Many owners of modern household appliances are faced with the need to thoroughly clean the internal components of the equipment, and dishwashers of the brand Bosch are no exception here. Owners are often concerned about where exactly the tray is located, since this is where food debris, grease and small debris accumulate that did not go down the drain during the standard washing cycle. Understanding the design of your model is the first step to maintaining a squeaky clean, long-lasting unit without unpleasant odors.
In the design of dishwashers Bosch The role of a kind of “tray” is performed by the lower part of the washing chamber, hidden under the filtration system. It is in this area that the drain pump and the bends of the pipes are located, where blockages most often form. Access to this area is limited by protective elements that must be removed correctly to avoid damaging the fragile plastic latches or compromising the system's seal. Let's look in detail at how to safely get to the bottom and carry out high-quality cleaning.
Design of the lower part of the washing chamber
Bottom section of dishwasher Bosch is a complex engineering system designed to efficiently collect water. The basis of this zone is a flat bottom made of stainless steel or durable plastic, in the center of which there is a drain hole. A multi-stage filtration system is installed above this hole, which is the key element that hides access to the internal “pan”.
Coarse filter is a mesh cylinder that traps large food particles. There is often an additional microfilter located directly below or around it to catch the smallest residues. In Bosch models of the Silence and VarioPerfect series, the filter design may differ in the presence of a self-cleaning AquaStop system, which requires special attention during dismantling. It is important to understand that all these elements are removable and are intended for regular user maintenance.
Under the filter system there is a technical cavity where the drainage pump impeller is located. It is this area in everyday life that is often called a pallet, although technically it is part of the valve body. This is where water circulates, and this is where berry seeds, fish scales, or broken labels can get stuck if not used correctly. The smooth walls of this area allow water to drain quickly, but greasy deposits can turn them into a sticky trap for debris.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove the filter by force if it does not turn. In models Bosch with the system
EasyLockorSelfCleanThe locking mechanism may be electronically locked or require a sequence of actions.
It is recommended to use a bright flashlight to visually inspect the structure. The light will help you see the smallest cracks in the plastic or chips in the ceramic parts, if they are present in your model. Regular visual inspections help identify problems early, before they lead to leakage or pump failure.
How to remove the filter and get to the bottom
The process of dismantling the filter system in dishwashers Bosch standardized, but has its own nuances depending on the year of manufacture of the device. First, you need to remove the lower dish basket to gain access to the work area. Make sure there is no hot water in the chamber after a recent wash to avoid burns.
The central filter usually has a round shape and a rotating locking mechanism. To remove it, you need to turn the handle or the cylinder itself counterclockwise until a characteristic click or the release mark appears. After this, the element easily rises up. Some models require you to first remove the flat screen and then unscrew the main cylinder.
☑️ Filter removal algorithm
After removing the main filter, you will be presented with a view of the flat bottom of the camera. In some modifications, under the main filter there may be another removable plastic plate or an additional mesh. It can also be removed for thorough cleaning. If you see screws around the perimeter of the hole, they will need to be removed, but most modern models Bosch The system is completely dismountable without the use of tools.
Now that access is open, you see that very “pan” - the depression where the water stands and the entrance to the drainage channel is located. It is important to act carefully here so as not to drop small parts (for example, screws or pieces of glass) directly into the drain pump, from where it will be extremely difficult to remove them without partially disassembling the machine body.
Typical places of contamination and blockages
Analysis of service statistics shows that contamination in the area of the dishwasher tray Bosch have a clear localization. Most often, problems arise at the corner joints of the bottom and walls, where the water pressure during drainage is weakest. It is in these “pockets” that a thick fat deposit accumulates, which over time hardens and begins to emit an odor.
The second critical area is the area around the sump pump impeller. Even the smallest lemon seed or buckwheat grain can block the rotation of the impeller, resulting in a drain error on the display. Drainage channel also susceptible to scale and grease deposits, especially if you use all-in-one tablets without additional water softener in high-hardness environments.
- 🍋 Remains of citrus zest, which often slips through the filter.
- 🦴 Bones from berries and fruits getting stuck in the corrugation of the drain hose.
- 🏷️ Paper labels from cans that turn into mush and clog the pump.
- 🍚 Rice and semolina, settling at the bottom and swelling with moisture.
Particular attention should be paid to the rubber seals in the area where the filter and housing meet. They often develop mold or black deposits that cannot be washed off with regular rinsing. To clean these areas, special products or mechanical cleaning with a soft brush are required.
Why does the pump clog?
The drain pump in Bosch dishwashers has narrow channels. The entry of solid objects (glass, seeds) not only stops the drainage, but can also lead to burnout of the pump motor winding due to the increased load. Sometimes a piece of glass gets stuck in the impeller, producing a characteristic cracking noise during operation.
