How to Clean a Bosch Dishwasher

Logically, you might think your Bosch dishwasher is constantly cleaning itself and does not need any additional cleaning. However, over time, bits of food, grease, undissolved detergent, and water minerals still build up inside the dishwasher. If the dishwasher is not cleaned, you are likely to notice spots and film on your glassware, dinnerware, and flatware. In short, without occasionally giving your dishwasher a deep clean, the dishwasher is unable to do its job properly. The dishwasher may also become smelly, and the buildup of grime and food can also damage the dishwasher’s pump and filter.

The good news is that it is relatively easy to give your Bosch dishwasher a deep clean that will ensure it keeps working at optimal performance. To clean the dishwasher, all you need is some distilled white vinegar and some baking soda. Dishwasher cleaning products can also be purchased. If your Bosch dishwasher features an easily removable filter, it should also be cleaned regularly.

How to Clean Your Bosch Dishwasher

1. Clean the door and interior by hand

Before running a wash with vinegar, first use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to clean residue and debris from the dishwasher door and interior. It is best to use warm water to clean, as a cleaning product may damage any touch screens or special finishes. Brushes can be used, like an old toothbrush, to reach hard-to-reach places and remove stubborn stains. Just be careful that the brush does not cause any damage.

2. Clean the bottom of the dishwasher

Next, to give the dishwasher a thorough clean, clean the dishwasher tub with a sponge or cloth. Remove food scraps, and if possible, remove and clean the dishwasher’s filter (see filter cleaning instructions below).

1. Remove the bottom dish rack from the dishwasher.
2. Remove food scraps or foreign items.
3. Clean grease and detergent deposits from the bottom of the dishwasher with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Some white vinegar and soap can be used if necessary.
4. If the dishwasher has a removable filter, remove and clean the filter.

3. Clean with vinegar and baking soda

After hand-cleaning the dishwasher, reassemble it, putting the dish rack and filter back.

1. Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl.
2. Place the bowl on the top rack in the dishwasher. Do not pour the vinegar directly into the dishwasher, as it will drain out when the dishwasher drains at the start of the cycle.
3. Run a normal cycle without any dishes or detergent in the dishwasher.
4. For a more thorough clean, particularly to get rid of a bad odor, sprinkle a cup of baking soda into the dishwasher after the cycle and run another short cycle.

Your Bosch dishwasher should now be clean and ready to use. For an even more thorough clean, the spray arms can also be cleaned.

Clean the Spray Arms

Depending on the model of the dishwasher, you may be able to remove the spray arms by unclipping or unscrewing them from the dishwasher. If you cannot remove the spray arms, do your best to clean them from within the dishwasher.

The main area where spray arms become dirty and clogged is inside the small holes that shoot water from the spray arms. Avoid using toothpicks or objects that may break when cleaning the spray holes.

1. Fill a sink or bucket with hot water; then add soap and one cup of white vinegar.
2. Wash the spray arms in the water.
3. Use a brush or metal pick to remove buildup in the spray arm holes.

Clean the Filter

Many Bosch dishwashers come with a removable filter that Bosch recommends be cleaned every 3-6 months. The filter likely needs cleaning if dishes are coming out dirty or water is backing up in the tub. The filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Depending on the model, the bottom dish rack and spray arm will likely need to be removed. When cleaning the filter, avoid using wire brushes or scouring pads, as they can damage the filters.

1. Remove the bottom dish rack and, if necessary, the spray arm.
2. Twist and pull the filter cap to remove the filter from the dishwasher.
3. Wash the filter with warm, soapy water. If necessary, use a soft brush to remove stubborn debris.
4. Return the filter to the dishwasher, turning the cap to make sure it is secured in place.
5. Put the spray arm and dish rack back.

How to Keep the Dishwasher Clean

• Use vinegar and baking soda or a dishwasher cleaning product every 4-6 months.
• Clean the filter every 3-6 months.
• Check that the spray arms are clean and not clogged every 3-6 months.
• Remove food scraps and debris after every cycle.
• Wipe the dishwasher down weekly.
• Use a high-quality detergent.
• Give dishes a quick rinse before putting them into the dishwasher. Do not clean the dishes too well before putting them into the dishwasher, as this reduces the detergent’s ability to clean effectively.
• Vinegar or lemon juice can be used to remove hard water deposits and limescale buildup. Bosch makes a dishwasher descaler product that can also be used.
• Do not use bleach to clean a dishwasher that has stainless steel components.