Bosch Dishwasher Cleaning
Bosch produces quality dishwashers for your home, which are able to handle all of your everyday messes. To help keep your dishwasher running smoothly, it’s important to keep it clean. While it may seem like quite the chore to do, it’s actually easier than you think. Find out how to really clean your Bosch dishwasher with our guide below.
This article focuses on cleaning tasks for the Ascenta and 500 Series dishwasher models like the SHE3AR72UC/06 and SHPM65Z55N/01.
Supplies
- Soft cleaning cloths
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Mild detergent
- Soft bristle cleaning brush
- Sponge
- Dishwasher cleaning detergent (if applicable)
- Spoon (if applicable)
Ascenta Dishwasher Cleaning
Cleaning the Exterior
- For colored doors—Use a soft, damp cloth with a tiny bit of dish detergent to wipe down the exterior and control panel.
- For stainless steel doors—Use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive spray cleaner (preferably one designed for stainless steel specifically) to wipe down the exterior and control panel. For a streak-free finish, spray the cleaner directly onto the cloth before wiping down the surface.
- Spills and splash-outs—In the event that water has splashed out of the dishwasher, immediately wipe it up to avoid any damage to the unit and surrounding surfaces.
Cleaning the Spray Arm Nozzles
- Step 1—Remove the empty top rack from the dishwasher, then turn it upside down.
- Step 2—Turn the locking nut on the spray arm counter-clockwise and remove the spray arm.
- Step 3—Check the nozzles on the spray arm for any obstructions. If any are present, flush them out of the spray arm under running water.
- Step 4—Reinstall the top spray arm by placing it back in its position on the rack. Secure it in place with the locking nut, and replace the top rack within the tracks in the dishwasher.
- Step 5—Remove the empty bottom rack from the dishwasher.
- Step 6—Grab and lift the spray arm out of its place in the bottom rack.
- Step 7—Check the nozzles on the spray arm for any obstructions. If any are present, flush them out of the spray arm under running water.
- Step 8—Reinstall the bottom spray arm by placing it back in its place in the bottom rack. Make sure to press it in until it snaps into place.
- Step 9—Replace the bottom rack within the tracks in the dishwasher.
Cleaning the Filter System
The filter system in your dishwasher is self-cleaning, but it’s good practice to clean it and check it occasionally for blockages and foreign objects.
- Step 1—Remove the empty bottom rack from the dishwasher.
- Step 2—Grab the assembly and turn it counter-clockwise, then lift it out of its place.
- Step 3—Check the large object trap for any debris. If needed, you can turn the trap upside down and gently tap it on a flat surface to dislodge any stuck-on items.
- Step 4—Clean the micro filter by holding it under running water.
- Step 5—Reinstall the fine filter to its position in the filter system. Turn the locking nut clockwise to lock it in place. The arrow on the fine filter and the ring handle should be pointing at each other.
Cleaning the Door Gasket
Be sure to regularly clean and inspect the door gasket on your dishwasher to ensure a proper seal. Use a damp cloth to wipe away debris.
500 Series Dishwasher Cleaning
Cleaning the Exterior
Use a soft, damp cloth with a tiny bit of dish detergent to wipe down the exterior of your dishwasher.
- For black stainless steel and anti-fingerprint surfaces—Wipe down the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Use warm water and a mild, non-abrasive soap for stubborn spots. Do not use a stainless steel polish or cleaner.
- For stainless steel surfaces—Use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive spray cleaner (preferably one designed for stainless steel specifically) to wipe down the exterior.
Cleaning the Spray Arm Nozzles
The nozzles on the spray arms can accumulate grease and limescale deposits over a period of time. If you notice that the spray arms in your dishwasher are beginning to show signs of such deposits, there are three options to cleaning them.
- Option 1—Fill the detergent dispenser with detergent and start a wash cycle on the highest water temperature setting. Be sure that the dishwasher is completely empty of dishes and utensils.
- Option 2—Use a dishwasher-specific cleaning detergent.
- Option 3—Remove the upper and lower spray arms and inspect for any deposits. Clean under running water.
Cleaning the Filter System
The filter system in your dishwasher is designed to require minimal maintenance. However, it’s good practice to check the filter and clean it if you notice an increase in food debris remaining after a cycle, or if your dishwasher isn’t cleaning as it should. On average, you can clean the filter system about 3-6 per year.
- Step 1—Unscrew the large object trap and remove the entire filter system.
- Step 2—Take out the microfilter from the fine filter.
- Step 3—Rinse the filters under running water. You can use a soft cleaning brush to help remove any stuck-on debris.
- Step 4—Reinstall the filter system and lock it into place, making sure the marking arrows align.
Cleaning the Door Gasket
Be sure to regularly clean and inspect the door gasket on your dishwasher to ensure a proper seal. Use a damp cloth to wipe away debris.
Cleaning the Drain Pump
In some cases, large food remnants may block the water waste pump if they aren’t captured by the filter system. If this happens, you’ll need to clean the drain pipe.
- Step 1—Disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply.
- Step 2—Remove the filter system following the instructions detailed in “Cleaning the Filter System.”
- Step 3—Scoop out any standing water. If needed, use a sponge to soak up excess water.
- Step 4—Pry off the pump cover with a spoon until you hear a click. Grip the cover and pull it upward until you feel some resistance, then pull it forward.
- Step 5—Check the inner compartment and remove anything that may cause a blockage.
- Step 6—Place the cover back down in its original position and push down to secure.
- Step 7—Reinstall the filter system.
For more cleaning tips or operational help, take a look through our supply of Bosch manuals and diagrams.