How To Clean A Bosch Dishwasher

Even though a Bosch dishwasher is used to clean dishes and other kitchenware, that doesn’t mean it always stays clean. Over time, your Bosch dishwasher can accumulate food particles, grease, detergent residue, and mineral deposits that are leftover from previous wash cycles. Neglecting to clean your dishwasher can lead to spots and film on your glassware, dinnerware, and flatware. Plus, it affects the dishwasher’s performance and may cause a foul smell. Not cleaning it can even harm the pump and filter. To keep your Bosch dishwasher clean, you should perform a deep cleaning a few times a year with a vinegar and baking soda solution or Bosch dishwasher cleaner.

Use Bosch dishwasher cleaner a few times a year to remove greasy residues. Add one box of cleaner to the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run the hottest, longest cycle.
Deep-clean your Bosch dishwasher with distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Add it to the washer and start a hot cleaning cycle.
To remove hard water deposits and limescale buildup, use the Bosch descaler. Start the longest, hottest wash cycle with an empty dishwasher. After 30 minutes, add one box of descaler to the bottom of your dishwasher and let the wash cycle continue. Once that cycle has finished, run another wash cycle.
You can also buy dishwasher cleaning products to keep your Bosch dishwasher clean.

Don’t forget to clean the removable filter every 3-6 months if your dishwasher has one. With a little care, your Bosch dishwasher will keep shining and working flawlessly for years.

How To Effectively Clean & Maintain Your Bosch Dishwasher

It’s important to clean your dishwasher regularly because food particles, grease, residue, mineral deposits, and other debris can affect the dishwasher’s performance. If you don’t clean your dishwasher, spots and film will eventually appear on your glassware. Food particles that don’t drain may also end up on your dishes, and if the spray arm gets clogged, water won’t wash your dishes properly.

1. Hand-Clean the Door and Interior

Start by cleaning residue, grease, food particles, and debris from the door and interior with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge. Use warm water instead of a cleaning product that could damage the display or finish.

Use a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, to scrub hard-t0-reach places, but be careful when working around the button controls and display.

Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge with warm water to clean residue and debris from the dishwasher door and interior.
Reach difficult spots with an old toothbrush, but be gentle to avoid any damage.

2. Clean the Bottom of the Dishwasher

Next, clean the dishwasher tub located at the bottom of the washer with a sponge or soft cloth. To clean the tub, you’ll have to first remove the bottom dishwasher rack. Make sure to clean all the food particles, grease, and residue in the tub.

Remove the bottom dish rack from the dishwasher.
Clean food particles and whatever particles you find in the trap.
Scrub away grease and detergent deposits from the bottom of the dishwasher tub with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Some white vinegar and soap can be used if necessary. I also like to use a little dish soap if the grime is stubborn and won’t come off.
If there’s a spot that’s really hard to clean or difficult to reach, use an old toothbrush. They’re great for cleaning hard-to-reach places.

3. Clean The Dishwasher with Vinegar and Baking Soda

In this step, you’ll be cleaning the entire inside of the dishwasher with a vinegar and baking soda solution or a dishwasher cleaner. I prefer using vinegar and baking soda because it’s very effective and 100% natural.

After hand-cleaning the inside of the dishwasher and the door, put the dish rack back in place.

Reassemble the dishwasher by placing the dish rack back in place.
Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl.
Place the bowl on the top rack of the dishwasher. Don’t pour vinegar directly into the dishwasher because it will drain out when the dishwasher drains at the start of the cycle.
Run a long cycle with the dishwasher completely empty, other than your vinegar bowl.

For an even deeper clean, pour a cup of baking soda into the dishwasher after the cycle and run another short cycle. This is very effective at removing odors from the dishwasher. I usually do it because the vinegar cleaning can sometimes leave behind a subtle smell.

4. Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms of a dishwasher spin and distributes water around the inside of the machine, which cleans the items being washed. They can become clogged with small pieces of food, grease, or debris, which can lead to poor washing results if they’re not maintained properly.

