Not Cleaning
Bosch Dishwasher
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
If your Bosch dishwasher is not cleaning dishes, start by cleaning the filter basket and clearing the spray arm holes. Blocked spray arms and a dirty filter are responsible for most poor-wash complaints on Bosch dishwashers.
Affected Models
- Bosch Serie 2 Dishwasher
- Bosch Serie 4 Dishwasher
- Bosch Serie 6 Dishwasher
- Bosch Serie 8 Dishwasher
Common Causes
- Blocked spray arm holes — food particles or limescale blocking the jets
- Clogged filter basket reducing water recirculation
- Incorrect loading — items blocking spray arm rotation
- Wrong detergent type or insufficient detergent dose
- Low wash temperature from a failing heating element
- Salt and rinse aid dispensers empty
How to Fix It
-
Clean the filter basket.
Remove the bottom rack and twist out both the cylindrical and flat mesh filters. Rinse and scrub them under running water. A dirty filter prevents proper water recirculation and is the most common cause of poor wash results.
-
Clear the spray arm holes.
Remove both spray arms (twist or unclip them from their fittings). Hold each arm under the tap and use a cocktail stick or toothpick to clear any blocked jets. Refit both arms and check they spin freely by hand.
-
Check the loading.
Tall items or pots placed in the bottom rack should not block the lower spray arm from rotating. Bowls should face downward and inward. Do not nest items — each piece needs water flow around it.
-
Check detergent, salt, and rinse aid.
Refill the salt and rinse aid dispensers if their indicator lights are on. Use a quality dishwasher tablet or powder — budget detergents often perform poorly. For hard water areas, increase the salt setting in the machine menu.
When to Call a Professional
If the spray arms are clear, the filter is clean, and loading is correct but dishes are still dirty or greasy, the heating element may be failing — book a technician to test wash temperature.