Bosch Dishwasher Not Cleaning

If your Bosch dishwasher doesn’t wash the dishes well, it can be very inconvenient for several reasons:

  1. Wasted time: If you have to rewash dishes that were not cleaned properly by the dishwasher, this can waste a significant amount of your time. It can also be frustrating, especially if you were counting on the dishwasher to save you time and effort.
  2. Wasted water and energy: If you have to run the dishwasher multiple times to get the dishes clean, this can waste a lot of water and energy, which can be bad for the environment and also increase your utility bills.
  3. Poor hygiene: If your dishwasher doesn’t clean the dishes properly, there is a risk of leftover food particles and bacteria on the dishes. This can lead to poor hygiene and potential health risks, especially if you or someone in your household has a weakened immune system.
  4. Bad odours: If food particles and bacteria are left on the dishes, this can lead to bad odours in your kitchen and potentially in your dishwasher itself.
  5. Damage to dishes: If the dishwasher is not cleaning the dishes properly, you may need to resort to using harsher cleaning methods or chemicals to get them clean. This can damage your dishes over time, especially if they are delicate or have intricate designs.

Overall, a dishwasher that doesn’t wash the dishes well can be a major inconvenience and can cause several problems. It’s important to troubleshoot and resolve the issue as soon as possible to ensure that your dishes are properly cleaned and sanitized. Below are some common reasons why Bosch dishwasher is not cleaning the dishes properly, and what you can do to fix it.

A Bosch dishwasher that doesn't clean the dishes well can be a major inconvenience and can cause several problems

The dishwasher is overloaded

Overloading a dishwasher is bad because it can prevent the dishes from getting cleaned properly. Here are some reasons why overloading can be detrimental:

  1. Lack of water flow: Overloading a dishwasher can restrict the flow of water and detergent to the dishes, which can lead to poor cleaning performance. This is because there isn’t enough space between the dishes for water and detergent to circulate properly.
  2. Dish damage: Overloading a dishwasher can also cause damage to the dishes. The dishes can rub against each other, causing scratches or chips, which can weaken the dish and make it more prone to breakage.
  3. Safety hazard: Overloading a dishwasher can create a safety hazard if the dishes are not securely in place. If they shift during the cycle, they could fall and break, potentially causing injury.
  4. Longer cycle time: Overloading a dishwasher can result in longer cycle times, as the dishwasher has to work harder to clean the dishes. This can waste water and energy, increasing your utility bills.

To ensure that your dishes are properly cleaned and to prevent damage or safety hazards, it’s best to avoid overloading your dishwasher. The best way to load a dishwasher may vary depending on the specific model of your dishwasher, but here are some general guidelines to follow:

  1. Pre-rinse dishes: Before loading the dishwasher, rinse any large food particles from the dishes to prevent clogging the dishwasher’s filters and spray arm.
  2. Load dishes properly: Load dishes with the dirty side facing the center of the dishwasher. This will ensure that the spray arm can reach all sides of the dishes for proper cleaning. Make sure that dishes are not stacked or touching each other to allow proper water and detergent circulation.
  3. Load flatware properly: Place forks and spoons with the handles facing down, and knives with the handles facing up. This will prevent utensils from nesting together and ensure proper cleaning.
  4. Don’t overload: Avoid overloading the dishwasher to allow proper water and detergent circulation. Leave enough space between dishes for water and detergent to reach all surfaces of the dishes.
  5. Use dishwasher detergent: Use the right amount of dishwasher detergent according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using too little detergent can result in poor cleaning performance, while using too much can leave a residue on the dishes.
  6. Run hot water before starting the dishwasher: Run hot water at the sink for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher to ensure that hot water enters the dishwasher from the start, which will help dissolve the detergent properly and clean the dishes effectively.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your dishwasher is loaded properly for optimal cleaning performance.

Clogged spray arm

If your dishwasher has a clogged spray arm, you may notice that your dishes are not being cleaned properly. Here are some signs to look for:

  1. Visible debris: Take a close look at the spray arm to see if there is any visible debris, such as food particles or hard water deposits.
  2. Uneven cleaning: If you notice that some areas of your dishes are not being cleaned properly, this could be a sign that the spray arm is clogged and not rotating properly.
  3. Strange noises: A clogged spray arm can cause strange noises during the wash cycle, such as a grinding or whirring sound.

To fix a clogged spray arm, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the dishwasher: Before attempting any repairs, make sure the dishwasher is turned off and unplugged.
  2. Remove the spray arm: Locate the spray arm and remove it from the dishwasher. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to remove the spray arm.
  3. Clean the spray arm: Once you have removed the spray arm, inspect it for any debris or buildup. Soak the spray arm in warm, soapy water for about 10-15 minutes to help loosen any clogs or buildup. Then, use a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to gently scrub the spray arm and remove any debris or buildup.
  4. Clean the spray arm holes: Use a small object, such as a toothpick or paperclip, to clean out the spray arm’s holes. Be gentle to avoid damaging the holes.
  5. Reinstall the spray arm: Once the spray arm is clean, reattach it to the dishwasher, making sure it is properly secured.
  6. Run a test cycle: Run a test cycle to ensure that the spray arm is functioning properly and that your dishes are getting cleaned effectively.