Depending on the model of your Bosch dishwasher, you may be able to remove the spray arms by unclipping or unscrewing them from the dishwasher. This makes cleaning them much easier to do.

If you can’t remove the spray arms, you’ll have to clean them from within the dishwasher. A soft bristle brush or a toothbrush can help.

The main area where spray arms become dirty is inside the small holes that shoot water. If the holes become clogged with debris, they won’t be able to shoot water properly, which affects how the dishwasher cleans.

Don’t use a toothpick or any other object that can break to clean the spray arms. They could break off and get lodged in the arm, which could make things worse.

If possible, remove the spray arms and clean them in a sink or bucket with hot water, soap, and vinegar.
Use a brush or metal pick to clear any buildup from the spray arm holes.

5. Clean the Filter

Some Bosch dishwasher models come with a removable filter that should be cleaned every 3-6 months, depending on how often you wash your dishes. The filter can be found at the bottom of your dishwasher. Depending on your model dishwasher, you may have to remove the bottom dish rack to get to it.

To clean it, simply pull it out and remove debris by running it under water with soap and a soft brush. You’ll know the filter needs cleaning if your dishes are coming out dirty or water is backing up into the tub.

Don’t use anything abrasive on the filter, such as a scouring pad or a wire brush, because they can potentially cause damage.

To clean the filter, remove the bottom dish rack.
Twist and pull the filter cap to remove the filter, wash it with warm, soapy water, and gently brush away stubborn debris.
Place the filter back into the dishwasher.
Put the rack back in place.
Clean the filter every 3-6 months, depending on usage.

How To Descale A Bosch Dishwasher

Every so often, it’s a good idea to descale your dishwasher in addition to regular cleanings. Scaling is the buildup of calcium and other minerals that are left behind when the water evaporates. The harder your water, the worse scaling will be.

To descale your Bosch dishwasher and remove hard water deposits and limescale, use the Bosch descaler or a vinegar solution as necessary. The harder your water, the more often you should descale the dishwasher.

Here’s how to do it with vinegar:

Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar and place it on the bottom of the empty dishwasher. Run a long wash cycle as hot as you can. The vinegar will break down bits of food, grease, soap scum, residue, grime, and mineral deposits built up inside your dishwasher.

Here’s how to do it with a descaler:

Run a long, hot wash cycle with an empty dishwasher. After 30 minutes, add one box of descaler to the bottom of your dishwasher and let the wash cycle finish. Once the cycle finishes, run another wash cycle with just hot water.

Tips For Ongoing Bosch Dishwasher Maintenance

Here are some tips to keep your Bosch dishwasher clean and well-maintained on an ongoing basis. As a general rule, you should clean the dishwasher every 4-6 months, the filter every 3-6 months, and use a descaler as necessary, depending on the condition of your water.

Every 4-6 months, use vinegar, baking soda, or a dishwasher cleaning product to keep the dishwasher fresh and efficient.
Clean the filter every 3-6 months to prevent dirty dishes and water backup.
Check the spray arms for cleanliness and clogs every 3-6 months.
After each cycle, remove food scraps and debris.
Wipe the dishwasher down weekly.
Use high-quality detergent and avoid pre-cleaning dishes too thoroughly, as it hinders the detergent’s effectiveness.
For hard water deposits and limescale buildup, use vinegar or lemon juice. Bosch dishwasher descaler can also be used but avoid bleach on stainless steel components.

How to Clean Your Bosch Dishwasher Filter

A dishwasher filter prevents clogs by trapping food particles. However, as time passes, these particles can cause a bad smell as they decompose. When your dishwasher filter becomes dirty, particles can back up and get stuck on your dishes. This can cause your washed dishes to have a gritty texture from built-up food residue.

It’s important to clean your filter at least once every 3-6 months. However, you may have to do it more often, depending on how often you use the dishwasher and what you wash.

