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Washing Machine Symbols Explained: Settings, Functions & What They Mean

Have you ever looked at your washing machine and wondered what all those symbols actually do?

From Eco and Cotton to Delicates, Spin and Drum Clean, today's washing machines are packed with settings designed to care for different fabrics and make laundry day easier. But unless you have the manual handy, those icons aren't always obvious.

While symbols and programme names can vary slightly between manufacturers, many washing machines from brands including Bosch, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, LG, Miele, Samsung, Speed Queen and Westinghouse use similar symbols and functions. If you're unsure, refer to your washing machine user manual or compare the symbols with the guide below.

In this guide, we'll explain the most common washing machine symbols, settings and functions, what they do, and when to use them so you can get the best results from every wash.

Cotton

Cotton washing machine symbol

The Cotton washing machine programme is designed for everyday cotton fabrics such as T-shirts, towels, bedding and underwear. It uses a longer wash cycle with stronger agitation to remove dirt effectively while protecting cotton fibres.

Best for: Cotton clothing, sheets, towels, tea towels

Drain

Drain washing machine symbol

Drain removes water from the drum without spinning the clothes. Useful if a cycle has been interrupted or the machine needs emptying.

Delay Start

Delay Start washing machine symbol

Delay Start allows you to schedule a wash cycle to begin later.

Ideal for taking advantage of off-peak electricity or having clothes finish just before you arrive home.

Delicates

Delicates washing machine symbol

The Delicates programme uses lower temperatures, slower spin speeds and gentle drum movements to protect fragile fabrics.

Perfect for: Lace, silk, lingerie, delicate blouses

Drum Clean

Drum Clean washing machine symbol

Drum Clean helps remove detergent residue, bacteria and odours from inside the washing machine.

Running this cycle regularly helps keep your washing machine performing at its best. Keeping your machine clean also means maintaining the filter. See how to easily clean your washing machine lint trap filter.

Eco

Eco washing machine symbol

Eco mode is designed to reduce energy and water consumption.

Although the cycle usually takes longer, it uses lower temperatures and less water, making it one of the most efficient programmes for lightly to moderately soiled clothing.

Easy Iron

Easy Iron washing machine symbol

Also called Easy Care, Permanent Press or Anti-Crease on some machines. Uses a gentler wash action and reduced spin speed to minimise creases, making shirts, uniforms and other everyday garments easier to iron after washing.

Jeans

Jeans washing machine symbol

The Jeans programme is designed for denim and other heavy cotton fabrics. It uses a longer wash cycle with moderate agitation and a controlled spin speed to clean thoroughly while helping reduce fading and wear.

Best for: Jeans, denim jackets and heavy cotton garments.

Lock

Lock Child Lock washing machine symbol

Also called Child Lock. Prevents buttons being accidentally pressed while the machine is operating.

A useful feature for families with young children.

Mixed Load

Mixed Load washing machine symbol

Perfect when washing a combination of cotton and synthetic fabrics together.

This programme balances wash performance while helping protect different fabric types.

Night Wash

Night Wash washing machine symbol

A quieter wash cycle that uses gentler drum movements and reduced spin speeds to minimise noise, making it ideal for running the washing machine overnight or when others are sleeping.

Prewash

Prewash washing machine symbol

Prewash adds an initial wash before the main cycle.

Ideal for muddy sports uniforms, workwear and heavily soiled clothing.

Quick Wash

Quick Wash washing machine symbol

Need clean clothes in a hurry? Quick Wash is ideal for lightly soiled items and smaller loads. Depending on your washing machine, these cycles usually run between 15 and 45 minutes.

Rinse

Rinse washing machine symbol

Rinse removes detergent residue from clothing.

Useful when:

  • Adding extra rinse cycles
  • Sensitive skin
  • Removing excess detergent

Helpful tip: Using too much detergent often means you need additional rinse cycles. Learn how much laundry detergent do you really need to use?

Spin

Spin washing machine symbol

The Spin programme removes excess water before drying. Higher spin speeds reduce drying time but may increase creasing on delicate fabrics.

Spin Speed

Spin Speed washing machine symbol

Spin speed is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute).

Higher speeds remove more water but may create more wrinkles.

  • 800 RPM – Delicates
  • 1000–1200 RPM – Everyday clothing
  • 1400 RPM+ – Towels and bedding

Sport

Sport washing machine symbol

Designed for activewear and performance fabrics, this cycle uses gentle washing, lower temperatures and extra rinsing to remove sweat while helping protect technical materials and maintain their performance.

Temperature

Temperature washing machine symbol

Most washing machines allow you to adjust the wash temperature.

General guide:

  • Cold – Delicates and colours
  • 30°C – Everyday clothing
  • 40°C – Mixed loads and cottons
  • 60°C – Towels, bedding and heavily soiled whites
  • 90°C – Sanitising durable cotton items such as towels, tea towels and workwear

Synthetics

Synthetics washing machine symbol

Designed for polyester, nylon and blended fabrics. The cycle uses gentler agitation than the Cotton programme while still providing an effective clean.

Wool

Wool washing machine symbol

The Wool programme gently washes woollen garments while helping prevent shrinking and felting.

Always check your garment label before machine washing wool.

Note: Exact temperatures for washing machine programmes vary by brand and model — check your machine's manual for specific settings on your cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all washing machines use the same symbols?

Most manufacturers use similar symbols and programme names, although the exact icon may vary between brands.

Which washing machine setting should I use every day?

For most everyday clothing, the Cotton, Mixed Load or Eco programme will provide excellent results.

Is Eco mode better?

Eco mode uses less electricity and water, although it generally takes longer to complete.

What does the spiral symbol mean?

The spiral symbol usually represents the Spin programme.

What is the best spin speed?

1000–1200 RPM is suitable for most everyday clothing, while towels and bedding can often be spun at 1400 RPM or higher.

Can I use Quick Wash every day?

Quick Wash is ideal for lightly soiled clothing and small loads. Heavily soiled items generally clean better using a standard Cotton or Mixed Load programme.

Keep your washing machine performing at its best

Choosing the correct wash programme is only one part of achieving great laundry results. Regular maintenance, using the right amount of detergent and avoiding overloading your machine can improve washing performance and help extend the life of your appliance.

What washing machine parts wear out most often?

Drain pumps – wear out or clog over time, often causing water to stay in the drum at the end of a cycle
Drive belts – stretch, slip or snap with age and heavy use, often causing the drum to stop spinning
Door seals – wear, split or trap mould and grime over time, leading to leaks or musty smells
Door locks/latches – can fail electronically or mechanically, preventing the door from locking or unlocking
Drum bearings – wear out with age and heavy use, causing loud rumbling or grinding noises during the spin cycle

Learn the warning signs your washing machine is failing – Identifying the problem early can help avoid costly repairs, reduce energy bills and extend the life of your appliance.

If your washing machine isn't draining, spinning or cleaning as well as it should, Statewide Appliance Spares stocks Australia's largest range of genuine washing machine spare parts for all the leading brands.

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