By cleaning the spray arm, you can help ensure that your dishwasher is working properly and that your dishes are getting cleaned effectively.

Dirty filters

If your dishwasher has dirty filters, you may notice that your dishes are not being cleaned properly. Here are some signs to look for:

  1. Food particles on dishes: If you notice food particles or residue on your dishes after a wash cycle, this could be a sign that your dishwasher filters are dirty and clogged.
  2. Slow drainage: If your dishwasher is slow to drain or not draining properly, this could be a sign that the filters are clogged and preventing water from flowing out of the dishwasher.
  3. Strange noises: A clogged filter can cause strange noises during the wash cycle, such as a grinding or whirring sound.

To clean dirty filters, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the dishwasher: Before attempting any repairs, make sure the dishwasher is turned off and unplugged.
  2. Remove the filters: Locate the filters in your dishwasher and remove them. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to remove the filters.
  3. Clean the filters: Rinse the filters under hot running water to remove any debris or buildup. Use a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to gently scrub the filters and remove any stubborn debris.
  4. Check and clean the filter well: Check the filter well under the filters, and clean out any debris or buildup.
  5. Reinstall the filters: Once the filters are clean, reinsert them into the dishwasher, making sure they are properly secured.
  6. Run a test cycle: Run a test cycle to ensure that the filters are working properly and that your dishes are getting cleaned effectively.

By cleaning the filters, you can help ensure that your dishwasher is working properly and that your dishes are getting cleaned effectively. It’s a good idea to clean your filters regularly, ideally after every few uses, to prevent build up and ensure optimal performance.

Low water temperature

If your dishwasher has a low water temperature, you may notice that your dishes are not being cleaned properly or that your dishwasher is taking longer than usual to complete a wash cycle. Here are some signs to look for:

  1. Cool water: If the water in your dishwasher feels cool to the touch, this could be a sign that the water temperature is too low.
  2. Dishes not getting clean: If you notice that your dishes are not getting as clean as they should be, this could be a sign that the water temperature is too low to effectively clean your dishes.
  3. Long wash cycles: If your dishwasher is taking longer than usual to complete a wash cycle, this could be a sign that the water temperature is too low and the dishwasher is compensating by running longer cycles.

To fix a low water temperature issue, try the following:

  1. Check the hot water supply: Make sure that your hot water supply to the dishwasher is turned on and functioning properly. Check the hot water faucet nearest to the dishwasher and ensure that hot water is flowing out of it.
  2. Check the thermostat: If your dishwasher has a thermostat, check to see if it is set to the correct temperature. The ideal temperature for dishwasher water is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius).
  3. Check the heating element: If your dishwasher has a heating element, make sure that it is functioning properly. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to check and replace the heating element.
  4. Run hot water before starting the dishwasher: To ensure that the dishwasher is filled with hot water, run the hot water faucet nearest to the dishwasher for a few minutes before starting a wash cycle.

Old or expired detergent

If your dishwasher has old or expired detergent, you may notice that your dishes are not getting as clean as they should be, or that there is a film or residue on them after a wash cycle. Here are some signs to look for:

  1. Dishes not getting clean: If you notice that your dishes are not getting as clean as they should be, or if there is a film or residue on them after a wash cycle, this could be a sign that your detergent is old or expired.
  2. Clumping or hardening: If your detergent has clumped or hardened, this could be a sign that it is old or has expired.
  3. Foul odor: If your detergent has a foul or rancid odor, this could be a sign that it has gone bad.

To check if your detergent is expired, look for the expiration date on the package. If the expiration date has passed, the detergent is likely expired.

To fix the problem of old or expired detergent, follow these steps:

  1. Replace the detergent: Purchase a new, fresh container of dishwasher detergent that is designed for your dishwasher and has not expired.
  2. Proper storage: Store your detergent in a cool, dry place to prevent it from clumping, hardening or going bad.
  3. Check dosage: Make sure you are using the correct amount of detergent for your dishwasher. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how much detergent to use.
  4. Run a cleaning cycle: Run a cleaning cycle with no dishes in the dishwasher using a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar to help remove any built-up residue.

By replacing your old or expired detergent with a fresh one and running a cleaning cycle, you can help ensure that your dishwasher is working properly and that your dishes are getting cleaned effectively. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the expiration date of your detergent regularly to ensure that you are using fresh detergent for each wash cycle.