Drain sign on a washing machine

It's much easier when all the options and programs are labeled on the control panel; then selecting the desired function is hassle-free. However, to save space, equipment manufacturers often use symbols instead of labels. In this case, many people constantly have to refer to the manual to decipher the symbols. Let's look at what the drain symbol on a washing machine looks like, where to find it, and what other symbols you might see on the dashboard.

Drawing of a drain on different machines

Each manufacturer designs the control panel of their automatic washing machines differently. For example, on Bosch machines, in addition to the symbol, there's also a "Drain" sign on the dashboard. The function is symbolically represented by a bowl with an arrow pointing downwards.

Korean washing machine manufacturers have complicated the process of finding and activating this option. For example, on Samsung and LG machines, to drain the drum, you need to select the "Spin" function and then press the button until you reach the LED marked with a crossed-out spiral. This will activate the "No Spin" mode, meaning the used liquid will simply drain from the system.

On Samsung and LG washing machines, the drain icon is represented by a crossed-out spiral.

On older Italian washing machines, the drain symbol was a bowl with water spilling out. This symbol is very rare, but it's possible your machine has this design.

And yet, in 90% of cases, users are faced with a more “universal” symbol. Typically, on the control panel of washing machines, the "Drain" mode is indicated either by a basin with an arrow pointing downwards, or by a crossed-out spiral. It's worth remembering this, and there will be no problems with activating the option.

Other washing machine icons

Besides the drain symbol, automatic washing machine dashboards feature many interesting and often confusing symbols. To avoid confusion, it's best to understand the most popular and in-demand features. We'll describe each symbol.

1. A basin with the Roman numeral I inside. This symbol indicates a pre-wash program. The indicator light below the icon will only illuminate when this program is included in the main cycle.
2. A basin with the number II printed inside conceals the main wash cycle. The LED lights up either immediately after the program starts or after the pre-cleaning cycle is complete (if this function is enabled). The symbol will always be lit, as the main cycle is included in all modes programmed into the washing machine's memory.
3. A basin of laundry and water inside indicates the rinsing process. When the main wash cycle is complete, the machine begins rinsing the items, and that's when the indicator lights up.
4. The spiral symbol indicates the "Spin" option. This is the final step of almost every wash cycle. As mentioned earlier, this function can be disabled; in this case, the machine will simply drain the water from the drum, leaving the items inside wet.
5. The T-shirt icon with a pair of bubbles conceals the useful EcoBubble feature. When activated, a special generator activates, infusing the soapy water in the drum with air. This bubble wash dissolves the detergent granules much faster. This mode helps effectively tackle even the most stubborn stains.
6. The iron symbol signifies an interesting feature called "Easy Iron." When activated, the drum will spin less vigorously, preventing creasing.
7. T-shirt with a stain. This feature is designed for an intensive wash program. It's best to use this feature in addition to the main program when loading heavily soiled items with stubborn stains. Activating this feature will extend the main cycle time.
8. A basin full of water symbolizes the "Soak" option. This program is used to achieve excellent results in removing stubborn, old stains. Therefore, when loading heavily soiled items into the drum, it's best to activate this option.

Once you understand the basic symbols displayed on the dashboard, you can easily control the washing process.

It's easy to enable certain functions when needed, and to disable them when needed. Most washing machine models have similar dashboard icons, so operating the machine shouldn't be difficult.

   

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