Here’s how to clean your Bosch dishwasher filter and get rid of the odor:

Remove Lower Rack and Spray Arm: Take out the dishwasher’s lower rack and the spray arm.
Take Out the Filter: Twist and pull up the filter cap to remove the filter and mesh screen.
Rinse the Filter and Screen: Rinse the filter and mesh screen thoroughly with warm water.
Reinstall the Filter: Put the filter back into its place in the dishwasher. Twist the filter cap in the opposite direction to lock it in place securely.
Put Everything Back: Replace the spray arm and lower rack in their original positions.

After following this simple process, your Bosch dishwasher filter should be clean, and the bad odor caused by food particles should be gone. However, you need to keep it that way by cleaning the filter every 3-6 months, depending on usage.

How To Clean Your Bosch Dishwasher Tub

The dishwasher tub’s warm and moist environment can foster smelly bacteria from leftover food particles. These particles can not only start to smell, but they can also create deposits on your clean dishes and glassware. After a wash, if your dishes have a gritty texture, it’s most likely caused by a dirty tub or filter.

Follow these easy steps to clean your Bosch dishwasher tub at least once every 6 months:

White Vinegar: Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the dishwasher’s base while it’s empty. Run a heavy clean cycle to allow the vinegar to work its magic.
Baking Soda: After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the dishwasher’s base. Let it sit overnight to absorb any remaining odors.
Regular Clean Cycle: In the morning, run a regular empty, clean cycle to wash away the baking soda.
Caution with Bleach: If mildew persists, you can use bleach as a last resort. Pour 1 cup of bleach into the empty dishwasher’s base. Run a third clean cycle. Note: Skip this step if your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior, as bleach can discolor stainless steel.

By following these simple steps, your Bosch dishwasher tub will be thoroughly cleaned, and any lingering odor will be gone. However, the tub will get dirty again, and the smell will come back if you don’t keep it clean. I recommend cleaning your dishwasher tub at least once every 6 months, depending on usage.

How to Clean Your Bosch Dishwasher Spray Arms

A Bosch dishwasher’s spray arms are extremely important because they’re what shoots water onto your dishes to get them clean. The spray arms have tiny nozzle jets that spray water onto the dishes as the arm spins. Dishwasher spray arms often get clogged with food particles, which causes dirty dishes, a foul odor and interferes with the jets.

Regularly cleaning your Bosch dishwasher spray arms is important so they can effectively clean your dishes.

Here’s how to clean them and prevent persistent odor:

Remove Lower Racks: Take out the dishwasher’s lower racks to access the spray arms.
Remove Upper Spray Arm: Lift the lower spray arm and twist the knob on the upper arm to remove it.
Clear the Holes: Use a toothpick to unclog the small holes in each spray arm, removing food particles and debris.
Rinse Under Warm Water: Thoroughly rinse each spray arm under warm water to ensure they are clean.
Dry with a Clean Cloth: Use a clean cloth to dry the spray arms.
Reattach Spray Arms: Put the upper spray arm back in place and secure it with the knob. Reattach the lower racks to complete the process.

How to Inspect and Clean a Clogged Bosch Dishwasher Drain Line

If persistent smells linger even after cleaning, a clogged drain line might be the culprit. It’s very important to keep the drain line clean in your Bosch dishwasher because when the drain becomes clogged, the unit won’t drain properly. Water could back up into the tray after a wash and start to smell or grow mold.

Here’s how to inspect and clear it:

Disconnect the Drain Hose: Use a screwdriver and pliers to disconnect the drain hose from the garbage disposal or air cap.
Check for Blockages: Run a dishwasher clean cycle with the hose held over a bucket or sink. If the hose doesn’t drain, a clog is causing the blockage.
Clear the Clog: Use a straightened hanger or plumbing snake to carefully remove the clog.
Complex Repairs: If the hose drains, the clog might be behind the dishwasher, requiring professional service for a more complex repair.