Tools and products for effective cleaning
For quality dishwasher maintenance Bosch No complex professional tool is required, but the correct choice of equipment greatly simplifies the task. The main requirement for tools is safety for stainless steel and plastic surfaces. The use of abrasive materials is strictly prohibited, as scratches will become centers of corrosion.
You will need soft sponges, plastic bristle brushes, and perhaps tweezers for removing small items. Chemicals must be dishwasher safe or neutral. Acidic products will help dissolve limescale, and alkaline products will help break down fatty deposits.
| Tool/Vendor | Purpose | Features of application |
|---|---|---|
| Soft sponge | Removing fresh plaque | No abrasive side |
| Plastic brush | Cleaning hard to reach places | Doesn't scratch metal |
| Citric acid | Descaling | Dissolve in warm water |
| Specialized gel | Fat breakdown | Takes time to react |
When using household chemicals, it is important to follow the proportions specified by the manufacturer. Concentrated products may damage plastic seals or rubber pipes inside the machine. Bosch recommends the use of genuine or certified cleaning products that are guaranteed not to cause foaming that is harmful to electronics.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use chlorine-containing bleaches (such as "Whiteness") to clean the stainless steel inside the camera. Chlorine causes instant pitting of metal that cannot be eliminated.
Step-by-step instructions for cleaning the tray
Start the cleaning process by removing all removable parts: baskets, spoon holders and filters. Rinse them thoroughly under running water using detergent. If there is old grease on the filters, soak them in a warm solution with the addition of citric acid or a special dishwasher detergent for 30-40 minutes.
After removing the filters, inspect the exposed bottom. If there is water standing there, it must be removed. To do this, use disposable towels, a sponge or a syringe without a needle to pump out the liquid. A dry surface will allow you to better assess the degree of contamination and prevent splashing of dirty water when cleaning.
To remove residual water from the bottom, use an old syringe with a cut off spout or a medical bulb - it’s faster and more hygienic than wiping with a rag.
Apply your chosen cleaning product to the bottom and sides of the pan. Leave it for the time specified in the instructions (usually 10-15 minutes) so that the chemistry begins to break down the contaminants. Then carefully go over all corners with a brush, paying special attention to the area around the drain hole and the pump impeller. Movements should be directed from the edges to the center.
The final stage is a generous rinse. Turn on the rinse mode (if the model allows it) or simply pour a few glasses of clean water into the chamber to wash away any remaining dirt and chemicals into the drain. Wipe all surfaces dry with a soft cloth before replacing the filters.
High-quality cleaning of the tray is only possible with complete removal of water and the use of non-abrasive tools that are safe for stainless steel.
Preventing blockages and caring for the drain system
To prevent the question “where is the tray on a Bosch dishwasher” and how to get to it from arising too often, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular prevention takes less time than eliminating the consequences of a serious blockage. The main principle is to prevent large waste from entering the washing chamber.
Always remove large food residues before loading dishes. Although modern models Bosch equipped with powerful choppers (in some series), they are not designed to dispose of scraps, bones or large pieces of dough. Using a pre-rinse or Soak mode helps loosen stubborn dirt.
- 📅 Completely clean the filters and bottom at least once a month.
- 💧 Once every 2-3 months, run a wash cycle with dishwasher cleaner at a temperature of 65-70°C.
- 🧂 Monitor the salt level in the tank to prevent the formation of scale, which narrows the drainage channels.
It is also worth periodically checking the condition of the drain hose if it is technically possible to access the rear of the machine. Kinks or clogs in the sink siphon can create back pressure, causing water to stagnate in the dishwasher tray even if the pump is working.
What to do if after cleaning the water still does not go away?
If you have thoroughly cleaned the pan and filters, but the water is still there, the problem may be deeper. Check the drain hose for kinks. Make sure the sink trap is not clogged. If the pump hums but does not pump, a hard object (glass, bone) may have gotten into the impeller, which requires disassembling the pump unit. In this case, it is better to contact a service center.
Can filters be washed in a dishwasher?
Yes, most filters Bosch (metal mesh and plastic cylinder) can be washed in the dishwasher. However, they need to be placed in the upper box, away from the heating element (heating element), so that the plastic does not deform from high temperature. It is recommended to use the delicate wash cycle.
How often should filters be changed?
Filters in dishwashers Bosch They are consumables, but they last a long time. With proper use and regular cleaning with a soft brush, they can last 5-7 years or more. Replacement is required only in case of mechanical damage to the mesh or deformation of the plastic elements.
Why does some water remain at the bottom after washing?
The presence of a small amount of water (up to 1-2 cm) in the recess under the filter after the end of the cycle is normal for most models Bosch. This water is necessary to maintain the tightness of the pump seals so that they do not dry out. You should sound the alarm only if the water level rises above the bottom of the chamber or the water is dirty and smells.