Bosch Dishwasher Cycles Explained—Primary And Secondary Add-Ons

Bosch dishwashers are known worldwide as reliable and well-made appliances designed to wash with extra attention to quality sanitation. If you are considering adding a Bosch dishwasher to your kitchen, you may wonder what each cycle does? Or how long does each washing cycle run? We've researched these questions, and we have found substantial answers to share with you!

The majority of Bosch dishwashers have five primary washing cycles and a few secondary add-ons for enhanced drying and sanitation purposes. Moreover, these dishwashing cycles and settings could vary based on the model:

  • Auto wash
  • Heavy wash
  • Delicate wash 
  • Express wash
  • Normal wash
  • Sanitize cycle
  • Rinse-only cycle

Perhaps you are considering purchasing a Bosch dishwasher for your home, and you have a few questions before ordering your new appliance. Maybe you are wondering how to select the best dishwashing cycle. Or what is the dry auto function, and how does it work? These are great questions. Please continue reading. We have well-researched answers to share with you!

clean dishes in an open dishwasher in domestic kitchen. Bosch Dishwasher Cycles Explained—Primary And Secondary Add-Ons

The Bosch dishwashing cycles explained

Here is an in-depth look at each of the dishwashing cycles on a Bosch appliance:

Auto wash

Generally, the auto wash cycle runs for 95 to 135 minutes depending on what the dishwasher's sensors determine the dishes require. The innovative technology adjusts the cycle durations and water temperatures to minimize energy usage while still ensuring your dishes are clean.

Heavy wash

Generally, this cycle runs for 115 to 135 minutes. The heavy washing cycle is the best option for loads of pans and pots or any heavily stained and soiled dishes.

Delicate wash 

The delicate cycle usually runs for about 80 minutes and uses a lower temperature than the other cycles. Select this wash cycle for your china, crystal, and delicate glassware.

Express wash

Typically, this cycle runs for approximately 30 minutes, and it's deemed the quickest dishwashing cycle, only suggested for lightly soiled dishes, silverware, and wine glasses.

Normal wash

Generally, the normal wash cycle will run for 90 to 115 minutes and is excellent for everyday dishes that don't require a heavy cycle but require more than the delicate or express cycles can offer. Please note, this is the most utilized dishwashing cycle because of its reliability, and it pairs well with the add-on functions.

Sanitize

The sanitized setting, otherwise known as the hygienic setting, provides the highest water temperatures on a Bosch dishwasher. These powerful settings were designed to heat the water to 151 degrees f that will kill 99.9% of germs during the final rinse. To utilize this option, select sanitize when you are choosing your cycle or program options.

Often this setting is recommended for protecting the immunocompromised, sanitizing baby bottles and children's dishes to prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria, germs, and molds.

Rinse only

This particular cycle only runs for approximately 10 to 15 minutes and will simply rinse the dishes with hot water.

How Do you Choose a Cycle on a Bosch Dishwasher?

hand getting clean plate from a dishwasher

For the best results, select the most logical cycle for the type of cookware, level of filth, and sanitation requirements your dishes need. For example, you made lasagna for a dinner party of eight, and you have several badly soiled pans. Load your dishwasher and select the heavy wash cycle.

Suppose you are unsure which cycle to select. Choosing the normal cycle is your best option because this cycle is considered an all-purpose dishwasher cycle.

Another great way to better understand your dishwasher's cycles is to read the user's manual or visit the manufacturer's website for further information. Because utilizing your dishwasher to your best advantage is paramount for successful appliance ownership and the cleanest dishes possible in your kitchen cabinets.

How Long Should a Bosch Dishwasher Cycle Run?

A hand opens a dishwasher

Generally, the Bosch dishwasher cycles run from 30 minutes to two hours or more. The washing cycle's duration varies based on which Bosch dishwasher you own, how soiled the dishes were, and which wash cycle was selected.

Moreover, the overall running time will vary from the type of detergent used, water temperature, amount of dishes, how the dishwasher was packed, and if you added additional functions like extra dry or sanitation.

