Washing machines are far more advanced now than ever. Many specialized functions can help you wash your laundry with such specific instructions that it’s like having a personal laundrette.
What happens when you have a high-tech washer like AEG but don’t know what the symbols mean? If you don’t know what the AEG washing machine symbols mean, you won’t get as much out of the machine as you should.
This guide will change all that so you can take back your laundry day. This guide will teach you what those symbols mean to customize your wash and have the cleanest clothes possible.
AEG Washing Machine Symbols for Secondary Settings
There are settings used to customize the wash cycle to meet specific preferences or needs but do not directly affect the actual washing process. These are secondary settings and have specific symbols to help you customize your wash.
Temperature
Overview: The Temperature setting, represented by a thermometer, can be added to other wash cycles. It allows the user to select the temperature of the wash cycle, depending on the type of fabric or level of soiling.
Best for: Washing various types of clothing that require different water temperatures to ensure an effective clean.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Temperature mode provides the user with the flexibility to choose the appropriate temperature for the wash cycle, ensuring an efficient and effective clean. The downside is that you could make a mistake with the settings and wash clothing at too high a temperature or too low for poor results.
Extra Silent
Overview: The Extra Silent mode on an AEG washing machine, represented by dB over an arrow pointing down, is a programme designed to reduce the noise level during the washing cycle.
Best for: This function is best for households where noise is a concern, such as those with sleeping children or neighbours.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the Silent Mode programme is that it significantly reduces the noise level produced by the washing machine to around 50-55 dB, which is comparable to the sound level of a normal conversation. The downside is that this is only during the wash cycle so the spin cycle will be around 77 dB.
Child Lock
Overview: The Child Lock feature, represented by a padlock, on an AEG washing machine is a safety function that helps prevent children from accidentally or intentionally altering the washing programme while the machine is in use.
Best for: This function is especially ideal for households with young children who may be curious about the washing machine or could accidentally press buttons.
Benefits/Drawbacks: One of the primary benefits of using the Child Lock feature is that it ensures the safety of children by preventing them from changing the washing programme while the machine is in operation. However, a drawback is that this function may make it more difficult for adults to change the washing program, as it requires additional steps to unlock the machine.
OKO Mix
Overview: The OKO Mix feature, represented by two arrows pointing clockwise with the word MIX in the centre, pre mixes the detergent and fabric softener with water before spraying it over your laundry.
Best for: Ideal for a more even and efficient distribution of detergent and fabric softener across their laundry.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the OKO Mix technology is that it leads to better cleaning results and more effective softening. However, a drawback is that this technology may require a small amount of extra time to complete the pre-mixing process before starting the wash cycle.
Maximum Laundry Indicator
Overview: The Maximum Laundry indicator, represented by the word MAX, is a feature that lets you know when you have exceeded the recommended amount of laundry for a specific wash cycle. A sensor detects when the recommended maximum load capacity has been exceeded, and triggers an alert.
Best for: Ideal to ensure you do not overload the washing machine, which can affect the quality of the wash and potentially damage the machine.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of this feature is it helps you avoid overloading the washing machine, which can lead to damaging your appliance. There is no real drawback to mention since it helps you extend the life of your washer.
Delay Start
Overview: The Delay Start function, represented by a clock with an arrow moving clockwise, allows you to set a specific time for the machine to start the wash cycle.
Best for: Setting the washing to be ready at a specific time.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Delay Start function’s benefit is that it allows you to take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours, or to schedule the wash cycle to start at a convenient time, such as when you return from work. The downside is that you can’t set a specific time to start the load, rather you have to calculate how many hours from the time you are setting for it to begin.
Time Saving
Overview: The Time Saving function, represented by a clock with two arrows pointing to the right, allows you to shorten the duration of the wash cycle.
Best for: People who want to save time, especially when washing smaller loads of laundry.
Benefits/Drawbacks: Using the Time Saving function allows you to shorten the wash cycle duration. This can be especially useful when you’re in a hurry or need to do multiple loads of laundry quickly. However, a drawback is that this feature may not be suitable for heavily soiled or stained laundry, as it may not provide the same level of cleaning effectiveness as a regular cycle.
