the "Delicate cycle."
What is a delicate wash? It's a special cycle designed to extend the lifespan of delicate items. It features a reduced spin cycle, a higher water level, and no centrifugal spinning.
It seems that everything is simple and clear, but there are several nuances. Depending on the manufacturer of the equipment, the concept of "delicate wash" can be interpreted differently. In some cases, it may only require careful handling of silk and wool, in others, cotton products.
To avoid mistakes and the subsequent frustration of losing your favorite items, carefully read the instructions. However, if they aren't available in Russian, a high-quality translation from Italian will be required. Most delicate wash cycles require specific settings:
- the temperature should not exceed 40℃;
- spin is completely absent or limited to 400 rpm;
- the drum rotates slowly;
- significantly more water is collected compared to other modes.
What other words will you encounter?
We've already covered the translation of the Italian term "Ammorbidente," but to fully utilize non-Russian-language technology, simply knowing how to find one mode is certainly not enough. It's a good idea to learn how other inscriptions are translated into Russian.
- Marchia/Arresto — turn on/off;
- Ammollo - soaking mode;
- Asciugatura - drying (if this function is provided in the model);
- Base — a set of basic programs;
- Centrifuga — spin mode;
- Exclusione - cancels the previously selected program;
- Stira meno or Facile stiratura - light ironing that does not wrinkle items;
- Forte lavaggio — intensive wash cycle;
- Giri is a function for selecting the number of revolutions;
- Lavaggio a mano — work in hand wash mode;
- Delicato — delicate wash cycle;
- Lavaggio rapido — washing according to a shortened program, express wash;
- Pre-lavaggio - soaking before washing;
- Ritardatore di partenza — delayed start of the machine
- Speciale — special, special regime.

It's a good idea to memorize not only the names of the modes but also the names of the different fabrics. This is because such information is often written on the front panel of machines imported from Italy. Here are some of them:
- cotone — cotton;
- lana — wool;
- sintetico — synthetic fabric;
- seta — silk;
- roba colorata – colored things;
- cose scure — dark-colored items;
- delicato tessuto – items that require careful handling;
- resistente tessuto – durable material;
- camicia — shirt.
Please note! If you're still unsure of the labels, you can use the icons on the control panel as a guide. In most cases, they're intuitive and easy to remember.
For those who frequently use various options but are unable to memorize all the modes in a foreign language, it's a good idea to print out the above lists and attach them close to the machine. You can also label the buttons in Russian.
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