Are you interested in reading more about this relevant topic? Please click here to read How Long Should A Bosch Dishwasher Cycle Run?

Can I Open my Bosch Dishwasher Mid-Cycle?

Built-in Bosch VarioScharnier SME68TX26E dishwasher on display

Yes. You could open the door mid-cycle, although it is not a good idea. Because opening the door will disrupt the washing cycle and splash extremely hot water onto you and the kitchen floor. Suppose your Bosch dishwasher has a pause button.

Press pause when you open the door to stop the cycle. Then, when you close the door, it will resume the washing cycle.

Also, opening the door during the drying cycle could cancel the cycle. However, this does depend on which model you own. For the best results, refrain from opening the door anytime the dishwasher is operating to prevent accidental personal injuries or property damage.

What is the Extra Dry Option on the Bosch Dishwasher?

Silver inox Bosch Serie6 PerfectDry dishwashers 60cm on display

According to Bosch, the extra dry option is an add-on function that increases the temperature of the final rinse water to assist the dishes in drying quicker. Generally, you use the extra dry feature with the sanitation setting to increase the rinse water temperatures to destroy harmful germs and prevent water stains.

Please note that the extra dry function is only available on specific Bosch dishwasher models.

Pro tip: Bosch suggests using Finish rinse aid by Jet-Dry to speed up the drying process. This product helps your dishes look flawless when you remove them from the dishwasher. Finish works by lowering the surface tension of the water and allowing it to drip off of the dishes quickly, which allows the dishes to dry much faster.

Click here to view the Finish rinse aid at Amazon.

The Bosch company does manufacture impressive dishwashers, but how much water do these appliances use? Click here to read How Much Water Does A Bosch Dishwasher Use?

How Do you Stop a Cycle and Drain on a Bosch Dishwasher?

How Do you Stop a Cycle and Drain on a Bosch Dishwasher

In the event your dishwasher is stuck on a cycle and water is pooling at the bottom of the appliance. Do not open the dishwasher's door. Doing so will put you at risk of severe burns from the hot water and risk ruining your kitchen floors.

Instead, press and hold the start button for three seconds or more--until the light fades out, which will cancel the washing cycle and start the draining process.

Also, depending on the model you own, there could be a cancel or drain button that will facilitate the same process. Wait for about 10 to 15 minutes for the standing water to drain from the appliance. Then, open the door and recheck to see if the water has drained out.

Suppose the water is still standing. The filter could be clogged with bits of food debris, and that prevented the water from draining. Be sure to regularly clean and empty the filter every three to six months.  Cleaning the filter is relatively easy and does not require any specific cleaners or tools.

Cleaning the Bosch Dishwasher Filter

Filter dirty clean from dishwasher

To begin, remove the lower dish rack and spray arm to locate the mesh filter. Lift the mesh filter by grasping the plastic knob. Wash the filter in the kitchen sink with dish soap and hot water to remove all debris. Then, place the filter back into the bottom of the dishwasher, and put the spray arm and lower dish rack back in place.

Word of advice: standing water should not be occurring in fully functional dishwashers. If this is happening regularly, something is blocking your draining hose.

To address this issue, you could either check the dishwasher's draining hose or your kitchen's plumbing. Or you could contact Bosch customer service or a professional to evaluate the appliance and address what caused the dishwasher to malfunction.

Here's a video that shows the process:

In Closing

Bosch dishwasher on display for sale

The Bosch dishwashers are a great addition to your kitchen that will help you wash your dishes efficiently for yourself and your loved ones.  We certainly hope this article has helped you gain clarity around the topic of Bosch dishwashers and their unique washing cycles. Please visit Kitchenseer.com soon for more helpful and informative content!

Please, be sure to check out some of our other posts before you go to help further your Bosch dishwasher knowledge base.

Does A Bosch Dishwasher Need Hot Water?

Bosch Dishwasher Not Drying? Here's What To Do!

Should A Dishwasher's Salt Compartment Have Water In It?

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