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Bosch Dishwasher Not Cleaning: PrecisionWash, Spray Arms, and Filter Guide

Quick Answer

Bosch dishwashers use PrecisionWash sensors and a triple-filter system that both need attention. If dishes are clean on Intense but dirty on Normal or Auto, the filters need cleaning - food particles that pass through coat dishes with a grey film. Clean the microfilter (the flat mesh) monthly with a soft brush. Also check that the AquaSensor in the sump is clean - a dirty sensor skips the extended wash that dirty loads need.

Bosch dishwashers with PrecisionWash use sensors to detect soil level and adjust the cycle. If dishes are dirty after a PrecisionWash cycle, the soil sensors may be miscalibrated or dirty. Clean the sensors (inside the tub near the spray arm area). Bosch uses a triple-filter system (coarse filter, fine filter, and microfilter) that requires monthly cleaning. The microfilter is the most critical - food particles that pass through create a film on dishes. Bosch also uses a unique AquaSensor that measures water clarity - if cloudy water is detected, the cycle extends. If dishes are dirty on short cycles but clean on intense cycles, the filters need cleaning.

BoschDishwasherSeverity: mediumDifficulty: intermediate75% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–90 min
Difficulty
intermediate
Parts Cost
—
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Screwdriver

What Does the NOT-CLEANING Code Mean?

Bosch dishwasher not cleaning: clean the triple filter system monthly (coarse + fine + microfilter).

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Clogged microfilter and fine filter restricting pump flow40%
Blocked spray arm nozzles reducing water pressure25%
Dirty AquaSensor causing early cycle cutoff15%
Empty rinse aid dispenser causing poor drying/film12%
Cold incoming water not reaching wash temperature8%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Bosch dishwasher not cleaning

Can you reset a Bosch dishwasher to clear the NOT-CLEANING code?

Unplug 60 seconds.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterScrewdriverFlashlight

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Follow brand-specific diagnosis in guide above.

Follow brand-specific diagnosis in guide above.

2

Check error codes.

3

Professional if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Repair cost?
$100-400 typical.
DIY?
Many fixes DIY. Gas/sealed need pros.
Worth it?
Under 10 years = usually yes.

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Bosch shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

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Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026