How to turn on a Bosch dishwasher and start the wash

Although operating a Bosch dishwasher may appear simple, following the correct procedures is crucial to guaranteeing immaculate dishes. This tutorial will walk you through the fundamentals of turning on and initiating a wash cycle on your dishwasher, whether you’re using it for the first time or just need a refresher.

Although there may be small differences between each Bosch dishwasher model, the overall procedure is the same. You can save time and guarantee that you always get the best results by being aware of where the controls are and how to use them. We’ll go over all the important procedures, like correctly loading your dishes and choosing the best wash cycle for your requirements.

You will feel confident starting your Bosch dishwasher if you adhere to these easy instructions. In order to enjoy clean dishes with the least amount of work, let’s get into the specifics and make sure you’re getting the most out of your appliance.

Step Instruction
1 Open the dishwasher door.
2 Load the dishes into the dishwasher.
3 Add dishwasher detergent to the detergent compartment.
4 Close the dishwasher door.
5 Select the desired wash program using the control panel.
6 Press the "Start" button to begin the wash cycle.

Why is the Bosch dishwasher specially started for the first time

You don’t have to test a new dishwasher out right away after purchasing one. The dishwasher should be started idle, without any dishes inside the chamber, according to the Bosch manufacturer’s recommendation. It takes a test cycle to:

  • wash the machine from the inside, from factory grease, dust and dirt;
  • check how correctly the dishwasher is installed, whether it is leaking, whether the water is being collected and heated. Having identified the malfunction, it will be easier to eliminate it at the test cycle – the user will not have to unload dishes from the washing chamber.

When PMM is first introduced, the working chamber is empty of dishes, but the dispenser’s detergent is added.

The detergent will assist in cleaning the machine’s internal components of dirt. Additionally, it is essential to load the dishwasher with a specific regenerative salt before making the first inclusion. We’ll talk about these granules’ purpose later.

Understand the stiffness of water

It is critical to understand the water hardness in the area where the dishwasher will be used. Special test strips to measure the indicator are included with several Bosch models. The indicator dips into the liquid for a short while before its color is estimated.

Additionally, the shade is contrasted with the table shown in the dishwasher’s instructions. The Bosch dishwasher softener is calibrated based on the local water hardness levels. If the kit doesn’t include test strips, you can purchase them separately or contact the city’s Vodokanal service to check the indicator.

The dishwasher’s instructions provide a detailed explanation of how to set up the softener. The handle must be adjusted correctly, paying close attention to the hardness indicator. The dishwasher will then use salt in the appropriate quantity.

Activating the machine for the first time

Make sure you add regenerating salt to the machine before running the wash for the first time. The product is available at any supermarket, or you can purchase the dishwasher and a starter kit right away.

To add salt to the dishwasher, follow these steps:

  • open the dishwasher door;
  • remove the lower basket to gain access to the container located at the bottom of the washing chamber;
  • unscrew the tank lid;
  • fill the container with water to the upper mark;
  • pour regenerating salt into the container;
  • tightly screw the compartment lid;
  • wipe off salt water from the bottom of the washing chamber (it will be squeezed out of the tank when you load salt into it).

The salt container is filled with water only once. For the remainder of the operation, adding salt to the tank will be sufficient. The presence of granules in the tank is indicated by a unique indicator on the Bosch machine’s control panel.

The tank is filled with salt using a special funnel. The dishwasher is typically included with the device. In the absence of a "watering can," use a standard cup. Depending on the dishwasher model, the tank can hold one to 1.5 kg of salt granules.

Next, you must plug the dishwasher power cord into the outlet and open the water supply tap. Everything is now prepared for the dishwasher to operate for the first time.

Why do you need a starter kit?

Consultants who are selling Bosch dishwashers suggest that potential buyers buy a starter kit for the appliance. This covers every item that will be required for the dishwasher to function. Naturally, you have the option to select them yourself, favoring different brands of household chemicals.

Purchasing a dishwasher starter kit is frequently less expensive than buying its individual parts from different retailers.

Three items are included in the starter kit:

  • tablets for washing dishes;
  • rinse aid;
  • regenerating salt.

One manufacturer’s products are included in starter kits, which is an advantage. That is to say, because their parts work well together, high-quality washing will be achievable.

You will require a specific cleaner for the dishwasher to function in addition to the necessities. Once every two to three months, this mixture is used to clean the machine’s interior of grease, dirt, and scale. Fragrances are also used by some users, but this is not required.

Purpose of salt

The dishwasher’s biggest enemy is hard water. It degrades the quality of dishwashing as well as aids in the development of scale on dishwasher parts. Salt aids in softening water and bringing it to a level where the owner is satisfied with the equipment’s performance.

Ordinary table salt, found in any kitchen, should not be confused with a product designed specifically for dishwashers. Hard water can only be softened by regenerating salt. Consequently, you shouldn’t try to replace it with a food "analogue" in order to save money.

Salt may not be used if the area where the dishwasher is used has soft water. There’s no need to further soften the liquid in this case.

Special dishwashing detergents

Any commercially available dishwasher detergent can be used with Bosch machines. Manufacturers and components included in the composition are not subject to any restrictions. These could be:

The requirement that these detergents be created especially for dishwashers is the only limitation. Compounds designed for hand dishwashing should not be used.