Quick Intensive
Overview: The Quick Intensive function, represented by a clock with an I to the right of it, allows you to wash up to 3kg of laundry in a fast and intensive cycle.
Best for: A small load of laundry, such as workout clothes or lightly soiled items, in a fast and efficient way.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The quick Intensive function allows you to wash a small load of laundry in a fast and intensive cycle, typically lasting around 30 minutes. This can be especially useful when you need to clean lightly soiled items quickly. A drawback is that can’t effectively wash heavily soiled or stained laundry.
Spin Reduction
Overview: The Spin Reduction function, represented by a circle with an arrow moving clockwise, allows you to reduce the spin speed during the wash cycle.
Best for: Avoiding damage to delicate clothing items, such as silk or lace, that may not be able to withstand high spin speeds.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the Spin Reduction function is that it allows you to reduce the spin speed during the wash cycle, which can help protect delicate clothing items from damage. Remember that this may leave clothes wetter than if you used the regular spin speed.
Options
Overview: __The Options function, represented by an open book, is a feature that allows you to select additional options for your washing programme, such as the ones listed earlier in this guide.
Best for: Allowing you to find the optimal setting for a specific type of clothing or washing method.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The major benefit of using this option is that it can help you zero in on the right setting for your laundry. No real downside to speak of.
AEG Washing Machine Symbols for Wash Settings
Spin Only
Overview: The Spin Only function, represented by a spiral shape, is a convenient feature that allows you to quickly spin dry laundry items without having to run a full wash cycle.
Best for: Ideal for removing excess water from laundry items that have already been washed or for delicate items, such as hand-washed delicates.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the Spin Only function is that it can save time and energy by quickly removing excess water from your laundry items. One drawback it may not be suitable for all clothing types, as certain delicate fabrics may still be damaged by the high spin speed.
Cottons
Overview: The Cottons setting on an AEG washing machine, represented by a basin with water in it, is a versatile programme that is specifically designed to wash linen and cotton fabrics of all kinds.
Best for: Washing cotton fabrics that are normal to heavily soiled such as towels, bed linen, underwear, and t-shirts.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The benefit of using the Cottons setting is that it is specifically designed to clean cotton fabrics effectively, which can be especially useful when washing items that are heavily soiled or have absorbed a lot of moisture, such as towels or bed linens. The downside is that these items can be heavy so you may have to break it into two loads.
Synthetics
Overview: The Synthetics setting, represented by a basin with water in it over a solid horizontal line, is specifically designed to wash synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
Best for: Gently washing normal to lightly soiled garments, including everyday clothing items such as blouses, dresses, skirts, and pants made of synthetic materials.
Benefits/Drawbacks: This feature is a specific programme setting that ensures optimal cleaning performance for synthetic fabrics, which may include a shorter wash cycle or a lower spin speed to prevent damage to delicate materials. The drawback is that it is not ideal for every type of synthetic fabric so be sure to read the care label of all the clothing you are washing.
Viscose
Overview: The Viscose setting, represented by a tub with a scarf, is a programme that is specifically designed to wash viscose fabrics, which are semi-synthetic materials made from wood pulp or bamboo.
Best for: Viscose fabrics, which are often used as a silk substitute such as scarves, blouses, trousers, and skirts.
Benefits/Drawbacks: Use this setting for certain clothing that would normally need to be dry cleaned. This setting uses a special treatment that would normally twist the garments up and damage them in a normal wash. a drawback is that this setting may not be suitable for heavily soiled viscose fabrics, as they would be better served getting dry cleaned.
Hand Wash
Overview: The Hand Wash symbol, represented by a hand over a tub with water, indicates a gentle cycle that mimics hand washing to protect delicate items from damage during the wash.
Best for: Washing delicate items such as silk blouses, woollen sweaters, lingerie, and other similar garments that require gentle washing.
Benefits/Drawbacks: This function minimizes damage to delicate fabrics by using gentle agitation to prevent shrinkage and stretching, which can damage the fabric. The biggest drawback is that this cycle can take longer than other cycles. There is also the possibility of clothes still being wet after the spin cycle.
Sport Intensive
Overview: The Sport Intensive function, represented by a shirt with a logo on the front, is primarily designed to remove sweat stains and odours from sportswear.
