How to clean bosch dishwasher

A dishwasher filter is the first line of defense. It retains food particles that could otherwise clog the dishwasher drain.

The dishwasher performs a critical cleaning task in the kitchen. Being the cleaner makes it easy to forget to clean your bosch dishwasher until you become overwhelmed with an odor. Should I clean my dishwasher? Today, we remind you to schedule frequent cleaning sessions with your appliance. Bosch Appliances. For various reasons, the biggest of which is that cleaning is an important part of dishwasher maintenance and because you want your dishwasher to perform at its peak, it is in your best interests to prioritize cleanliness. Proper use and care will go a long way in extending the life of your Bosch dishwasher. Another key reason is that bacteria and mold will not hesitate to colonize your machine if it does not meet cleanliness standards.

Cleaning a Bosch dishwasher:

The following are the steps to follow when cleaning a bosch dishwasher:

1. Detach the dish racks
2. Clean filter
3. Clean the tub
4. Clean the spray arms
5. Examine and clean the drain line

You are undoubtedly interested in the most efficient way to clean your dishwasher, or tough stains give you a headache. Take a look at our dishwasher cleaning guide; we’ve covered you. It is advisable to arm yourself with the following items: rubber cleaning gloves, an all-purpose cleaner, baking soda, a sponge, vinegar, microfiber cloths, and stain rust remover. And here are tips for cleaning a bosch dishwasher:

• Detach the dish racks:

Carefully detach the lower and upper racks from the appliance to easily access the drain, filter, and spray arms.

• Clean the filter:

A dishwasher filter is the first line of defense. It retains food particles that could otherwise clog the dishwasher drain. The good thing is that cleaning a Bosch filter is a simple DIY. You do not need any special tools. 

The filter Bosch uses for its dishwashers is designed with three levels of filtration that enable the trapping of food particles unleashed during a cleaning cycle. This process serves two purposes; it prevents food particles from clogging the drain pipe and ensures that only clean water circulates within the dishwasher. 

The dishwasher filter system only works if it is regularly cleaned. You have a clogged filter when you notice your dishes are covered with a film, or your bowls and cups come out of your dishwasher after a cycle with food scraps settled at the bottom. Another symptom of a clogged filter is your dishwasher having standing water that is slow to drain when the process is complete. 

To clean the filter, you first detach it from the machine, twisting the cap counter-clockwise and pulling it up and out of its position. It comes with a mesh screen. Pull down on the bottom part of the filter to separate it from the other parts. 

Once you have the filter in your hands, check if there are any visible food particles or debris, and dump these in the bin. Rinse the filter and mesh screen in warm water. Use a small brush or an old toothbrush to remove any last bits of food particles or debris stuck on the filter. Avoid using hard brushes because they could damage the filter. Refit the filter back to its place in the machine by inserting the bottom part back into its place under the square flat filter. Turn it clockwise until the filter’s arrows and the bottom dishwasher align. Bosch advises that, depending on usage, you should clean your filter every 3-6 months; however, if you use your filter daily, it is advisable to stick to a monthly filter cleaning routine. Potatoes, pasta, or other starches lining the dishes will quickly clog your filter. When it comes to dirty bosch dishwasher cleaning, the recommendation is to clean the filter soon after you wash a load of starch-loaded dishes.

• Clean the tub:

Bosch has a specially formulated cleaner for its dishwashers to remove greasy residues that you can use. Add a box of cleaner to the bottom of the dishwasher. Ensure the dishwasher is empty, then run the longest, hottest cycle. 

Descaling your dishwasher: Your dishwasher will accumulate hard water deposits and build up limescale. Should you notice a hard, whitish film forming on your dishes and the sides of the dishwasher, that’s mineral-laden hard water right there. Traces of limescale are also left behind when that water evaporates. Bosch has a specially formulated descaler to deal with these. Without adding detergent to your dishwasher, start the longest, hottest cycle. After 30 minutes, add a descaler box to the bottom of the appliance and let the process go on. Run another cycle once that cycle ends. 

A vinegar bath is also effective in descaling your dishwasher. Just running your appliance with no detergent or dishes inside, just a bowl of white vinegar sitting on the top rack. 

If you have no Bosch cleaners, you can also use a mild, all-purpose cleaner. Take a damp microfiber or cleaning cloth and wipe inside the dishwasher. There are several options you can pick from when it comes to a mild cleanser:

Vinegar: You can use white vinegar to clean the inside of your Bosch dishwasher safely. Spray the vinegar in your machine, put the vinegar in a plastic cup, and set it on the top rack of your dishwasher. Then fix the dishwasher on a heavy clean cycle. 

Bleach: Bleach can also be used to clean your dishwasher. You can only use bleach if your dishwasher is plastic. If your dishwasher is stainless steel, do not use bleach. Bleach is especially good at getting rid of bad odors. 

Baking Soda: This is a well-known odor absorbent and will come in handy for cleaning your dishwasher. Sprinkle one and a half cups of baking soda inside your dishwasher and let it sit for 4-8 hours or overnight. After that, run the dishwasher on a full cycle. 

• Clean the spray arms:

Spray arms become clogged with small food particles, grease, and detergent residue. Overloading the dishwasher is the main culprit. With the spray arms blocked, you can forget about your dishes getting a good cleaning. Mold and mildew will also build up on the components, causing persistent odor.

To clean the spray arms, remove the lower racks of the dishwasher. Twist the knob on the upper arm, enabling you to lift the lower arm. Detach the arm and examine their holes.  Soak the components in warm soapy water to soften any food stuck in the arms. Use a toothpick to clear the gaps if you see clogging. Rinse the arms under warm water, dry them with a clean cloth, and then reattach them to the dishwasher. 

• Examine and clean the drain line:

Food particles will inevitably get stuck in your dishwasher’s drain line, causing a stench. Here is how to clean the drain line:

1. Use a screwdriver and pliers, and detach the drain hose from the garbage disposal or air cap. 
2. Disconnect the drain line and run it under a water tap or bathroom faucet to clear any food blockages. 
3. If you notice any stubborn obstruction, insert a straight, strong enough wire (straightened wire hanger or plumbing snake) to push out those clogs. 
4. Attach it back to the dishwasher drain when it is clean and clear.