Error Code: SOAKING SYMBOL Difficulty: Easy
Problem: Before the main wash cycle starts, the laundry remains in the water for longer.
How to Fix SOAKING SYMBOL Error (Step-by-Step)
- This symbol means the ‘Soaking’ or ‘StainSoak’ option has been selected.
- This feature is designed for heavily stained items and adds an extended soaking period at the beginning of the wash cycle.
- The laundry will sit in a mixture of water and detergent for a prolonged time before the main wash agitation begins, helping to loosen tough stains.
- If you see this symbol, it means the cycle time will be significantly longer than a standard wash.
- No action is needed if you intended to use this feature. The machine will automatically proceed after the soaking phase.
- If you selected this by mistake, you will need to cancel the program by pressing and holding the Start/Pause button, turn the machine off, and restart your desired cycle without the soaking option selected.
- Turn the appliance off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn it back on.
What to Check Next on This Bosch Washer
Bosch Washer Error SOAKING SYMBOL: Use the code or symbol as the starting clue, then confirm the actual symptom and cycle stage before ordering parts.
- 1. Unplug the washer before opening panels, touching wiring, or reaching near the drain pump, door lock, inlet valve, motor, or control area.
- 2. Verify the simple cause first: check the door latch, load balance, detergent level, inlet water flow, drain filter, hose position, and anything blocking the cycle stage shown by the code or symbol.
- 3. Clean accessible filters and hose screens, remove debris from the pump area when the model design allows it, then reconnect anything that was loose before running another test cycle.
- 4. Test the washer during the same fill, wash, drain, spin, lock, or control step where the warning appeared; measure voltage or resistance only if you are equipped to do that safely.
- 5. Inspect the matching part path instead of guessing: door-lock issues point toward the latch circuit, drain symptoms toward pump or hose restrictions, fill symptoms toward inlet supply, and control-response symptoms toward wiring or board checks.
- 6. Replace a part only after the symptom repeats and the model-specific checks point to that part category. Match any replacement to the complete Bosch model number on the appliance tag.
If the issue returns after these checks, match replacement parts to the complete Bosch washer model number from the appliance tag. The same code can point to different components depending on the exact model and when the failure appears.
Recommended Parts to Check
No exact official OEM part number is listed here because the correct Bosch washer part can vary by complete model number. These are targeted part-category searches, not universal fit claims.
-
Bosch washer electronic control boardCommon replacement category: Main control boardFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch washer model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Confidence: Medium
This category can be relevant for control and communication faults after wiring and connector checks. -
Bosch washer user interface control panelCommon replacement category: User interface / display boardFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch washer model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Confidence: Medium
This category can be relevant for display, button, selector, or cycle-control faults. -
Bosch washer drain pump assemblyCommon replacement category: Drain pumpFit note: Exact OEM part number varies by full Bosch washer model number. Confirm compatibility before buying.Confidence: Medium
This category can be relevant for drain, no-spin, and water-removal symptoms after filter and hose checks.
Before ordering: match the part to the complete Bosch washer model number on the appliance tag.
Still Not Working?
If the replacement part didn’t fix the issue, you may have a wiring problem or main board failure.
More options (for a better recommendation)
⚡ Don’t Risk a DIY Fail!
Get the ‘Secret Service Mode’ Cheat Sheet for your Bosch model. Includes an easy-to-read list of every error code and quick diagnostic tips.
✅ Join 15,000+ DIYers • Instant PDF Download
When It’s Better to Replace Than Repair
Sometimes replacing an appliance makes more financial sense than putting more money into repairs.
Here are a few signs it may be time to shop for a new one:
For repair parts, verify exact fit with the full washer model number before buying; these links are general replacement-appliance shopping options.
- ✓Appliance over 8-10 years old
- ✓Repair cost over 50% of replacement
- ✓Multiple recent breakdowns
- ✓Major component failure
Recommended Replacement Options
Why Upgrade via Amazon?
- Fast, Scheduled Delivery – You pick the date and time
- Expert Installation – Professional setup available for most models
- Old Appliance Haul-away – They’ll take your broken unit when they leave
- Easy Returns – Buy with confidence from a leader in customer service
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Browse More Codes
📖 View All Error Codes
Expert: Mike Sullivan
EPA Section 608 Certified Technician with 18+ years experience.
Read Editorial Standards →Browse all Bosch error codes: Bosch Error Codes


Leave a Reply