You could assume that just because hot water and detergent are used constantly, the dishwasher is maintained clean because it is one of the kitchen’s essential appliances.
It is necessary to first remove the filter from your dishwasher before you can clean it. If it is filthy, scrub it with a soft brush and soapy water.
What Does Dishwasher Filter Do?
Your dishwasher contains a filter at the bottom of the container to capture food after it has been removed from your plates during cleaning. A self-cleaning filter breaks them down for food particles to be rinsed away.
However, many Bosch dishwashers, particularly the older models, include manual filters that must be removed regularly to avoid poor drainage or even the possibility of food accidentally returning to your dishes. Filters do, however, come in two varieties.
How To Clean Bosch Dishwasher Filter
1. Take Down The Dish Racks
Put on your protective gloves and take the dishwasher’s upper and bottom racks out. The drain, filter, and spray arms will be simpler to reach.
2. Cleaning The Filter
The filters in Bosch dishwashers are straightforward to remove and clean. Turn the cap counterclockwise and lift it up and out of the way to release the filter. Next, throw any food scraps or other rubbish in the garbage. Next, pour warm water through the filter to check for any obstructions in the mesh material.
You can scrape the filter with a toothbrush to remove any firmly adhered food particles. Ensure the filter clicks into place before putting it back in the dishwasher.
3. Sanitize The Dishwasher’s Tub
Use a moist polishing or cotton cloth to wipe the dishwasher’s interior after you’ve cleaned the filter. Use a plastic scraper to remove any dried-out food residue that might be adhered to the walls. You can use a gentle all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner designed specifically for dishwashers. Here are some possibilities if you want to clean the dishwasher using natural products:
Borax and Soda
Another alternative for cleaning your dishwasher is baking soda, which is considered to be an effective odor absorber. Using two tablespoons of baking soda, 1/4 cup of water, and a brush with a wet towel, you may make a paste to apply as a skin treatment.
Another option is to add 1.5 cups of baking soda to your dishwasher, then leave everything alone for 4 to 8 hours or overnight. Run a complete cycle of the dishwasher to remove it after that. The scent of it ought to have significantly improved.
Vinegar
The inside of the Bosch dishwasher may be cleaned with one of the cleanest items available: white vinegar. You can use it by putting white vinegar in a squeeze bottle and cleaning the dishwasher from the inside out. Assuming you don’t have a bottle for spraying, you may also put the plastic cup filled with vinegar on the rack and start the cycle. A heavy cleaning process should then be selected for the dishwasher.
4. Purge The Spray Arms
A buildup of detergent residue, grease, or tiny food particles can occasionally jam the spray arms. One of the biggest causes of a dishwasher being clogged is overloading it. The dishwasher will not adequately clean the dishes if the spray arms are clogged.
The upper arm’s knob should be turned first to elevate the lower arm, which may then be cleaned. Check the holes after removing the component. If they are blocked, clean them with a toothpick to remove the debris. The holes in the arms can also be cleaned out by soaking them in warm, soapy water. Once the components have been cleaned, reattach them and put them back in the dishwasher.
5. Verify The Drain Line
The dishwasher drain line may occasionally become clogged with food particles, emitting a foul stench. You need a set of pliers or a screwdriver to unclog the drain line. Beginning with the drain, disconnect it by firmly grasping it with the pliers. To clear the bathtub faucet, move the hose to the bathroom and pass it under.
In case you already have one, you can use a straightened wire hanger or a plumbing snake to unclog any difficult blockages in a hose. Placing a bucket on the tub’s side and inserting the other end of the cable into it will allow drainage if you don’t want the clog’s debris to enter the drain. Put the hose back on the drain after cleaning it.
Cleaning Period For Dishwasher Filters
Bosch dishwasher parts must be cleaned extensively at least once every four months. Nonetheless, you might need to follow a monthly filter maintenance plan if you run your dishwasher daily and never do anything else besides pre-scrape the dishes before filling them. Bosch advises cleaning the filter immediately following a load of dishes heavily covered in starches, such as those from potatoes or pasta because they can quickly block it.
