At a Glance:
5 Dishwasher Cleaning Steps That Everyone Should Follow
How to Remove Your Dishwasher Filter
How to Descale the Interior of Your Dishwasher
How to Clean a Bosch Dishwasher Exterior
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Dishwasher
Every time you run your dishwasher, food, and grease are magically removed, leaving your dishes clean and safe to eat from again. In most cases, broken-up food particles are washed down the drain, but some can stick around and contribute to grime buildup in your appliance. If you have owned your Bosch dishwasher for a few months now, it might be time to clean it.
If you don’t know how to clean a Bosch dishwasher, you aren’t alone. This is a common question that homeowners have – and many don’t even know that you are supposed to clean your dishwasher at all! Use this guide to learn how to clean your dishwasher so you can develop healthy habits that will keep your kitchen sanitary.
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Built In Bosch Dishwashers5 Dishwasher Cleaning Steps That Everyone Should Follow
There is no single step to learn how to clean a Bosch dishwasher. In reality, there are multiple parts of the dishwasher that need to be cleaned. The good news is that you don’t need to clean every single part of your dishwasher each time you use it – some parts require more maintenance than others. If this is your first time cleaning the dishwasher in a while, here are the steps you need to follow.
- Inspect the interior of your dishwasher and remove any lingering food particles. These didn’t break down during the wash cycle.
- Remove the filter and rinse it out. This is a key part of the dishwasher cleaning process.
- Run your appliance without any dishes inside. You can use a dishwasher cleaner or natural chemicals in your home to descale the interior.
- Check the spray arms and rubber seals. Remove any lingering grime and make sure they are in good working order.
- Wipe down the exterior. Remove fingerprints from the front and grime from your buttons.
Don’t worry if you aren’t sure how to complete each of these steps. This guide will then go into greater detail on how to clean your appliance along with dishwasher cleaning tips for each step.
How to Remove Your Dishwasher Filter
If you need to learn how to clean a Bosch dishwasher, check out the Bosch website. There are several detailed articles that are specific to your dishwasher and offer insight into how to maintain it. For example, you can see pictures of how to remove your filter and clean it correctly.
You will need to remove your bottom rack in order to access your filter. At the bottom of the tub, look for a handle that you can rotate and lift up – this will give you access to your filter. Once you remove the filter, wash it under the sink. Use warm water, dish soap, and a light scrub brush or toothbrush to dislodge any grime. Let your filter dry before clicking it back into place.
This usually isn’t a fun step in the cleaning dishwasher process. If it has been several months (or even years) since it was cleaned, your filter could be coated in gunk that takes a long time to remove. However, the more frequently you clean your dishwasher, the easier this step will be. Try to wash your filter at least monthly to keep it free of grease and debris.
How to Descale the Interior of Your Dishwasher
Over time, hard water deposits and limescale will build up inside your dishwasher. This can occur regardless of the model that you own. Descaling is the process of removing these deposits so your drum stays clean and operates at its best. You only need to go through this process a few times each year, but you can also descale your dishwasher monthly if you want to build healthy cleaning habits.
This step in how to clean a Bosch dishwasher gives you the most flexibility. You can decide whether you want to use professional descaling products or simply use the chemicals found in your home. For example, you can place a mug of vinegar in the top rack of your dishwasher and it will be just as effective. Alternatively, you can spread baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher before running it for a similar effect.
When you descale your dishwasher, run it on the hottest cycle possible. This will break down anything that has built up in your drum. Make sure the dishwasher is empty so the focus is on cleaning the interior of the appliance, not any potential dishes inside.
How to Clean a Bosch Dishwasher Exterior
While cleaning the filter and descaling your drum can be done monthly, there are some dishwasher cleaning steps that need to be done more frequently. Any time you wipe down your countertops or empty your dishwasher, take a few seconds to clean the exterior of your appliance. This can help you remove any fingerprints, food particles, grease, and soap stains.
Do not use any harsh cleaners or abrasive sponges on your dishwasher. All you need is a damp cloth and potentially a generic household cleaner. You can also use a specific stainless steel cleaning solution if you choose. Wipe down the front of your Bosch dishwasher and then open the top to wipe down your control panel. This process shouldn’t take a long time.
Even if you have a stainless steel dishwasher, you will need to wipe away fingerprints. This coating is fingerprint-resistant, not fingerprint-proof. While you will see fewer fingerprints on your dishwasher, they won’t completely disappear. You can easily remove any signs of prints or dirt by wiping down the front of your dishwasher before you go to bed for the night.
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Dishwasher
Bosch is a high-quality brand that makes durable appliances. It is highly likely that your dishwasher will last more than a decade if you care for it. If you recently bought a new dishwasher, build healthy cleaning habits early on. Follow these tips to get the most out of your appliance.
- Scrape off food before loading plates into the dishwasher. You don’t have to pre-rinse your dishes, just make sure most food is removed.
- Don’t overload your dishwasher. While Bosch models can hold plenty of pots and pans, you don’t want to pack it full each time. Too many dishes can block the jets, which means some pieces won’t get clean.
- Use the correct cycles. Switch between powerful and delicate cycles depending on what you need to wash.
- Inspect your dishwasher frequently. Make sure the seal is in place, the dishwasher fluid compartments snap shut, and the blades turn. The sooner you can catch problems, the quicker you can repair them.
- Don’t forget about your filter. The main thing to remember when cleaning your dishwasher is to wash your filter. Too many homeowners forget or put off this crucial step.
When it comes to dishwasher maintenance, small steps add up. By cleaning your dishwasher frequently, you can keep it in good working order and make any maintenance steps quick and easy.
FAQ
What is the best thing to clean the inside of a dishwasher?
If you only have time to clean one part of your dishwasher, remove the filter. You can dump out bits of food that weren’t broken down and wash out any grime or grease that could potentially clog it. Try to clean your filter at least weekly. Also, never use your dishwasher unless your filter is in place and locked into position.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Experts recommend deep cleaning your dishwasher at least once per month. If you are a light user, you might be able to do this every other month instead. Even if you don’t deep clean your unit frequently, make sure you wipe down the front and remove bits of food inside after every load.
Are Bosch dishwashers easy to clean?
Yes. Bosch is one of the top dishwasher brands on the market. They are easy to use and clean in most cases. Once you learn how to remove and clean the filter, keeping your dishwasher in good working order should be easy.
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Shop Bosch Dishwashers at Spencers
At Spencers TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop Bosch dishwashers online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the perfect dishwasher. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!