Bosch Dishwasher: not washing dishes

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Bosch dishwasher leaving dishes dirty after a complete cycle? Common issues like clogged filters, spray arms, or improper loading might be the culprit. This guide will help you identify and fix the problem, ensuring spotless dishes every time.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Bosch official guidance emphasizes regular cleaning of filters, proper loading, and ensuring spray arms move freely as primary steps for dishes not cleaning.
  • Some repair sources note that water heating elements on certain Bosch models affect cleaning performance if failed.

Possible Causes

Clogged or dirty filters

How to Identify: Food particles and grease build up in the bottom filter screen, reduced water flow, visible debris in filter area

Part: Dishwasher filter (coarse and fine filters)

Clogged spray arms

How to Identify: Spray arm nozzles blocked with food debris or mineral buildup, arms not spinning freely during cycle

Part: Spray arms (upper, lower, center)

Improper loading/overloading

How to Identify: Dishes stacked too close, blocking spray arm rotation and water distribution

Part: User loading pattern

Low water temperature

How to Identify: Water entering dishwasher below ~120°F, resulting in poor detergent dissolution and greasy residues

Part: Household hot water supply

Faulty detergent dispenser

How to Identify: Dispenser doesn’t open during cycle, detergent remains unused, dishes remain soiled

Part: Detergent dispenser assembly

Circulation pump or motor failure

How to Identify: No or weak water movement noise, dishes poorly cleaned even after filter and spray arms are clear

Part: Circulation pump/motor assembly

DIY Solutions

Clean filter assembly

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, warm water, soft brush
  1. Turn off and open dishwasher, remove bottom rack
  2. Locate and remove coarse and fine filters at base
  3. Rinse filters under warm water and use brush to remove debris
  4. Reinstall filters and rack, run a cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher is off before cleaning filter

Clear spray arm blockages

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: toothpick or small brush, warm water
  1. Remove bottom and top racks to access spray arms
  2. Twist or unclip spray arms per your model to remove
  3. Clean spray arm nozzles with brush or toothpick under running water
  4. Reinstall spray arms ensuring free rotation
⚠️ Safety First: Check manual for proper removal to avoid damage

Rearrange dishes correctly

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Unload and reload dishes allowing space between items
  2. Ensure larger items on bottom rack and nothing blocks spray arm movement
  3. Check that detergent dispenser isn’t blocked by dishes

Check and adjust incoming water temperature

Moderate 20 minutes
Tools Needed: kitchen thermometer
  1. Run hot water at sink closest to dishwasher while dishwasher fills
  2. Measure water temperature; adjust home water heater to ~120°F if too low
  3. Test dishwasher performance on next cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid scalding; do not exceed safe water heater settings

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty spray arm assemblies

Estimated Cost: $30 - $100 per arm

Repair or replace circulation pump/motor

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace detergent dispenser assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher continues to leave dishes dirty after cleaning filters and spray arms
Unusual noises during cycle suggest pump or motor failure
Detergent dispenser does not operate properly despite cleaning
Error codes displayed that indicate internal component failures

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters: Clogs that lead to poor cleaning and odors
    Frequency: weekly
  • Run a monthly high‑temperature maintenance cycle: Mineral buildup in spray arms and internal components
    Frequency: monthly
  • Use rinse aid as recommended: Water spotting and improves cleaning efficiency
    Frequency: every load

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Dishwasher not washing dishes?
Common causes include clogged filters, blocked spray arms, or improper loading.
How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher not washing dishes myself?
Clean filters, clear spray arm blockages, and rearrange dishes for optimal cleaning.
How much does it cost to fix not washing dishes?
Professional repairs range from $30 for spray arms to $400 for circulation pumps.
When should I call a technician for not washing dishes?
If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect a major issue like pump failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged spray arms preventing water circulation
  • Faulty door latch causing the dishwasher to not start
  • Malfunctioning water inlet valve not allowing water to enter

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the spray arms. Remove the spray arms and rinse them under warm water to clear any debris. Ensure the holes are not blocked.

  2. Inspect the door latch. Open the dishwasher door and check if the latch is engaging properly. If it appears damaged, replace it.

  3. Test the water inlet valve. Disconnect the dishwasher from power and water supply. Remove the valve and check for blockages or test it for continuity with a multimeter.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Don't Buy Bosch Dishwashers

Community Discussions

Broken with no error codes. Doesn't wash the dishes. Leaves junk all over them.

Call a reputable appliance repair company or use the home connect app for diagnostics.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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