Most washing machine owners rely on a single program, unaware that other cycles on the panel could better protect their clothes, reduce water and energy use, or improve results. Symbol meanings can also vary between manufacturers and even between product lines, according to a report by Digi24.ro.
Selecting the wrong program can have unwanted consequences, the publication warned. Delicate fabrics may be damaged by excess spinning, woolen items may shrink, and heavily soiled clothes may not come clean on a short cycle. Using high temperatures unnecessarily also increases energy consumption and accelerates wear on certain fabrics.
The butterfly
The butterfly symbol is among the most misunderstood icons on washing machines. Many manufacturers use it to mark a program for sensitive materials such as silk, voile, lace, and satin, though it does not appear on all models.
During this cycle the drum rotates more slowly and makes gentler movements, water temperature is lowered, and spin speed is reduced or restricted to lessen mechanical stress on textile fibers, Digi24.ro explained.
The spiral
The spiral symbol indicates the spin function, removing as much water as possible from clothes after the wash to reduce drying time.
Most machines allow spin speed to be adjusted in revolutions per minute, ranging from around 400 to 1,600 RPM depending on the model. High speeds suit towels, bed linen, and cotton items, which retain a lot of water and tolerate mechanical stress well. For shirts, blouses, viscose, silk, or wool, a low spin speed is recommended, as high speeds can cause creasing, deformation, or fiber damage, the publication noted.
The cotton flower
The cotton flower marks the program for cotton fabrics and sturdy materials. It is recommended for towels, bed linen, T-shirts, and cotton shirts that can withstand higher temperatures and intensive spinning.
Temperatures can range from 20 to 90 degrees Celsius depending on the level of soiling and care-label instructions. Manufacturers now advise using very high temperatures only when necessary, since modern detergents work effectively at lower settings. Washing at 60 degrees is recommended for towels and bed linen, while everyday clothing can be washed at 30 or 40 degrees if not heavily soiled, Digi24.ro said.
The hand-in-basin symbol
This icon marks a program designed to mimic handwashing as closely as possible, with slow, intermittent drum movements, a reduced water temperature, and spinning that is limited or eliminated entirely.
The publication advised users to distinguish between this symbol on the machine and the care label on the garment. If a label specifies handwashing only, the manufacturer recommends not placing the item in the machine at all, even if the appliance offers a program with that name.
