Dishwasher smells bad

A bad smelling dishwasher is a common problem and can be fixed easily. The list below details the most common causes of the issue to resolve the problem.

Run a maintenance wash
Soiled filter
Use rinse program with higher temperature

1. Run a maintenance wash

We recommend that you carry out a maintenance wash every 4-6 months depending on how often you use your appliance. A maintenance wash will help your appliance function effectively and odour-free. If not properly maintained, odours can build up in your appliance, especially around the areas which are made of plastic.

Follow these steps on how to clean your dishwasher effectively:

Clean your dishwasher

Follow the instructions in the video to clean your dishwasher.

Step-by-step guide: How to clean your dishwasher

Unload your dishwasher. We recommend cleaning your appliance right after you have ran a cycle since this means you will have clean crockery and cutlery ready to use.

Person holding a filter unit of a Bosch dishwasher

Check that the filter is not blocked with food remnants or other objects. Be sure to use protective gloves in case you find any sharp objects, such as glass fragments.

Person starting a dishwasher programme using the buttons on the display of a Bosch dishwasher

Run the dishwasher at a programme of minimum 65°C.

Person holding dishwasher cleaner in hands with protective glove

Pause the cycle after 30 Minutes and add the Dishwasher Maintenance Cleaning Powder contents by carefully opening the dishwasher door and emptying the contents inside until the box is empty.

Person pushing the start button on a Bosch dishwasher

Restart the programme and let it run until completion.


Dishwasher Maintenance Cleaning Powder Single pack	Dishwasher Maintenance Cleaning Powder Four pack
Suitable for removing deposits from the appliance including detergent. Can help to ensure a cleaner, more hygienic interior of the dishwasher. Powerfully removes grease, starch and protein residues. Reduces unpleasant odours. Contents: 200g, sufficient for one application. Use every four to six months. Buy now	Suitable for removing deposits from the appliance including detergent. Can help to ensure a cleaner, more hygienic interior of the dishwasher. Powerfully removes grease, starch and protein residues. Reduces unpleasant odours. Contents: 4 x 200g, a year's supply sufficient for four applications. Use every four to six months. Buy now

2. Soiled filter

Be sure to check that your dishwasher filter isn’t blocked. This can often be the reason why the appliance starts to develop unpleasant odours, as food may be stuck inside the appliance and waste water will not be pumped out effectively. This will lead to ineffective wash cycles and an unpleasant smell inside the machine.

For a step by step guide on how to clean your dishwasher filter, follow these steps:

Clean the filter of your dishwasher

Follow the instructions in the video to clean the filter system of your dishwasher.

Step-by-step guide: How to clean the filter of your dishwasher

Person removing a rack from a Bosch dishwasher

Remove the dishwasher rack.

Person unlocking the filter unit at the base of a Bosch dishwasher

Unlock the filter unit found at the base of the dishwasher and carefully pull it out.

Person seperating a dishwasher filter unit

Separate the filters by carefully unscrewing the cylindrical filter first.

Two hands holding a brush and a Bosch dishwasher filter unit und running tap water

Clean both filters under running tap water. You can use a small brush to gently clean the inside of the filter and remove smaller pieces of debris. Do not use anything abrasive as this can damage the filter.

Twist the filter to lock it into position until both arrows line up.

3. Use rinse program with higher temperature

Please use a rinse program with a higher temperature. You will find the information about the respective programs in your instruction manual.

Have you checked the tips and the issue isn’t gone?

If you have followed the information above but you're still having problems with your Bosch dishwasher then you might want to have it checked out by a Bosch service expert.