Beko dishwashers feature intuitive control panel symbols that guide users through cycles, maintenance, and troubleshooting without needing constant manual reference.
These universal icons simplify operation for families, renters, and first-time owners, covering everything from basic power controls to advanced drying options and critical alerts.
Understanding each symbol ensures optimal cleaning, prevents common issues like spotting or odors, and extends the appliance’s lifespan through timely maintenance.
Power and Fundamental Operation Symbols
Power Button Icon
The power symbol appears as a simple circle with a vertical line at the top right, identical to universal electronics standards. Pressing it activates the digital display or LED panel, illuminating all available program options for selection. On some touch models, a brief press powers on while a long hold (3+ seconds) fully shuts down, conserving standby energy.
Start/Pause Indicators
Represented by a right-pointing triangle (▶️) for “Start” and two vertical bars (||) for “Pause,” these allow safe mid-cycle interruptions. Pausing halts water flow and heat immediately, preserving dishes without draining ideal for adding forgotten items or handling interruptions. The triangle flashes during selection and solidifies once running; pausing returns it to blinking until resumed.
Program Selection Dial/Buttons
Many Beko models use a rotating dial or arrow buttons next to cycle icons, scrolling through options like Eco, Intensive, or Quick Wash. Each press or turn highlights the active program with a steady light, while inactive ones dim, providing clear visual feedback during family decision-making.
Essential Maintenance and Additive Symbols
Salt Refill Indicator (Salt Shaker or “S”)
This critical icon a salt shaker outline or letter “S” lights when the water softener reservoir runs low. Beko dishwashers use special regenerating salt to bind minerals, preventing white limescale films on glassware and internal corrosion. Refill via the bottom tub compartment (unscrew cap, pour until overflow), then run a short cycle to distribute. Low salt exacerbates hard-water spotting, so address at first notice, especially in areas above 7 grains per gallon hardness.
Rinse Aid Refill (Teardrop or Droplet)
A single water droplet or tear shape signals low rinse aid, the agent ensuring sheets of water sheeting off dishes for spotless drying. Found in a small door dispenser next to detergent, refill when the indicator glows (adjust dosage dial 1-6 based on water hardness). Skipping this leads to water marks on cutlery and cloudy film on plastics always maintain for professional results.
Multi-Tablet/Detergent Mode
A pill or tablet icon confirms “All-in-One” mode activation, optimizing rinses for combo detergent capsules containing cleaner, salt, and rinse aid. Toggle via a dedicated button; when lit, the machine adjusts phosphate-free formulas automatically. Incorrect mode wastes additives or leaves residue, so match to your product type.
Core Wash Cycle Program Symbols
Quick Wash (Clock or Single Droplet)
A clock face or lone water drop represents the 30-60 minute rapid cycle for lightly soiled plates, mugs, or pre-rinsed items before dinner parties. Uses less water/heat than full washes, perfect for daily glasses but skips heavy grease expect 50°C max temperature.
Intensive/Heavy Wash (Pot, Pan, or Casserole Dish)
Heavy cookware outline signals 2-3 hour powerhouse cycle with 70°C water, dual/triple rinse, and extended sprays for baked-on lasagna, burnt pots, or oily skillets. Ideal for family roasts but energy-intensive reserve for true tough jobs.
Eco/Normal Daily (Leaf, Globe, or Flower)
Environmental leaf or earth icon denotes energy-efficient standard wash (50-60°C, 2-2.5 hours) balancing cleanliness, water (10-12L), and electricity for everyday plates, bowls, and utensils. ENERGY STAR certified on most models.
Glass/Delicate/China (Wine Glass or Fragile Cup)
Stemmed glass symbol activates gentle 40-45°C cycle with soft sprays and extra rinse to prevent etching on crystal, fine china, or heirloom porcelain. Avoids thermal shock; run solo for best protection.
Auto Sense (Eye or Hand with Water)
Sensor eye scans soil levels, automatically adjusting time, heat, and water (1.5-3 hours). Versatile “set-and-forget” for mixed loads, saving 20% resources vs. manual picks.
Advanced Drying and Efficiency Symbols
Extra Dry/AirDry (Fan, Squiggly Lines, or Open Door)
Wavy lines or fan blade indicate prolonged final heat or automatic door ajar (5-10cm) for natural evaporation, eliminating spots on plastics and stubborn glass films. Boosts energy 10-15% but yields restaurant shine.
Half Load (Split Rack or “1/2”)
Divided rack icon runs upper or lower basket solo (or both lightly filled), slashing water/energy by 30-50% for 4-6 place settings. Great for small households or lunch only.
Time Delay (Clock with Numbers)
Digital clock (1-24 hours) postpones start for off-peak rates, vacation modes, or quiet nighttime runs. Set via +/- buttons; light confirms countdown.
