Bosch Dryer Symbols: A Complete Guide to Every Icon

Understanding the symbols on your Bosch dryer isn’t just about convenience—it’s essential for protecting your clothes and ensuring your appliance runs efficiently. Modern Bosch dryers feature multiple symbol types, from care label indicators to display alerts that signal maintenance needs. Misinterpreting these symbols can lead to shrunk garments, extended drying times, or even appliance damage.

This guide breaks down every symbol you’ll encounter on your Bosch dryer and clothing labels. Whether you’re troubleshooting a flashing icon or deciding which program to select, you’ll find expert-backed explanations that help you dry laundry correctly the first time.

Quick Reference for Common Bosch Dryer Symbols and Solutions

Symbol Type	What It Means	Action Required	Urgency Level
Container/Water Drop	Condensate container needs emptying	Remove and empty water container	High – Stops operation
Circle with Dots (Filter)	Fluff filter or base unit needs cleaning	Clean lint filter and check heat exchanger	High – Affects efficiency
“Hot” or Cool Down	Appliance going through cool down process	Wait 10 minutes for temperature regulation	Medium – Normal operation
Key Symbol	Child lock or control lock activated	Hold specific buttons for 3 seconds to deactivate	Medium – Prevents use
WiFi Lines	WiFi connection status	Flashing = connecting, Lit = connected, Off = disconnected	Low – Feature based
Sun Symbol	Low heat drying active	Gentler drying for delicate fabrics	Low – Setting indicator
“Cln” Display	Heat exchanger auto-cleaning	Do not pull out condensate container during process	Low – Automatic process
Triangle + Bars (Start/Pause)	Cycle started or paused	Press to resume or pause operation	Variable

Understanding Bosch Dryer Symbols: Display Alerts and Maintenance Indicators

When you see symbols illuminated on your Bosch dryer display, they’re communicating specific needs. The basic square with circle inside represents general tumble dry suitability, but your dryer’s digital display shows operational and maintenance symbols that require different responses.

Maintenance-Critical Symbols

Container Symbol (Water Drop): The condensate container symbol appears when moisture collection reaches capacity. If this symbol flashes, empty the condensate container and ensure it’s properly inserted back into place. This is one of the most frequent alerts on condenser dryers.

If the symbol persists after emptying, the issue may involve the sensor. Pour approximately 1.5 liters of hot water into the container, reinsert until you hear a click, then press start-pause and wait before removing again. This resets the sensor mechanism.

Filter Symbols: Clean the fluff filter after each drying cycle to prevent blockages. The filter symbol alerts you when accumulated lint restricts airflow. Beyond the main lint filter, Bosch dryers have a filter in the condensate container that requires periodic cleaning under warm running water.

Heat Exchanger Cleaning: Your Bosch dryer automatically cleans its heat exchanger during operation. When “Cln” appears in the display, the self-cleaning cycle is active. Do not pull out the condensate container during the cleaning process. This automated feature helps maintain optimal energy efficiency.

Operational Status Symbols

Cool Down Process: Temperature regulation can take up to 10 minutes after high-heat cycles. The “Hot” indicator or cool down symbol means the appliance needs time to safely reduce internal temperatures. You can cancel this process by opening the door, though allowing it to complete protects both fabrics and the dryer mechanism.

Child Lock (Key Symbol): The key symbol indicates child lock or control lock activation, preventing settings from being changed accidentally. To deactivate, simultaneously press and hold the “Finished in” button and drying time button for 3 seconds. The exact button combination varies by model, so consult your specific manual if this doesn’t work.

WiFi Connectivity: Modern Bosch dryers include smart features. WiFi symbols show three states: off when disconnected, flashing when attempting connection, and lit when successfully connected to your home network. This enables remote monitoring and control through Bosch’s mobile app.

Fabric Care Label Symbols: What Can Go in Your Bosch Dryer?

Understanding garment symbols prevents damage and extends clothing lifespan. The square with circle inside is the general tumble dry symbol, but variations indicate specific requirements.

Decoding Garment Drying Symbols

Symbol	Description	Recommended Bosch Setting
Square with Circle	Can be tumble dried	Standard programs safe
Circle with One Dot	Delicate dry – low temperature required	Low heat or delicate program
Circle with Two Dots	Normal dry at regular temperatures	Cotton or standard program
Crossed Out Circle	Do not dry in dryer	Air dry only
Empty Square	Air drying recommended	Line dry or lay flat

Fabric-Specific Guidance

Cotton and Cotton Blends: While pure cotton is usually safe to tumble dry, cotton blends with spandex and polyester are often less heat-resistant. Dark-rinsed cotton items may experience color fading, so always check care labels.

Synthetic Fabrics and Sportswear: Synthetic fabrics and breathable materials should not be dried too long and only at low temperatures. Select specialized programs for sportswear, which typically dries quickly and may be suitable for line drying.

Down Items: Down jackets and bedding are best dried in a tumble dryer with special down programs, as this gives down elasticity and volume. Use clean tennis balls to prevent clumping, ensuring colors don’t transfer.

Items to Never Dry: All textiles containing foam, including pillow inserts or shoulder pads, are not suitable for the dryer. These materials can degrade or become fire hazards at high temperatures.

Troubleshooting Common Bosch Dryer Symbol-Related Issues

Understanding symbols helps identify problems before they escalate.

Issue: Container Symbol Won’t Clear

Symptoms: Water drop symbol remains lit after emptying container.

Solutions:

• Verify container is fully inserted until it clicks into place
• Remove fluff from around the door and from the filter shaft
• Clean the filter in the condensate container itself
• Try the sensor reset procedure with hot water

Issue: Persistent Filter Warning

Symptoms: Filter symbol flashes even after cleaning.

