How to Clean your Dishwasher Exterior and Interior

Wipe down door seals with a damp, soft cloth.

To clean stainless steel, wash with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Always wipe in the direction of the steel’s grain. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, chlorine-based cleaners, or abrasive sponges.

Condition the stainless steel with the Bosch Stainless Steel Conditioner. DO NOT apply the conditioner to logos, control markings, or black stainless steel.

Use the Bosch Dishwasher Cleaner to remove grease, starch and protein residues.

To remove hard water deposits and limescale, use the Bosch Dishwasher Descaler.

We recommend cleaning your filter every few months to remove food debris that may hinder your dishwasher’s performance. It’s located at the bottom of your dishwasher.

Click here for instructions on how to clean your dishwasher filter

Keep your dishes sparkling by cleaning the spray arms every few months.

Click here for instructions on how to clean your dishwasher spray arms.

Rinse aid helps maximize drying by helping water droplets slide off dishware. To add rinse aid, simply open the door to the rinse aid compartment, pour the rinse aid in, and wipe away any spillage around the opening of the compartment with a soft cloth.

Click here for instructions on how to add rinse-aid to your dishwasher.

Some dishwasher models use softening salt to soften the hard water that enters the dishwasher. If your dishwasher uses softening salt, just remember to fill the salt container regularly and wipe away any salt crystals that have spilled around the container lid so they do not degrade the stainless steel tub. Watch the video for instructions on how to add softening salt to your dishwasher.

Learn more about softening salt >

Dishwashers are used on a regular basis which means that limescale can build up quickly, especially in hard water areas. To keep your dishwasher working as efficiently and effectively as possible, and to ensure your dishes come out perfectly clean, regular descaling is important.

How to descale a dishwasher?

Remove hard water residue and limescale buildup by using a descaler a few times a year. Simply start the hottest, longest cycle for the empty dishwasher (don't add any detergent). After 30 minutes add one box of Bosch descaler to the bottom of the dishwasher, then let the cyle continue. After the cycle has finished, run another wash cycle.

Descaling doesn't clean a dishwasher, it only removes hard water buildup. Use the Bosch dishwasher cleaner a few times a year to remove greasy residues.

Softening salt is a great way to soften the hard water used in your dishwasher. Review your owner's manual to see if your dishwasher utilizes softening salt. If it does, simply pour the salt into the salt container, which is inside the dishwasher. To learn more, view our 'How to Add Salt' video on our How-to Video page