The variety of household chemicals available for dishwashers is astounding. All products are categorized into three groups based on the parts that make them up:

  • with chlorine and phosphates;
  • without chlorine-containing elements, but with phosphates;
  • without chlorine and phosphates.

The anticipated outcome must be taken into consideration when choosing a product. When dishes need to be bleached, the absence of chlorine won’t produce the desired results. Consequently, it is preferable to clean tea or coffee cups with compounds containing chlorine.

If there are no phosphates in the mixture, a white film may accumulate on the dishes and the walls of the washing machine. By using more detergent, you can prevent these negative effects.

Is it necessary to use rinse aid?

At the end of the washing process, the rinse aid enters the working chamber. It ensures faster drying times for the dishes, stops streaks from appearing on them, and leaves an imperceptible, thin layer of protection on them.

Unattractive streaks on glass and crystal dishes will persist if rinse aid is not used. Cutlery won’t shine either. The composition comes at a low cost. Next to the detergent dispenser, in a different compartment, is where the liquid is poured.

The amount of rinse aid used is manually changed. First, use the factory settings to begin the wash. The dosage needs to be increased if the dishes still have a white coating and are lifeless. Cutlery that is too sticky and pots and saucepans with rainbow stains indicate excess composition.

Placement of dishes in baskets

How well the dishes are arranged in the baskets has a big impact on the outcome of the wash. When it comes to placing dishes, cups, forks, spoons, pots, and pans in the dishwasher trays, there are some guidelines to follow. The cycle will function less efficiently if you go against the advice.

There are sprayers in the machine’s washing chamber where liquid is released. The water circulation in the system will be disrupted if the dishes get in the way of the rocker arms rotating. Additionally, there should be no obstructions in the detergent dispenser’s opening valve.

Verify that the dishes are appropriate for this kind of treatment before adding them to the machine. Certain products are not meant to be exposed to high temperatures or prolonged water contact. We are discussing:

  • wooden and cast iron cookware;
  • products made of non-heat-resistant plastic;
  • devices with wooden or mother-of-pearl handles;
  • copper, aluminum and bronze cookware.

Remove any dried-on food residue from the dishes before putting them in the machine.

Bosch dishwashers come equipped with a soaking feature. For processing pots, frying pans, and baking sheets, it is perfect. If such a choice is unavailable, make sure to use a special brush to first scrape off any burned or dried layer. It is available at hardware stores.

You can pre-treat the dishes with hot water to increase washing efficiency. For instance, open the crane and place it in the sink. As a result, the fat will become moist on the surface and the machine will handle it more easily.

There are two boxes—upper and lower—that can be used to store dishes in Bosch vehicles. Three different kinds of baskets exist:

  • Vario;
  • Vario Flex;
  • Vario Flex Plus.

The number of movable and foldable components that the design allows for accounts for the variations in the boxes. The baskets Vario Flex and Vario Flex Plus come with extra. shielding for breakable plates.

The dishwasher’s model determines how many dishes it can hold. There are two of them in some PMMs and three in others. Cutlery and non-standard products are kept on the third floor.

You can change the location of the dish boxes using the RackMatic system. The top basket can be lifted if you need to insert large items from below. Special fixators are supplied for the consolidation of fuepers and glasses.

The Bosch dishwasher’s instructions include suggestions for dish arrangement. Generally speaking, the upper basket includes:

  • mugs;
  • coffee cups;
  • glasses;
  • gravy boats;
  • saucers;
  • wine glasses;
  • spatulas;
  • other small cutlery.

Fill the lower basket with the following items:

  • serving plates;
  • pots;
  • sauté pans;
  • baking trays;
  • frying pans;
  • lids and other large items.

Put deep objects (pots, mugs, and soup bowls) upside down. This is required to ensure that water slides down the walls in a calm manner rather than building up inside. Dishes cannot be placed inside one another. To allow the liquid to wash the plates from all sides, a space must be left between them.

Once you get the hang of it, turning on a Bosch dishwasher and initiating a wash cycle is a straightforward procedure. You can make sure your dishes are always clean and shining by correctly loading them, choosing the appropriate wash program, and pressing the start button.

Prior to starting a cycle, don’t forget to check the dishwasher’s settings, including the rinse aid and detergent levels. The longevity of your machine and the quality of the wash can both be significantly impacted by these minor adjustments.

If you ever encounter difficulties, the majority of them can be resolved by consulting the user manual or carrying out simple troubleshooting actions like making sure the water supply is on or the door is closed correctly. Because Bosch dishwashers are made with ease of use in mind, you should have no trouble operating your machine with a little practice.

All you have to do to begin washing dishes in a Bosch dishwasher is load them, add detergent, shut the door, and use the control panel to choose your preferred wash cycle. After selecting the cycle, hit the start button to get going. The dishwasher will handle the rest, modifying settings in accordance with the cycle you’ve selected to guarantee spotless dishes each and every time.

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Alexey Volkov

Specialist in service and repair of washing machines. My work has taught me to understand all the intricacies of the device of this equipment. On this site I share my knowledge about how to properly care for a washing machine to extend its service life, and what to do if problems arise. My goal is to help you avoid common mistakes and save money on repairs.

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