Solutions:

• Rinse filter with warm water if very dirty, then dry thoroughly before reinserting
• Check the heat exchanger for lint buildup
• Inspect the base unit filter that requires less frequent cleaning
• Ensure ambient temperature stays between 15-30°C for optimal operation

Issue: Dryer Won’t Start with Key Symbol

Symptoms: Display shows key icon and programs won’t activate.

Solutions:

• Deactivate child lock using button combination specific to your model
• Ensure dryer door is fully closed
• Check if a program is actually selected
• Verify the unit isn’t in energy-saving or sleep mode

Advanced Symbol Features by Bosch Series

Different Bosch series incorporate varying symbol sets and capabilities.

Series 4 Models: Feature standard cycle symbols including horizontal line with wavy lines for standard drying, iron symbol for iron dry mode, and cupboard symbol for cupboard dry. These models typically use LED or basic digital displays.

Series 6 & 8 Models: Higher-end models include additional symbols like program paused indicators, program end notifications, and time remaining displays. Some models show remote start capabilities with rectangle and WiFi lines, indicating app-based operation.

Heat Pump Models: These energy-efficient dryers include specific symbols related to heat pump operation and extended cool-down processes due to their advanced cooling circuits.

Maximizing Bosch Dryer Performance Through Symbol Awareness

Maintenance Task	Frequency	Symbol Indicator	Performance Impact
Clean lint filter	After every cycle	Filter symbol	Prevents 30-50% efficiency loss
Empty condensate container	As needed (symbol alert)	Water drop	Essential for continued operation
Clean container filter	Monthly	Flashing filter after emptying	Improves self-cleaning effectiveness
Check heat exchanger	When symbol appears	Varies by model	Maintains energy efficiency
Verify door seal	Monthly visual check	None (preventive)	Prevents moisture escape

Responding promptly to display symbols prevents minor issues from becoming costly repairs. A clogged filter reduces heating efficiency and extends cycle times, while an overfilled condensate container can trigger safety shutoffs.

Also Read: Bosch Washing Machine Symbols and Their Meaning (Complete Guide)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the flashing water drop mean even when my Bosch dryer container is empty?

A flashing water drop symbol despite an empty container typically indicates a sensor issue rather than actual water presence. The sensor detects when the water container reaches full capacity, and sometimes residue or condensation can trigger false readings.

Start by thoroughly cleaning both the container and the filter within it. If the symbol persists, the sensor reset procedure resolves most cases. This involves pouring hot water into the container, reinserting it, pressing start-pause, waiting a minute, then removing and emptying before reinserting again. If problems continue after these steps, the float switch may be stuck or the sensor requires professional servicing.

How do I deactivate the child lock symbol on my Bosch dryer?

The key symbol indicates child lock or control lock prevents settings changes, and deactivation methods vary slightly by model series. For most Bosch dryers, press and hold both the “Finished in” button and the drying time button simultaneously for approximately three seconds until the key symbol disappears.

Some models use different button combinations, such as holding the “Start” button along with an option button. If the standard method doesn’t work, consult your specific model’s manual or look for button icons with lock symbols printed on the control panel. The child lock feature is valuable for households with young children but can be confusing if activated accidentally.

Why does my Bosch dryer display show “Hot” or a cool down symbol after the cycle ends?

The cool down or “Hot” indicator shows your dryer is actively reducing internal temperatures after high-heat drying. This temperature regulation process can take up to 10 minutes and represents normal, safe operation rather than a malfunction.

Heat pump and condenser dryers especially benefit from this cycle, as it protects both the appliance components and prevents potential fabric damage from residual heat. While you can open the door to cancel cool down and remove laundry immediately, allowing the process to complete extends appliance lifespan. If this symbol appears mid-cycle rather than at the end, verify that filters are clean and airflow isn’t restricted.

What fabrics should never go in my Bosch dryer regardless of symbols?

Even with proper tumble dry symbols on care labels, certain items risk damage in any dryer. Foam-containing textiles including pillow inserts and shoulder pads should never be machine dried, as foam can deteriorate or become a fire hazard at drying temperatures.

Additionally, avoid drying delicate lace, heavily structured garments with boning or stays, leather, suede, and items with rubber or plastic components. Swimwear containing elastic and spandex degrades faster in dryers. For questionable items, air drying remains the safest choice. When in doubt, a cold or air-dry cycle provides a middle ground, tumbling without heat to reduce wrinkles while avoiding thermal damage.

How often should I clean the various filters in my Bosch dryer?

Clean the fluff filter after each drying cycle to prevent blockages—this is the single most important maintenance task for dryer efficiency and safety. The main lint filter catches visible debris and should take only 30 seconds to clean between loads.

The filter in the condensate container requires less frequent attention, typically once monthly or when the symbol flashes even after emptying the water. This filter should be cleaned regularly under running water to prevent stubborn deposits. The heat exchanger generally self-cleans, but manual inspection every 3-6 months catches any remaining lint buildup. Models with base unit filters should be checked when the display specifically indicates the need, usually every few months depending on usage frequency.

Making Bosch Dryer Symbols Work for You: Final Thoughts

Bosch dryer symbols transform from mysterious icons into useful communication tools once you understand their meanings. Each symbol serves a specific purpose—alerting you to maintenance needs, confirming operational status, or protecting your garments from damage.

Keep this guide accessible for quick reference when new symbols appear. Regular attention to filter and container symbols prevents the majority of dryer issues homeowners face. By responding promptly to display alerts and respecting garment care symbols, you’ll extend both appliance and clothing lifespan while maintaining optimal drying performance.

Your Bosch dryer is engineered for efficiency and fabric care. The symbols are your direct line to understanding what it needs and when, turning routine maintenance into a straightforward process rather than a guessing game.