German washing machines are known for their high build quality, but they often have a significant drawback: an incomprehensible dashboard. Typically, the modes and functions on German washing machines are labeled in a foreign language. Sometimes even a translator can't help, as the washing machines use technical terms. One of the most confusing words on a German washing machine's dashboard is "Vorwasche." We offer a translation for this and other markings and symbols on the machine.
Let's translate the term "Vorwasche"
The word "Vorwasche" translates from German as "soaking" or "pre-wash." As with all automatic machines, this program is designed for heavily soiled laundry. Cycle duration varies from 15 to 40 minutes depending on the washing machine model and brand. Before starting the program, it's essential to add detergent to the special compartment marked with "A" or "I."
The word "Vorwasche" on German washing machines refers to the soaking or pre-wash program.
During the soak cycle, the washing machine fills the drum and practically stops, rarely rotating the drum to agitate the laundry. This soaks the clothes in the soapy solution, softening and lifting the stains from the fabric. At the end of the cycle, the washing machine automatically switches to the main wash cycle, followed by a rinse, spin, and drain cycle.
Other modes on the control panel
To effectively wash clothes in a German washing machine, you need to convert almost the entire dashboard to Russian. Every German machine has a fairly extensive arsenal of programs and functions—it's best to familiarize yourself with them beforehand. It is enough to learn about 20 symbols presented below.
A literal translation from German is "special soaking." Allows heavily soiled laundry to soak in soapy water for an extended period. Suitable for cotton, calico, linen, and other durable materials.
This is a basic wash suitable for all types of textiles.
In Russian, it sounds like "hot washing," but its functionality is similar to the intensive cycle. This program literally boils clothes: the water is heated to over 60 degrees Celsius, and the cycle lasts over an hour. It's important to understand that only items made from durable natural fabrics can withstand this "test": bedding, towels, cotton shirts, and work clothes.
Designed for washing colored laundry. To preserve pigment, do not set the temperature above 60 degrees Celsius.
German washing machines have a mixed mode, designated by the word “Mix”.
A convenient universal “mixed” mode that allows you to wash different types of colored fabrics at the same time.
Separate mode for cleaning denim.
Translated as "light wash," it's designed for cleaning delicate fabrics with light stains. It's perfect for refreshing underwear, blouses, shirts, and tulle made of colored synthetics.
Offers easy ironing. Gentle spinning and smooth drum rotation during washing ensure virtually wrinkle-free laundry, while creases and folds are smoothed out without the need for an iron.
This is the designated delicate wash cycle. It's activated when washing synthetics, cotton, silk, lace, and other delicate fabrics. The cycle uses minimal heat and disables the spin cycle. The spin cycle can be restarted after the cycle ends. An important point: on Feinwasche, the drum is loaded only to half of its permitted capacity.
Wolle, Seide. A special program for washing wool and silk items. It's an improved version of the delicate cycle: smoother drum rotation, heating up to 30 degrees, and minimal spin. This cycle also allows only half loads.
This program is designed for washing women's underwear. The washing machine gently cleans delicate fabrics without distorting them and preserving their original softness and color.
Translated as "impregnation," this mode is a special cleaning mode for waterproof clothing. When activated, pour a special detergent into the dispenser to restore the textile's protective properties.
This is "Sport", designed for cleaning sports clothes and shoes.
Blitz, 30°, 30 min. A quick wash that refreshes lightly soiled clothes. The cycle lasts up to 30 minutes, and up to 20 minutes on some washing machines. No water heating, maximum spin. The drum should be loaded with 1.5-3 kg of laundry.
A short, intensive program for cleaning items made from natural materials. Temperatures can be increased to 60 degrees Celsius.
Offers energy-efficient washing. Savings are achieved by adjusting the drum rotation and extending the cycle time while maintaining water temperature at 60°C (140°F). This optimal cycle time ensures stain removal, similar to that of a 90°C (194°F) cycle.
Spinning (Schonschleudern). Spinning with adjustable speed.
Pumpen (Abpumpen). When activated, the function automatically pumps water from the tank into the sewer.
To wash your German washing machine without any problems, you need to understand its control panel beforehand. The first step is to correctly translate any unfamiliar terms into Russian.
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