If you’ve had your Indesit dishwasher for a while and the symbols have started to rub off, you might be unable to use your appliance to its full capacity. Unless you memorise what each button does and where it is located on your dishwasher, you won’t be able to use every function in your appliance without the help of each symbol.
Being able to use every function means you can get the most out of your machine. You can refer to your user manual to learn more about each symbol, as every Indesit dishwasher is unique.
But if you have no idea where you put your manual when you first bought your dishwasher, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
It will cover all of the common symbols that are found on Indesit dishwashers, so you can still use your appliance effectively if the old symbols have worn off. We will also cover what functions each symbol refers to, as well as what these functions are used for and their benefits and drawbacks.
Power/Reset Button
The power button looks like a traditional power button with two circles, one larger and one smaller, inside an even larger circle. You use this button to turn your Indesit dishwasher on or off, or to reset the appliance.
Wash Cycles
You can choose from different wash cycles in any Indesit dishwasher. Each cycle option symbol sits next to one another in a row on the front of the appliance, right next to the power/reset and select buttons. When you select a specific wash cycle type, the light above the symbol will illuminate.
Here are the main wash cycles that you’ll find in almost all models and the ones that you’ll use most often.
Select Button
The select button is shown as a capital P in a box, and it enables you to choose which wash cycle you want to use. Simply press the button down and then press the relevant button to select a particular cycle (prewash, wash, normal, or intensive)
Prewash
Overview – The prewash function is a very short cycle that you can use to rinse your dishes before running them through a full wash cycle (or washing them manually in the sink). The symbol shows a dishwasher with a large wavy line running through it.
Best used for – Rinsing your dishes before a more thorough wash.
Benefits/drawbacks – A prewash option is great when you want to wash your dishes and cutlery fully, but it’s not always necessary. As long as you load up your dishwasher properly, a normal cycle should suffice on its own. Adding a prewash before running your usual wash cycle will increase water and energy consumption by four litres and 0.01 kWh.
Normal
Overview – A normal wash cycle is exactly as it says. It’s a standard setting that is found in every Indesit dishwasher, and it’s denoted by a symbol of a small dishwasher. It lasts two hours and has a drying function.
Best used for – Washing your dishes and cutlery through a standard cycle.
Benefits/drawbacks – The normal wash cycle has no particular benefits or drawbacks. It’s a necessary option on all dishwashers, and it’s the cycle that you’ll probably use the most frequently.
Intensive
Overview – The intensive wash cycle symbol shows a washer with two black marks inside it. This wash cycle provides a more intensive wash for your dishes and cutlery.
Best used for – Thoroughly washing your dishes and cutlery to get rid of stubborn food residues.
Benefits/drawbacks – The intensive wash cycle is great for getting rid of stubborn, dried food on your plates and cutlery. It only lasts 30 minutes more than a normal cycle. However, it requires more electrical energy and water than the normal and eco wash cycles.
Rapid
Overview – You’ll find the symbol for a rapid cycle by searching for an image of two small glasses. It’s the shortest wash cycle in pretty much all Indesit dishwashers.
Best used for – Washing your dishes when you’ve got little time available.
Benefits/drawbacks – This cycle lasts just 40 minutes and uses less water and energy than any other cycle (apart from the prewash). Therefore, it’s great when you’re in a rush but need clean dishes. However, your dishes won’t come out as clean with a rapid wash as they would with a normal or intensive wash.
Eco
Overview – The eco wash cycle is an energy-saving option that uses five+ litres less water per cycle than a normal or intensive cycle, and between 0.2 and 0.6 kWh less per cycle.
Best used for – Reducing your energy and water consumption per cycle.
Benefits/drawbacks – The eco wash cycle is perfect for when you’re trying to cut back on your energy usage and save money. However, it might not be as thorough as normal or intensive wash cycles and it takes over three hours to complete a single cycle.