Best for: Washing sportswear such as tracksuits, sportswear, and gym clothes that may have tough sweat stains and odours.
Benefits/Drawbacks: This setting uses a high-powered wash that effectively removes sweat stains and odours from sportswear. It also has a shorter wash cycle compared to other settings, which saves time and energy. However, it may not be suitable for delicate fabrics and may cause damage.
Hygiene
Overview: The Hygiene setting, represented by a cross, is an additional function that can be added to other wash cycles. It allows the load to be washed at high temperatures of up to 90°C to kill bacteria and viruses.
Best for: Washing heavily soiled items or those that require thorough cleaning and disinfection, such as bedding, towels, baby clothes, and underwear.
Benefits/Drawbacks: Hygiene mode uses high temperatures that effectively kill bacteria and viruses, ensuring that the load is thoroughly disinfected. It’s also ideal for washing work clothes that have stubborn stains. Keep in mind that it’s not suitable for delicate fabrics or items that cannot withstand high temperatures.
Easy Iron
Overview: The Easy Iron, represented by an iron with two horizontal lines on the right, uses a slower spin cycle and a lower agitation speed during the wash making them easier to iron.
Best for: Washing clothes that wrinkle easily, such as dress shirts, blouses, and formal wear.
Benefits/Drawbacks: This function uses a gentle wash action that reduces the amount of creasing in clothes, making them easier to iron as well as preserving the fabric’s quality and texture. Keep in mind that it uses more water and energy than other settings, which may not be cost-effective.
Delicate Rinses
Overview: The Delicate Rinses function, represented by a water filled tub with three dashes in it over a horizontal line, is a cycle that is designed to rinse delicate items with care.
Best for: Washing delicate fabrics such as silk, cashmere, and lace, as well as items that require extra care during rinsing, such as baby clothes.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The gentle Delicate Rinses cycle protects delicate fabrics from damage. It also helps to remove any remaining detergent residue, which can cause skin irritation. Give extra time for this load since it takes a bit longer than normal cycles.
Blanket
Overview: The Blanket setting, represented by a turned down blanket, is designed to wash large and heavy items such as blankets, comforters, and duvets by adjusting the water levels and spin speeds according to the size and weight of the load.
Best for: Washing large and heavy items such as blankets, comforters, and duvets that may not fit well in standard washing machines.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The blanket setting has a powerful wash action that removes dirt and stains from heavy items. Remember that not all fabrics for duvets and other heavy items can be washed in this setting if they are delicate.
Lingerie
Overview: The Lingerie function, represented by a bikini symbol, adjusts the water levels, temperature, and spin speeds to prevent stretching or damaging lingerie, hosiery, and other intimate apparel.
Best for: Washing delicate and lightweight items such as silk camisoles, lace bras, and other intimate apparel made from delicate fabrics like silk, satin, lace, and chiffon.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The biggest benefit of this function is it uses a gentle wash action that protects delicate fabrics from damage, ensuring that lingerie items retain their shape and texture. However, it may not effectively remove stubborn stains or heavily soiled items.
20 MIN. 3 KG
Overview: The 20 Min, 3 Kg, represented by a clock with the number 20, is a cycle that is designed for a quick and efficient wash of small loads weighing up to 3 kg.
Best for: Washing small and lightly soiled items that require a quick wash, such as gym clothes, baby clothes, and everyday wear.
Benefits/Drawbacks: This setting is ideal for washing clothes that just need to be refreshed since they didn’t get very dirty such as if they have some odours. However, it may not be suitable for larger loads or bulky items that require a more thorough wash.
Jeans
Overview: The Jeans function, represented by a pair of jeans, is designed to wash denim items.
Best for: Washing denim items that require a thorough and effective clean, such as heavily soiled jeans, denim jackets, and shorts.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Jeans function uses a powerful wash action that removes dirt and stains from denim items. Another benefit is it has a shorter wash cycle compared to other settings, which saves time and energy. However, it uses more water and energy than other settings due to the powerful wash action.
Delicates
Overview: The Delicates function, represented by a tub of water over a solid horizontal line, is similar to the hand wash setting which is also designed to wash delicate items such as silk, wool, and lace.
