Bosch Dishwasher: not cleaning properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are your dishes coming out of your Bosch dishwasher with food residue or spots, even after a full wash cycle? This common issue can stem from various causes, including clogged spray arms and filters, improper loading, or detergent issues. Understanding these factors can help you restore your dishwasher's cleaning efficiency.

Urgency: Medium

Possible Causes

Clogged spray arms

How to Identify: Dishes in certain areas remain dirty; inspect spray arm holes for debris or blockage; arms may not rotate freely.

Part: Spray arms (upper, lower, center)

Clogged or dirty filters

How to Identify: Low water flow; debris visible in filters; food residue redeposited on dishes.

Part: Dishwasher filters (coarse and fine)

Improper loading / overloading

How to Identify: Water spray blocked by crowded dishes; spray arms hit dishes or cannot rotate.

Part: User loading practice

Incorrect detergent use or dissolving issues

How to Identify: Dishwasher tablet not fully dissolved; residue on dishes; using wrong type or amount of detergent.

Part: Detergent dispenser / detergent type

Low water temperature

How to Identify: Greasy or oily residue; measured incoming water below ~120Â°F.

Part: Water heater / supply

Hard water mineral buildup

How to Identify: White film or spots on dishes; mineral deposits around spray arms and filters.

Part: Internal water paths and spray arm holes

Faulty circulation pump or motor assembly

How to Identify: Dishwasher fills but no effective water pressure; faint humming or no sound from pump during wash.

Part: Circulation pump / motor

Preventive Maintenance

Clean spray arms and filters: Spray arm clogs and poor cleaning performance
Frequency: monthly
Use rinse aid: Hard water spots and improves cleaning
Frequency: every cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Dishwasher not cleaning properly?

The issue may be due to clogged spray arms, dirty filters, or improper loading.

How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher not cleaning properly myself?

Unfortunately, there are no DIY solutions available for this issue.

How much does it cost to fix not cleaning properly?

Costs can vary widely; consult a technician for an accurate estimate.

When should I call a technician for not cleaning properly?

If issues persist despite checking the common causes, it's time to call a professional.

References & Sources

Bosch Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes troubleshooting Official
Bosch Dishwasher not cleaning properly step-by-step guide Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Inadequate water temperature (1 mentions)
Clogged or malfunctioning parts (filter, spray arms) (3 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Run hot water in the kitchen sink before starting the dishwasher; ensure water temperature is adequate.

Success rate: 11.0%
Consider replacing with brands like Miele, KitchenAid, or Frigidaire. Avoid Bosch.

Success rate: 11.0%
Consider Bosch 800 series or KitchenAid for better loading and cleaning performance.

Success rate: 11.0%

Analysis based on 6 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

Community Discussions

leaving residue on dishes

The Bosch 500 Series dishwasher cleaned dishes impressively well, removing stains that the previous Kitchenaid could not.

DIY View on Reddit →

doesn't clean anymore, glues bits of food onto the dishes

Consider Bosch 800 series or KitchenAid for better loading and cleaning performance.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Dishwasher not cleaning well

Run hot water in the kitchen sink before starting the dishwasher; ensure water temperature is adequate.