If you've just unboxed a Washloo smart toilet seat for the first time, or you're staying somewhere that has one and you've picked up the remote with a slight sense of bafflement, you're in good company. Japanese toilet remotes look considerably more complicated than they actually are. A cluster of small symbols, some of which resemble pictograms from a foreign instruction manual, and no obvious labels in plain English. It's not immediately obvious which button does what.
The good news is that once you know what each symbol means, the remote makes perfect sense, and most people find that within a couple of days, they're using it without thinking about it. Washloo's Japanese Toilet Guide gives a good overview of what smart toilets do and why; this piece goes one level deeper and decodes exactly what's on the remote, function by function, in plain English.
Why a Remote at All?
Before getting into the symbols, it's worth explaining why Washloo uses a wireless remote rather than just a panel of buttons on the side of the seat.
A side-mounted panel means the controls are always in the same fixed position. For most people, that's fine. But for anyone with limited dexterity, one-sided weakness, or difficulty reaching to a specific side, a fixed side panel can be inaccessible. A wireless remote can be held in either hand, placed on a surface within easy reach, operated by a carer, or wall-mounted in a cradle at whatever position suits the user. It's a more accessible design choice, even if it doesn't seem that way at first.
On Washloo models with a remote, there are also backup buttons on the side of the seat unit itself - basic functions in case the remote's batteries run low at an inconvenient moment. Worth knowing about before you need them.
The Cleansing Functions
These are the core functions - the ones you'll use every time.
Rear Wash (Posterior Wash)
What the symbol looks like: typically a stylised figure seated on a toilet with a water jet directed upward from below, or a simple spray arc symbol aimed at the posterior area.
What it does: activates the wash nozzle for the posterior area (the function used after a bowel movement). The nozzle extends from within the seat body, positions itself and delivers a controlled warm water spray. You can adjust the pressure and temperature while it's running.
This is the function most people use most of the time. If you're new to a smart toilet, start with the pressure on low and the temperature at a comfortable warm setting to get used to it.
Front Wash (Feminine Wash / Lady Care)
What the symbol looks like: a similar spray arc to the rear wash symbol, but positioned further forward, sometimes with a female figure or a different directional indicator.
What it does: moves the nozzle to a forward position designed specifically for female hygiene. It's a separate mode from the rear wash (the nozzle angle and position are different) and is typically set at a gentler default pressure.
Adjustable Wash Position
What the symbol looks like: arrows indicating forward and backward movement, usually a small nozzle icon with directional arrows around it.
What it does: moves the nozzle forward or backwards within its range, allowing the user to find the exact position that works best for their anatomy. This is one of the more useful adjustments for first-time users: the default nozzle position suits most people, but a small forward or backwards adjustment makes a noticeable difference in comfort and coverage.
Aerated Bubble Wash
What the symbol looks like: a spray arc combined with small circle or bubble shapes within the stream.
What it does: mixes air into the water stream, creating a softer, more voluminous wash that feels gentler on sensitive skin. The bubbled water covers a wider area with less direct pressure than a standard stream, making it particularly comfortable for people with sensitive skin, post-surgical recovery or conditions affecting the perianal area, such as haemorrhoids or Crohn's disease.
Massage Wash (Oscillating Wash)
What the symbol looks like: a spray arc with a wave or oscillating motion indicator, sometimes shown as a curved arrow or wavy lines beneath the spray.
What it does: causes the nozzle to move gently back and forth during the wash cycle, providing a wider coverage area and a pulsing sensation rather than a fixed stream. Many people find this more comfortable and more effective than a static spray once they're used to it. It's activated separately from the standard rear wash or included automatically in the Auto/One Solution cycle.
Powerful Wash
What the symbol looks like: a spray arc with bold lines or an upward chevron suggesting increased force.
What it does: increases the water pressure to the maximum setting in a single press, rather than stepping through the levels manually. Useful for users who know they want a stronger wash and don't want to make incremental adjustments. Not typically needed for daily use, but available when wanted.
Enema Wash
What the symbol looks like: a more concentrated spray icon, sometimes with a pulsing or focused beam indicator.
What it does: delivers a short, focused stream of water at higher pressure designed to assist with bowel movement. This function is particularly relevant for people with constipation, conditions affecting bowel motility, or those recovering from surgery. It's a clinical function that not everyone will use, but for those who need it, it can make a significant practical difference.
The Comfort Functions
These adjust how the seat and wash experience feels, rather than what the wash itself does.
Adjustable Water Temperature
What the symbol looks like: a thermometer icon, or a sun/snowflake symbol, usually with numbered levels (1 to 4) or a temperature display.
What it does: changes the water temperature used in the wash. On Washloo models with instant heating, the water reaches the set temperature quickly (there's no waiting for a tank to heat up). Four settings typically range from cool (around 33°C) to warm (around 39°C), with settings remembered between uses.
Warm Air Dryer
What the symbol looks like: wavy lines suggesting warm air, sometimes combined with a fan or dryer symbol. On some remotes, a figure is seated with air flow arrows around the lower body.
What it does: activates the built-in warm air dryer. After the wash cycle is complete, the dryer blows warm air to dry the area - similar in concept to a hand dryer, gentler in practice. Temperature is adjustable across four settings. The drying cycle takes anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes, depending on the setting, and can be stopped at any point by pressing the stop button.
Heated Seat
What the symbol looks like: a seat outline with wavy heat lines above it, or a thermometer combined with a seat icon.