Best for: Washing delicate items such as lightweight cotton and synthetic fabrics that require gentle handling, such as baby clothes, camisoles, and other delicate tops.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Delicates setting prevents damage to delicate fabrics, ensuring that the items retain their shape and texture. Remember, this setting uses more water and energy than other settings due to the extra care required for delicate fabrics.
Drain
Overview: The Drain Only function, represented by a tub of water with an arrow pointing down, is a setting used to drain the washing machine without starting a wash cycle.
Best for: Draining excess water from the washing machine after a wash cycle or for cleaning the washing machine’s internal components.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Drain Only function helps to remove excess water when cleaning the washing machine’s internal components, such as the pump and filter, which can become clogged with debris.
Wool
Overview: The Wool function, represented by wool yarn over a tub, is designed to wash woollen items with lower water temperatures, slower spin speeds, and gentler wash action.
Best for: Washing woollen items such as sweaters and socks.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Wool setting uses a gentle wash action that protects woollen items from shrinking or damage to the fabric. Keep in mind that woollen items should be air-dried after washing, which may take longer than using a dryer.
Outdoor Sports
Overview: The Outdoor Sports function, represented by a coat, is designed to wash outdoor sports clothing such as hiking or camping gear.
Best for: Washing outdoor sports clothing that may be heavily soiled or require extra cleaning, such as hiking pants, jackets, and raincoats.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Outdoor Sports function removes dirt, mud, and other outdoor stains from clothing. Some outdoor sports clothing may require special care, such as waterproofing or re-proofing, which may not be provided by this function.
Aeg Washing Machine Phase Indicator Symbols
Washing Phase Indicator
Overview: The Washing Phase Indicator, represented by a tub with two vertical lines in the middle, flashes during the pre-wash and wash stage.
Best for: Keeping track of the progress of their washing cycle to know when it is safe to add fabric softener or when the machine is about to enter the spin cycle.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Washing Phase Indicator allows the user to avoid interrupting the wash cycle and helps to prevent mistakes such as adding fabric softener during the wrong cycle. However, some users may find the indicator to be unnecessary or distracting.
Rinsing Phase Indicator
Overview: The Rinsing Phase Indicator, represented by the symbol of a tub with water and some dashed lines in the middle, is designed to inform the user when the machine has entered the rinse cycle.
Best for: Ensuring clothes have been properly rinsed to avoid detergent residue and skin irritation.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Rinsing Phase Indicator ensures that the clothes are rinsed properly, leaving them free of detergent residue that can cause skin irritation.
Soft Plus Option
Overview: The Soft Plus Option, represented by a tub with water, dashed lines and a plus symbol, is a function designed to provide additional softness to clothing. The Soft Plus Option dispenses fabric softener into the washing machine during the rinse cycle.
Best for: Giving clothes to have a soft feel and a pleasant scent after washing.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Soft Plus Option eliminates the need to add fabric softener manually, saving time and effort. The softener is evenly distributed throughout the clothing, ensuring that all items are equally soft.
Steam Phase Indicator
Overview: The Steam Phase Indicator, represented by a puff of steam, is a function designed to inform the user when the machine has entered the steam phase of the wash cycle. During this phase, the machine uses steam to refresh creased clothes, remove odours and allergens, and reduce ironing time.
Best for: Those who want their clothes to look and smell fresh, while also reducing the time needed for ironing.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Steam Phase Indicator is a feature that helps remove odours and allergens and reduces the need for ironing. However, using steam can also increase the cost of your washing machine and water consumption.
Anti-crease Phase Indicator
Overview: The Anti-crease phase, represented by a shirt with a backward L on it, is a function designed to prevent clothes from clumping together and getting creased during the wash cycle. This function uses more water to keep clothes moving freely, ensuring that they don’t get tangled or creased.
Best for: Fabrics that tend to get creased easily, such as silk or satin.
Benefits/Drawbacks: The Anti-crease phase It ensures that delicate fabrics, such as silk or satin, remain in good condition and don’t get damaged by creases. However, this function may use more water than other cycles, which can be a drawback for those who are concerned about water usage.
