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Cleaning your Bosch dishwasher regularly can help keep it in good working order and ensure its longevity. With continued use, dishwashers can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. They can also develop stains due to food particles and undissolved detergent. But what is the best way to clean a Bosch dishwasher specifically? We've researched the answer for you and have outlined the steps below.

Here are the steps to clean your Bosch dishwasher:

  1. Remove the dish racks
  2. Rinse out the filter
  3. Clean the dishwasher tub
  4. Clean the spray arms
  5. Inspect the drain line

You'll be surprised how far proper use and regular maintenance can go when it comes to extending the life of your Bosch dishwasher. If you are looking for the most efficient way to clean your dishwasher or are experiencing difficulties with removing tough stains, continue reading to learn the best techniques and products to use to clean your dishwasher.

Kitchen with open dishwasher under the countertop, How To Clean Bosch Dishwasher [5 Steps]

How To Clean A Bosch Dishwasher

Before you get started, there are a few things you'll need:

  • Rubber cleaning gloves
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Baking soda
  • A sponge
  • Vinegar
  • 2 microfiber cloths or soft rags
  • Stain rust remover

Woman arranging plates into a dishwasher tray

1. Remove The Dish Racks

After you don your rubber gloves, remove the upper and lower racks from the dishwasher. This will make it easier to access the drain, filter, and spray arms.

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2. Rinse out the filter

Bosch dishwasher filters are relatively easy to remove and clean. To remove the filter, twist the cap counter-clockwise and pull it up and out of its position. Next, dump any food particles or debris into the trash can. Then, run the filter under warm water and make sure that the mesh material is free of blockages.

You can also use a toothbrush on the filter to help scrape off any hardened food particles. Place the filter back in the dishwasher and be sure that it snaps in place.

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3. Clean the dishwasher tub

After you clean the filter, use a damp cleaning rag or microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of the dishwasher. Use a plastic scraper to clean any hardened food particles that may be stuck to the walls. You can use a cleaner specially formulated for dishwashers or a mild all-purpose cleaner. If you prefer to use a natural cleaner on the dishwasher here are a few options:

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Vinegar

White vinegar is one of the safest products that you can use to clean the interior of your Bosch dishwasher. To use it, you can add the white vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it on the inside of the dishwasher. After, set the dishwasher on a heavy clean cycle. If you don't have a spray bottle, you can also pour the vinegar into a plastic cup and set it on the top rack of the dishwasher and run the cycle.

Bleach (for plastic parts only)

Bleach can also be used to get rid of bad odors. To use it, place 1/2 cup of bleach in the dishwasher instead of vinegar to get rid of bad odors, mold, and mildew. Only do this if your Bosch dishwasher model has plastic components (as opposed to stainless steel).

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Baking soda

Baking soda is a well-known odor absorber and can be another option to use when cleaning your dishwasher. The baking soda can be applied as a paste by adding two tablespoons with 1/4 cup of water and a planet with a damp cloth. You can also simply sprinkle one and a half cups of baking soda inside your dishwasher and let it sit for 4-8 hours or overnight. Afterward, run the dishwasher on a full cycle to remove it. You should notice a significant improvement in its smell.

4. Clean the spray arms

Sometimes the spray arms can become clogged from small food particles, grease, or detergent residue. Overloading the dishwasher can be one of the main reasons that they may become clogged. If the spray arms clogged, the dishwasher will not clean the dishes properly.

To clean the spray arms, start by twisting the knob on the top arm to lift the lower arm. Remove the arm and inspect their holes. If they are clogged, use a toothpick to remove the debris from them. You can also soak the arms and warm soapy water to clear out the holes. After cleaning the arms, place them back in the dishwasher and reattach them.

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5. Inspect the drain line

Sometimes food particles may become stuck in the dishwasher's drain line, causing it to give off bad odors. To clear the drain line, you need a pair of pliers (or a screwdriver). Start by disconnecting the drain, using the pliers to get a firm grip on it. Next, take the hose to the bathroom and run it under the bathtub faucet to clear it.

If you have a wire hanger, you can straighten it and insert it into the hose to clear any stubborn clogs (you can also purchase a plumbing snake for this task). If you don't want the debris from the clog going into your tub drain, place a bucket on the side of the tub and place the other end of the hose in it for drainage. After cleaning the hose, attach it back to the drain.

Quick Tips

Amount Of Dishwasher Liquid

Always use the recommended amount when adding dishwasher liquid or powder detergent to your dishwasher (this can be found on the back of the bottle or box). Adding too much detergent to your dishwasher will cause it to create excessive suds which can cause clog the drain line, basket, and valve.

Dishwasher Salt

Hard water or water that contains a lot of minerals can leave mineral stains on the interior surface of a dishwasher. You can combat this by adding dishwasher salt to the dispenser either bi-weekly or monthly, depending on how often you use your dishwasher. The salt will break down the minerals in the water and prevent them from adhering to the surface of the dishwasher (many of them also have powerful degreasing agents).

Clean The Dishwasher

Clean the dishwasher at least once a month if you use it at least three times a week. Regular cleaning can prevent bacteria from developing inside the dishwasher from food particles and spilled liquids–which are the most common reasons for foul-smelling dishwashers. It can also prevent grime and mold from forming.

Clean Food Particles

Always clean food particles off dishware thoroughly before putting them in the dishwasher. This is probably one of the most important practices to prevent bad odors, clogged components, and surface stains. For the best results, use a spoon to clean the food particles off your dishware (particularly plates, bowls, and Tupperware) before tossing them in the dishwasher.

Crockpot Placement

Place crockpots upside down in the dishwasher so that they don't flip off the rack during the cycle. Also, always place dinner plates in the same direction so that the water from the spray arms can reach all of them. If not, you may end up with a row of plates that are only clean on one side.

How to clean Bosch dishwasher filter?

Bosch dishwasher with doors open and containing washed dishes

Bosch dishwasher filters are really easy to clean. You'll simply need to twist and lift the filter out of its compartment and adopt any debris that it may contain in the trash can. Then, you'll need to run the filter under a stream of running water to remove particles that may be lodged in the mesh strainer. For hardened particles, use a toothpick to dislodge them.

How often to clean Bosch dishwasher filter?

Depending on how often you use your dishwasher, cleaning the filter every one to three months is a good idea, as it would help to remove any build-up or residue. This is an essential part of maintaining a Bosch dishwasher, as it will prevent the drain from being clogged.

How do you descale a dishwasher?

You can descale your dishwasher by first running the dishwasher on a full cycle at the hottest temperature available (the steam will help to lift any surface stains). Once the cycle is complete, sprinkle the descaler on the bottom of a dishwasher and then run the "self-cleaning" cycle.

How often should you descale a dishwasher?

If you live in an area that has hard water and you use your dishwasher often, you may want to decalcify it every 3 to 6 months. If this is not the case, decalcifying annually (or bi-annually) is usually recommended. It's best to look at the care instructions of your Bosch dishwasher to see the recommended frequency for descaling.

Wrapping Things Up

Bosch dishwashers are one of the best quality dishwashers that you can purchase today. Performing regular cleaning and maintenance can help your dishwasher to operate with optimal performance and extend its lifespan.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:

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