What it does: controls the seat heating. The seat warms to a user-set temperature (four levels available) and maintains it while in use. In standby, it lowers its temperature to save energy and returns to the set level when someone sits down. First thing on a cold morning, this is the function most people become fond of immediately.
Soft Close
This isn't typically a remote button; it's a built-in mechanical feature of the seat and lid on Washloo models. The lid closes slowly and silently under its own controlled descent, rather than snapping shut. No symbol needed; it just happens.
Instant Heating
What the symbol looks like: a lightning bolt symbol, or a flash icon near the water temperature display.
What it does: indicates that the unit uses an instant-heating element rather than a stored-reservoir tank. This means the water reaches temperature quickly, there's no waiting period, and there's no risk of the reservoir running cold mid-use. Worth knowing about because it's one of the things that makes Washloo seats more comfortable for daily use than older-generation systems.
The Intelligent Technology Features
Wireless Remote Control
What the symbol looks like: a handheld device icon with signal lines indicating wireless connection.
What it does: indicates that the seat is operated via the included wireless remote rather than a fixed panel only. The remote uses an infrared signal (like a TV remote) and has a range sufficient to operate from any comfortable position on the seat. It comes with a magnetic cradle for wall mounting and runs on 2xAAA batteries.
Seat Sensor
What the symbol looks like: a seated figure icon, or a pressure indicator symbol.
What it does: detects when someone is seated. The wash and dry functions are locked when the seat is empty and unlocked when the seat is occupied. This prevents accidental activation - an important safety feature, particularly in households with young children who might pick up the remote out of curiosity.
Auto Power Saving
What the symbol looks like: a leaf icon, or a plug with a sleep or standby indicator.
What it does: activates the energy-saving mode. After a set period of inactivity, the seat temperature drops to a lower standby level, the electronics enter a low-power state, and the unit consumes minimal electricity until it's needed again. When someone sits down, it returns to the preferred settings quickly.
One Solution / Auto Function
What the symbol looks like: often a single circle or auto icon, sometimes marked "Auto" or "1" on the remote.
What it does: this is the one-touch button that runs the entire sequence automatically (rear wash, oscillating wash, warm-air dry and stop) without the user needing to press anything else. Particularly useful for people with limited dexterity, cognitive conditions, or simply those who prefer a seamless, single-press experience. It's also the function most recommended for first-time users as an introduction to how the toilet works in practice.
LED Display
What the symbol looks like: a small screen icon on the remote, or a display indicator.
What it does: refers to the digital screen on the seat unit itself (on models that have one), which shows the current temperature settings for water, seat heat and air dryer. Means you can see exactly what's set without having to guess or experiment.
The Safety and Energy Saving Features
Night Light
What the symbol looks like: a crescent moon icon, or a moon combined with a soft glow symbol.
What it does: activates a soft LED light within the toilet bowl, providing gentle illumination in the dark. Designed for nighttime use so the main bathroom light doesn't need to be turned on - important for anyone navigating to the bathroom at night, particularly those managing nocturia or living with someone whose sleep they don't want to disturb.
Over-Temperature Protection
What the symbol looks like: a thermometer with a warning triangle or exclamation mark.
What it does: indicates a built-in safety feature that automatically shuts off the heating elements if the temperature exceeds a safe threshold. This is a background safety function; it operates without any user input and is there to prevent overheating in the event of a malfunction. You won't see it activate under normal use.
Leakage Protection
What the symbol looks like: a water droplet with a warning indicator, or a shield symbol.
What it does: another background safety feature. The unit monitors for water leakage and will shut off the water supply if an unexpected flow is detected. Again, not something you'll encounter in normal use; it's a fail-safe that operates invisibly.
The Child Function
Child Wash
What the symbol looks like: a small figure or a child icon, sometimes combined with a spray arc.
What it does: sets the water pressure to minimum and the temperature to a safe, medium level, then cycles through a gentler, shorter wash sequence. Designed for use by children, either activated by the child directly or by a parent setting it up before the child uses the toilet. It means the smart toilet can work safely for the whole family without needing to manually readjust settings each time.
The Stop Button
Every remote has one. It does exactly what it says: stops the currently running function immediately. It's the button to press if the pressure or temperature isn't right, if you're done before the cycle finishes, or if a child has accidentally activated something. On most Washloo remotes, it's clearly marked with a square or stop symbol and is deliberately easy to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I press the wrong button? Press stop. Every function can be stopped immediately at any point. Nothing on the remote causes any harm if pressed accidentally — the worst that happens is an unexpected spray of water at an unexpected moment, which is more surprising than problematic.
Do I need to use all these functions? Not at all. Many people use the rear wash, the One Solution function, and the heated seat and never touch anything else. The full feature set is there for those who want it; the core experience is perfectly usable with just a handful of buttons.
What if the remote batteries run out? Backup buttons for basic functions — rear wash, front wash and stop — are located on the side of the seat unit itself, accessible without the remote. The remote takes 2xAAA batteries, which are included.
Can the remote be wall mounted? Yes. It comes with a magnetic cradle that can be wall mounted at whatever height and position suits the user. This is particularly useful for accessibility — the remote can be positioned where it's easiest to reach from the seated position.
Does the remote work if someone else is in the bathroom? The seat sensor prevents the wash functions from activating unless someone is seated. Even if the remote is picked up and a button pressed while the seat is empty, the wash won't activate.
Are the settings remembered between uses? Yes. The Washloo remembers the last-used settings for water temperature, seat temperature, dryer temperature, and nozzle position. You don't need to adjust anything each time unless you want to change the settings.