Bosch Dishwasher Odor or Mold Growth

Have you noticed your dishes smell a little off after a wash cycle? If your Bosch dishwasher smells bad, there are a few contributing factors you can take care of yourself.

5 Cleaning Tips If Your Bosch Dishwasher Smells Bad

While your dishwasher is a tough cleaning machine, it also needs a good cleaning from time to time. Things like mold, mildew, and food can buildup in your dishwasher, causing bad smells. But don’t fret! Follow these simple steps to get your dishwasher smelling fresh once more:

#1. Clear Out The Dishwasher Filter

One of the most important cleaning steps if your Bosch dishwasher smells bad is to clean the filter. It’s recommended to wash the filter every 2-3 months. This ensures your Bosch dishwasher’s efficiency and prevents bad smells.

Don’t know how to clean it? Don’t worry. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a clean dishwasher filter in a jiffy:

• Remove the bottom rack and set aside.
• Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Twist and remove the filter along with the mesh screen.
• Handwash the filter with warm, soapy water. Make sure to remove all food and debris.
• Replace the filter.

#2. Clean The Spray Arms

The spray arms do a lot of work in your dishwasher. Water is forced through small holes in the arms to create a high-pressure spray to clean your dishes. When these get clogged, water will sit in the arms where mold and mildew can grow and you’ll find your Bosch dishwasher smells like mildew. Clean the spray arms using these steps:

• Remove the bottom rack and spray arm (if you haven’t already from the previous step). Remove the second spray arm underneath the top rack.
• Use a toothpick to clear the holes of and debris and buildup.
• Rinse with warm water.
• Replace the upper and lower spray arms and bottom rack.

#3. Clean The Dishwasher Tub

Now that you’ve cleaned the smaller components of your dishwasher, it’s time to clean the tub! It seems like a big job, but it’s easier than you’d think. All you’ll need is white vinegar, baking soda, and bleach (optional).

Vinegar and baking soda are natural deodorizers, so your dishwasher will smell fresh again in no time. Using these few simple steps, your Bosch dishwasher mold smells will be long gone:

• Pour one cup of white distilled vinegar in the bottom of the tub. Let it run through the longest wash cycle.
• Next, pour 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom and let sit overnight. The next day, run another cycle.
• If you have persistent issues with mold, measure 1 cup of bleach and place in a dishwasher safe bowl.
• Put the bowl of bleach in the top rack and run the hottest cycle setting your Bosch dishwasher has.

#4. Clear The Drain Line

If all else fails and you still find your Bosch dishwasher smells bad, check the drain line. The line that connects the dishwasher to the air gap on your sink often gets clogged. Food and debris that sits in the drain line will start to smell bad over time. If you’re handy, you can remove and clear the drain line yourself.

• Remove the drain line attached to the air gap using a screwdriver and pliers.
• Drain the water and clear out any debris and food particles.

#5. How To Prevent Odors

Now that your dishwasher is clean and clear, make sure to perform regular maintenance to keep it that way. Clean the dishwasher filter every 2-3 months. If you have hard water, the filter needs cleaning every month. For good measure, clean the tub just as often.

It’s also good practice to use the right detergents. Bosch recommends using Finish detergents like their Powerball Dishwashing tablets.