Cleaning the Whole Dishwasher
One crucial aspect in maintaining a clean dishwasher and dishes is routinely cleaning your filter. Cleaning the filter might not be the solution if you detect a hard, white film growing on your plates and the dishwasher’s edges. That’s because mineral-rich hard water, rather than extra grease that gets stuck in the filter and spreads throughout the dishwasher, is the problem.
When the water evaporates, traces of the minerals that make up limescale are left behind. With just a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack, you can quickly descale your Bosch dishwasher.
Odor Removal And Prevention
Using practical cleaning methods and everyday household items, this Bosch dishwasher cleaning advice eliminates odors at their source. We’ll also review how regular upkeep and correct usage can significantly reduce odors.
Refresh The Dishwasher’s Filter
Substances that otherwise could block the dishwasher drain are screened out by a dishwasher filter. These food substances accumulate in the filter and release an unpleasant stench as they decompose. To remove stinky food particles and get rid of odor, clean a Bosch dishwasher filter as follows:
- Remove the spray arm and lowest rack from the dishwasher.
- Simply separate the filter and mesh screen, unscrew the filter cap and lift up.
- In warm water, wash the filter and screen.
- In the dishwasher, reinstall the filter. To secure, turn the filter cap in the other way.
- Replace the lower rack and spray arm.
Cleaning The Dishwasher Tub
In the warm, damp environment of the dishwasher tub, odor-producing bacteria can quickly grow on remaining food particles. Here’s how to disinfect a Bosch dishwasher tub and get rid of odors with everyday household items:
One glass of white vinegar should be added to the base of a full dishwasher before running a vigorous cleaning session.
Baking soda: Place 1 cup of baking soda in the base of the dishwasher after conducting a vinegar cycle, and leave it there for the night. Starting in the morning, run a regular clean process.
Bleach: Run a third clean cycle on the dishwasher after adding 1 cup of bleach to the bottom if mildew is still present. If the filter is made of stainless steel, skip this step since bleach can stain it.
Clear Dishwasher Spray Arms
Food debris frequently clogs the tiny pores on a dishwasher’s spray arms, stopping water from spraying and leaving dishes filthy. Even if these obstructions are avoided using the proper dishwasher loading techniques, fungal growth can still build up on the spray arms and produce a stench. To clean the spray arms on a Bosch dishwasher, adhere to these steps:
- Take out the bottom racks of the dishwasher.
- To detach the upper spray arm, turn the knob on the upper arm and raise the lower spray arm.
- To clean the openings on each arm, use a toothpick to eliminate any food or dirt.
- Under warm water, rinse each component.
- Use a fresh cloth to dry.
- Spray arms should be reattached.
Verify And Clean The Drain Line.
A jammed sewer line may be to blame if the odors from your Bosch dishwasher persist despite the measures mentioned above. The drain line can be examined and unclogged using the following steps: The drain pipe from the waste disposal or air cap should be disconnected using a screwdriver and pliers. With the hose extended over a container or sink, run the dishwasher’s clean cycle to look for obstructions.
A blockage is causing an obstacle if the hose won’t drain. The obstruction can be carefully removed using a straight hanger or a plumbing snake. If the hose drains, the drain blockage is probably in the dishwasher’s back drain line. We advise hiring an experienced contractor to clear the blockage because this is a challenging repair.
How to Avoid Dishwasher Smells
To prevent odor, consider the following recommendations:
- Every month, clean the filter in the dishwasher.
- Clean the dishwasher tub once a month, and after each usage, wipe it down with a clean cloth. Frequent maintenance should also include our Bosch dishwasher cleansing advice to stop odors from returning.
- Use the correct detergent: Bosch advises choosing FINISH brand washing powder for the optimum organic effects. Use the least quantity of detergent feasible, according to the instructions on the detergent bottle. Avoid using too much detergent since too much soap residue can encourage the growth of unpleasant microorganisms.