Samsung, LG, Bosch Washer Basket Symbol Flashing: Drum Clean Reminder, Models & Fix

User question

Hi my washing machine does not do a wash a symbol appears flashing its a basket symbol with 2 lines

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

• The flashing “basket” icon with two horizontal lines is not a universal fault code. On most machines it means one of these (brand‑dependent):
  • Drum/Tub Clean reminder (maintenance cycle required).
  • Rinse Hold (water kept in the tub; cycle will not continue until you drain).
  • Excess foam (SUDS) detected; the washer pauses/adds rinses.
  • Less commonly: Child Lock active (prevents starting), or model‑specific calibration prompt.
• Next steps (quickest first): try to clear Child Lock, check for Rinse Hold/water in drum, then run the Drum Clean program. Details below.

Detailed problem analysis

• Symbol ambiguity: Appliance UIs are not standardized across brands. A “washtub/basket with lines” generally depicts water level. Two lines often indicate “water held in the tub” (Rinse Hold) or a maintenance/clean‑tub reminder. Some brands also flash a tub icon during a SUDS event (excess foam), and a few Samsung models use similar graphics for Eco Drum Clean/Calibration reminders. Because your washer “does not do a wash,” the most probable blockers are: 1) Child Lock enabled (buttons disabled, cycle won’t start). 2) Rinse Hold selected from a previous run (washer waits with water in drum). 3) Drum Clean reminder that some models require you to run before normal cycles. 4) SUDS detected at start (less likely if cycle never begins to fill/turn).

• How to distinguish quickly:

  • Child Lock: Buttons beep but settings won’t change; you may see a lock/“CL” elsewhere. No water in drum.
  • Rinse Hold: There is water sitting in the drum and the icon flashes; pressing Start often immediately drains and spins.
  • Drum Clean reminder: The machine powers and accepts inputs, but many programs won’t start until a Tub/Drum Clean is completed; the icon keeps flashing with an empty drum.
  • SUDS: Typically appears after the wash actually starts; machine pauses, then rinses repeatedly. Not consistent with “does not do a wash.”

Current information and trends

• Manufacturers increasingly add mandatory maintenance prompts (Tub Clean) and child‑lock interlocks on touch panels. Iconography varies by region and model year; without brand/model we must test likely causes rather than assume one fixed meaning.

Supporting explanations and details

• Drum/Tub Clean: Removes biofilm/detergent residue. Some models gate normal cycles until this runs.
• Rinse Hold: Designed to prevent creasing—machine stops with clean laundry soaking; user must drain/spin to finish.
• Child Lock: Disables most keys to prevent accidental starts; common long‑press unlock on two option keys.
• SUDS: HE washers monitor motor torque/foam; if excessive, they extend rinses and may flash a tub icon.

Ethical and legal aspects

• Safety: Before opening the pump filter or reaching inside, unplug the machine and be aware of hot water/spillage. Respect warranty seals; if under warranty, avoid invasive repairs.

Practical guidelines

Try these steps in order (stop when the washer will start a normal cycle): 1) Check/clear Child Lock

• Look for a lock/“CL” on the display. To unlock, press and hold the two buttons marked with a small padlock/child icon for ~3–5 s.
• Common combos if not labeled:
  • Samsung: press/hold Temp + Rinse or Temp + Spin (3–5 s).
  • LG: press/hold Temp + Spin (3–5 s).
  • Bosch/Siemens: press/hold RPM + Finished in 3 sec (or refer to the child‑lock symbol over two buttons).
  • Whirlpool/Maytag: press/hold Control Lock button (3–5 s).
• If unlocked, retry a Quick Wash.

2) Clear Rinse Hold (if water is in the drum)

• Press Start/Pause once to continue to Drain/Spin, or select Drain & Spin.
• Re-run your wash ensuring the Rinse Hold option is off.

3) Run the Drum/Tub Clean cycle (if prompted)

• Empty drum. Select Drum Clean/Eco Drum Clean/Tub Clean (or hottest cottons 90–95 °C if no dedicated program).
• Optional: use a washing‑machine cleaner or 1 cup white vinegar (no laundry).
• After completion, the reminder icon should stop flashing; start a normal cycle.

4) If it still won’t start

• Power cycle: Turn off, unplug 5 minutes, plug in, retry.
• Check the door fully latches (you should hear the lock click).
• Inspect and clean the pump filter (front lower access), then run Drain & Spin.
• Reduce detergent dose and ensure HE detergent if you previously saw lots of foam.

5) Provide details for precise guidance

• Brand and exact model (label inside door/rear).
• Whether there is water in the drum.
• Any other icons/text (e.g., CL, SUD, key/lock).
• A photo of the flashing symbol.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• Button combinations vary even within a brand family; if your panel has a small padlock icon above two keys, use those keys regardless of the list above.
• Some models will not clear the Drum Clean reminder until the full program completes without interruption.

Suggestions for further research

• Locate the user manual for your specific model (search “ user manual”) and check the “Display and icons” or “Options” section for that exact symbol.
• If the issue persists after the steps above, run the model’s built‑in diagnostics (often a specific key sequence in the manual) to read stored fault codes.

Brief summary

• A flashing basket with two lines usually means Rinse Hold, Drum Clean reminder, or SUDS; less often a Child Lock prevents starting. Try unlocking Child Lock, drain/turn off Rinse Hold if water is present, and run the Drum/Tub Clean cycle. If none of these clear it, share your brand/model or a photo of the icon and we’ll give model‑specific steps.

Disclaimer: The responses provided by artificial intelligence (language model) may be inaccurate and misleading. Elektroda is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the presented information. All responses should be verified by the user.