Stopping the wash cycle with a flashing "S" light or E24 code on the display Bosch most often indicates that the filtration system is clogged with food debris and requires immediate cleaning. To remove the blockage and restore normal water drainage, it is necessary to dismantle the bottom part of the washing chamber, where the main barrier for large debris is located. The procedure does not require calling a technician, since the structure is designed for regular maintenance by the user without the use of complex tools.
Ignoring the need cleaning the filter element leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor, stains on dishes and even failure of the drain pump. Water stops going down the drain, remaining at the bottom of the washing chamber, which blocks the start of the next cycle. The correct sequence of actions during dismantling guarantees the safety of the seals and the integrity of the threaded connections.
Determining the type of filtration system
Before proceeding with disassembly, it is important to identify the modification of the water purification system installed in your model Siemens or Bosch. Modern devices are equipped with a two-stage SelfClean system that automatically washes the meshes, but even this requires periodic intervention. Older models may have a simplified design, where the mesh element is simply inserted into the shaft without additional rotating mechanisms.
A visual inspection of the bottom of the chamber will help you understand what kind of mechanism you are dealing with. In most cases the system is used AcquaStop in combination with a combination filter consisting of a flat and cone-shaped part. Some premium series are equipped with self-cleaning systems, where mechanical cleaning is required extremely rarely, but knowledge of the design is still necessary.
- 🔍 Standard system: flat mesh and cone cup, requiring manual washing.
- 🔄 SelfClean system: automatic backwashing during the cycle, but manual cleaning of the bottom is required.
- 🛡️Hydraulic protection: presence of a valve AquaStop on the hose, which does not affect the removal of the internal filter, but is important for safety.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the dishwasher from the electrical network to avoid electric shock.
Preparation for dismantling and safety
The maintenance process begins with preparing the workspace and ensuring safety. The water in the chamber may be hot if the cycle is interrupted immediately after washing, so allow the equipment to cool for 15-20 minutes. Remove all dishes from the lower basket to gain free access to the bottom of the washing chamber.
You will need to prepare a container to drain the residual water and a soft sponge for initial cleaning. If a lot of water has accumulated at the bottom, it must be removed manually using a glass or syringe, since it will flow out onto the floor when the filter is removed. The use of aggressive chemicals at this stage is not required; warm water is sufficient.
Make sure you have a dry towel on hand to immediately wipe the wet bottom of the chamber after removing the filter elements. This will prevent your hands from slipping and getting dirt back into your clean equipment. Also check for large bones or glass stuck in the drain openings, which could hurt your fingers when removing them.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the filter
The main stage of work involves removing the filter unit, which in the models Bosch usually located in the center of the bottom. The design is a combination of a coarse and a fine filter, often combined into a single unit or divided into two parts. To begin, grab the center handle or protruding part of the glass.
Turn the lock counterclockwise. Depending on the model, you may need to make a half turn or a full turn until a characteristic click or marks coincide. Once unlocked, gently pull the cylinder up to remove it from its seat. If the design is two-stage, the flat mesh may remain at the bottom or come out with the cone.
☑️ Checklist before withdrawal
If the filter does not budge, do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips. Perhaps it has become stuck due to scale or grease, then you can drop a little citric acid and wait. After removing the main glass, check whether there is any additional fine mesh left in the shaft, which also needs to be removed for washing.
What to do if the filter is stuck?
If the turning mechanism is rusty or clogged with grease, try gently tapping the filter handle with the wooden handle of a screwdriver to dislodge the deposits. You can use warm water with grease solvent by pouring it into the shaft and waiting 10 minutes. Never use metal objects to loosen it, as this may damage the plastic.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Elements
After dismantling, all removed parts must be thoroughly rinsed under running water. Use a soft brush to remove stuck food particles from the cells fine mesh. Grease deposits can be easily removed with dishwashing detergent or a weak solution of vinegar, which also disinfects surfaces.
Pay attention to the condition of the rubber seals, which ensure a tight fit of the filter to the housing. There should be no cracks, tears or fossilized deposits on them. If the rubber has lost its elasticity, the filter may not fit into place correctly, resulting in leaks or poor filtration.
| element | Type of pollution | Cleaning method | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coarse filter | Large leftover food | Mechanical cleaning | Stiff bristle brush |
| Fine mesh | Fat, fine suspension | Soaking and rinsing | Soft sponge |
| Seat | Silt, mucus | Wiping with a rag | Dry rag |
| Seals | Fatty plaque | Degreasing | Dish detergent |
It is strictly forbidden to use metal brushes or abrasive powders, as they can scratch the plastic and mesh. Microcracks will become a place for the accumulation of bacteria that cannot be washed out, which will lead to the appearance of a persistent smell of rot. For complex stains, it is better to use specialized dishwasher cleaning tablets.
To remove persistent odors, run an idle cycle at 70°C with a glass of vinegar or citric acid after installing clean filters.
Assembly and installation back
Installation of cleaned elements is carried out in the reverse order of removal. First, insert the flat filter (if it is separate), making sure that it lies flat on the bottom without distortion. Then install the cylindrical part, aligning the guides and marks on the body.
Turn the handle clockwise until it stops. You should feel a clear locking moment when the tabs fit into the grooves. If the filter dangles or does not rotate all the way, it means it is installed incorrectly and it will not let water through, which will again cause a drain error.
⚠️ Warning: A loose filter will allow large debris to enter the drain pump, which can cause costly repairs.
After assembly, check the tightness of all parts visually. Make sure there are no gaps between the mesh and the body that could allow food debris to leak through. Only after this can you close the door and start the test wash.
A correctly installed filter should not have any play or make any extraneous sounds when the pump is operating.
Diagnosing problems after cleaning
If after cleaning and installing the filter, the machine still shows an E24 error or does not drain the water, the problem may be deeper. The drain hose may be clogged or drain pump. In this case, it is necessary to check the corrugation going to the sink siphon for plugs.
It is also worth inspecting the pump impeller, which is located under the filter. Sometimes bones or glass get there, blocking the rotation of the engine. To access it, you may need to remove the filter glass itself completely and look deep into the shaft, carefully turning the blades with your finger (with the power off!).
In rare cases, the error persists due to an electronics failure or a faulty water level sensor. If mechanical cleaning of all components does not help, it makes sense to restart the machine by holding down the power button for 3-5 seconds, or contact a service center for diagnostics aqua sensor.
What to do if the filter does not fit into place?
Check whether the structural elements are upside down. The flat mesh should lie strictly horizontally, and the cylindrical part should have a clear position according to the marks. If the marks do not match, try removing the filter and inserting it again, shaking it slightly.
How often should you clean the filter in a Bosch dishwasher?
Recommended frequency is once a week with active use. If you are washing very dirty dishes with a lot of residue, you should check after each cycle or every other day.
Can the filter be washed in the dishwasher?
Yes, most filters Bosch Made of heat-resistant plastic and stainless mesh, which allows you to wash them in the upper box. However, it is better to do this manually under a tap to control the quality of cleaning.
Why does the smell remain after cleaning?
The smell may not come from the filter, but from the drain hose or door seal. Carry out a sanitary wash with a special dishwasher detergent at high temperature.