Hygiene, Specialty, and Smart Symbols
Hygiene/Sanitize (Flame or Steam Cloud)
High-heat (70°C+) final rinse kills 99.9% bacteria use for baby bottles, cutting boards, or illness recovery. Extended dry follows.
Fast+/Speed Wash (Lightning Bolt)
Bolt shortens selected cycles 20-40% via hotter water/intense sprays, blending quick and thorough for busy evenings.
SteamGloss/Shine (Steam Wave)
Steam injection pre-loosens tough soils, reducing pre-rinse needs on plastics/pans unique Beko feature.
HomeWhiz/App Connect (Phone or WiFi)
Wireless icon links to Beko app for remote start, cycle tracking, and notifications on select smart models.
Error, Warning, and Troubleshooting Symbols
Filter Cleaning (Sponge, Strainer, or Funnel)
Bottom strainer prompts weekly rinse of coarse/micro filters to avoid pump clogs, odors, or drain errors. Twist-remove, scrub under tap.
Drain/Flood (Clogged Pipe or Wave Overflow)
Tap with drop or wavy line flags hose kinks, sink backups, or sump blockages elevate drain hose 24-36″ high.
Water Inlet/Tap (Flashing Faucet)
Dripping tap means closed valve, kinked inlet hose, or low pressure verify household flow first.
Door/Error (Exclamation Triangle or Key)
Red ! or lock indicates improper close, child lock active, or faults (E01-E90 codes) power cycle resets most.
Red Star/Machine Care (Starburst Dishwasher)
Self-clean reminder every 30-50 cycles run empty with citric acid tablet for limescale/grease purge.
Model-Specific Variations and Panel Types
LED Button Panels (DFN/DIN Series): Simple icons glow sequentially for progress (pre-wash > wash > dry > end).
Touchscreen (DIT/Modern): Color digital with text labels alongside icons for clarity.
Compact/Slimline (DVS): Fewer cycles, emphasis on half-load and quick icons.
Pro-Smart: Adds dosage assistant (spoon/scales) for perfect detergent amounts via app.
Always photograph your panel and match to manual variations exist by region (US vs. EU voltage).
Quick Reference: Beko Symbols Master Table
| Category | Symbol Description | Meaning | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Circle + line | On/Off | Daily activation |
| Control | ▶️ / | ||
| Additives | Salt shaker | Low salt | Hard water prevention |
| Additives | Teardrop | Low rinse aid | Spotless drying |
| Quick | Clock/Drop | Quick Wash | Light pre-rinse |
| Heavy | Pot/Pan | Intensive | Baked-on messes |
| Daily | Leaf/Eco | Normal/Eco | Family loads |
| Gentle | Wine Glass | Delicate | Stemware/China |
| Dry | Fan/Waves | Extra Dry | Plastics/glass |
| Save | 1/2 Rack | Half Load | Small loads |
| Delay | Clock Numbers | Time Delay | Off-peak |
| Hygiene | Flame | Sanitize | Baby items |
| Fast | Lightning | Speed Wash | Time crunch |
| Maintenance | Red Star | Machine Care | Monthly clean |
| Error | ! Triangle | General fault | Manual check |
| Filter | Strainer | Clean filters | Weekly |
Pro Tips for Mastering Beko Symbols
- Pre-Load Ritual: Scan salt/rinse lights before every run 5 seconds prevents 90% of spotting.
- Cycle Matching: Always pair load type to icon (pots = intensive) for 20% better results/energy savings.
- Reset Routine: Power off 5 min clears false symbols; run hot water first for inlet issues.
- Manual Backup: Download via model# on Beko site print/laminate for cabinet door.
- App Integration: HomeWhiz models push symbol alerts to phone, reducing guesswork.
FAQs: Beko Dishwasher Symbols Explained
1. What does the salt shaker symbol mean on Beko?
Low water softener salt refill immediately to avoid limescale on dishes/components.
2. How do I use the half load symbol?
Select for upper/lower rack only; saves 30-50% water/energy on partial loads.
3. What is the red star symbol for?
Machine Care reminder run empty self-clean every 30-50 cycles or monthly.
4. Why does the rinse aid droplet light blink?
Dispenser empty add rinse aid for streak-free drying; adjust dose for hardness.
5. What does the exclamation triangle mean?
General error power cycle, check door/filters; note any E-code for manual.
6. How to select cycles using symbols?
Press program button until desired icon (pot=heavy, leaf=eco) lights solidly.
7. Does flashing faucet mean low pressure?
Yes open valve fully, unkink hose, test sink flow before retrying.
8. Where’s the extra dry symbol?
Fan/waves or door-open icon activates post-wash heat/vent for spotless results.
9. Can I ignore maintenance symbols?
No leads to odors, faults, reduced life; 2-min fixes prevent $200 repairs.
10. How to reset persistent symbols?
Unplug 10 min, refill additives, clean filters run short cycle to verify.
