Why Is My Bosch Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly?

What do you expect when you buy a Bosch dishwasher? It seems most of Bosch customers and dishwasher reviewers expect nothing but high quality! According to the Wirecutter, Bosch dishwashers have one of the lowest repair rates!

Still, it is important to keep in mind that even the sturdiest home appliances are subjects to wear and tear. Dishwasher faults are in fact often caused by the users, due to improper dishwasher use or the lack of maintenance and cleaning. In this article, we provide basic information on the diagnosis of your Bosch dishwasher. Some problems can be hard to diagnose and require a full disassembly of your dishwasher, while in some cases the solution can be right on the surface!

Possible Issues with Dishwashers

Clogged Spray Arm

Your dishwasher may have one or two spray arms, depending on the model. Spray arms are connected to the water supply. Sometimes the food residue could clog the spray arms – either blocking the access of water or even preventing the arm from turning around entirely. We recommend ensuring that the spray arms are clean and can turn freely. Clean the mesh and the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher regularly, and carefully examine the lower spray arm as well.

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Obstructed Spray Arm

Alternatively, sometimes a large number of dishes loaded inside the dishwasher can prevent one of the spray arms from spinning. Make sure you do not put oversized items inside the dishwasher and make sure the spray arms can spin freely! One of the main signs of an obstructed spray arm could be a clunking sound after you start the dishwasher.

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Water Inlet Valve

A water inlet valve controls the water supply in your dishwasher. A broken or damaged water valve can significantly affect its performance. You can locate the valve on the back of your dishwasher – right where the water pipe is attached to your appliance.

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Circulation Pump

Circulation pump uses an electric motor and an impeller for facilitating the water flow. A faulty pump may significantly hinder dishwasher’s ability to clean your dishes! Visually examine the pump and make sure there is no physical damage or burns. It is easier to replace the whole pump in case of a fault, however if your impeller is damaged you can always substitute it with a spare part.

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Control Board

Unfortunately, sometimes a malfunctioning pump may be a result of a faulty control board. While this type of problem is not common, in case your control board is burnt or damaged you would have to replace it with a new part. Most of the time part replacement can be rather tricky.

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