How to Prevent Bosch Dishwasher Odors

To prevent recurring odors in your Bosch dishwasher, incorporate these proactive maintenance tips into your routine:

Monthly Filter Cleaning: Clean the dishwasher filter every month to keep it free from debris and odors.
Monthly Tub Cleanings: Perform monthly tub cleanings to maintain a fresh dishwasher environment. After each use, wipe down the tub with a clean cloth to remove any residue.
Choose the Right Detergent: Avoid using excessive detergent, as it can lead to smelly bacteria. Follow the instructions on your detergent package and use the least amount needed.

By following these simple tips, you can proactively keep your Bosch dishwasher smelling fresh and ensure your dishes come out clean and odor-free every time. A little maintenance goes a long way in preventing unpleasant dishwasher odors.

How do I Sanitize my Bosch Dishwasher?

It’s important to clean and sanitize the inside of your Bosch dishwasher to prevent mold and mildew growth. If you don’t keep it clean, that mold and mildew can work their way onto your clean dishes and potentially make you sick. It can also make the dishwasher start to smell, which can transfer onto your dishes.

To sanitize your Bosch dishwasher, follow these simple steps:

White Vinegar: Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the dishwasher’s base when it’s empty. Run a heavy clean cycle to sanitize the dishwasher.
Baking Soda: After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the dishwasher’s base. Allow it to sit overnight to eliminate any remaining germs and odors.
Regular Clean Cycle: In the morning, run a regular empty, clean cycle to wash away the baking soda.

By using white vinegar and baking soda, you can effectively sanitize your Bosch dishwasher and keep it clean and fresh. These household ingredients are natural and safe, providing you with a hygienic and odor-free dishwasher for your sparkling dishes. Remember to do this cleaning regularly for the best results.

How often do you need to clean the filter on a Bosch dishwasher?

To keep your Bosch dishwasher running smoothly, you should clean the filter every 3-6 months, depending on how often you use it. A clogged filter can affect the dishwasher’s performance and lead to dirty dishes and bad odors.

Along with the filter, check and clean the spray arms to ensure proper water flow. You can purchase Bosch dishwasher cleaner and descaler separately for thorough cleaning. You can also use vinegar and baking soda to keep the dishwasher clean and sanitized.

For the exterior, simply use a damp cloth to wipe the door seals to maintain its appearance. Regular maintenance and cleaning will help your Bosch dishwasher work efficiently and keep your dishes spotless.

How Do You Use Bosch Dishwasher Self Clean?

Using the Bosch self-clean feature is easy:

Empty the Dishwasher: Make sure the dishwasher is empty of any dishes or utensils.
Add Dishwasher Cleaner: Get a dishwasher cleaner recommended for Bosch dishwashers.
Place the Cleaner: Put the dishwasher cleaner in the detergent dispenser or follow the product instructions.
Run the Self-Clean Cycle: Select the self-clean cycle on the dishwasher’s control panel. Start the cycle, and the dishwasher will automatically clean itself.
Follow the Instructions: Follow any additional instructions on the cleaner product or the dishwasher manual.
Wipe Down the Interior: Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior with a clean cloth if needed.

Using the Bosch self-clean feature helps maintain a clean and odor-free dishwasher, ensuring it functions at its best. Repeat the self-clean cycle periodically, as recommended, to keep your dishwasher in excellent condition and your dishes spotless.

Summary: How To Clean A Bosch Dishwasher

Use Bosch dishwasher cleaner a few times a year to remove greasy residues. Add one box of cleaner to the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run the hottest, longest cycle.
Deep-clean your Bosch dishwasher with distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Add it to the washer and start a hot cleaning cycle.
To remove hard water deposits and limescale buildup, use the Bosch descaler. Start the longest, hottest wash cycle with an empty dishwasher. After 30 minutes, add one box of descaler to the bottom of your dishwasher and let the wash cycle continue. Once that cycle has finished, run another wash cycle.
You can also buy dishwasher cleaning products to keep your Bosch dishwasher clean.

Don’t forget to clean the removable filter every 3-6 months if your dishwasher has one. With a little care, your Bosch dishwasher will keep shining and working flawlessly for years.

If you have any questions or comments about how to clean a Bosch dishwasher, email any time.