Easy as pie, or how to clean the drain filter in a Bosch washing machine

Modern household appliances are reliable and highly functional. In order for it to serve for a long time and effectively, it requires appropriate care.

For a Bosch washing machine, these requirements include the need to regularly clean the drain filter.

We'll tell you how to clean the filter in a Bosch washing machine in this article.

When is cleaning needed?

The drain filter is a unit that is designed to retain debris and foreign objects that accidentally fall into the drum and then into the tank of the Bosch washing machine. This prevents them from moving towards other components of the device, and prevents possible breakdowns.

There may also be situations where cleaning is required immediately. Unscheduled cleaning may also be necessary in the following cases:

• there is an unpleasant odor coming from the tank;
• items with large piles, abundant pills, and hanging threads were sent for washing;
• the lining on the jacket tore during washing, releasing holofiber or down;
• The washing machine has problems with draining - it is difficult or does not work completely;
• things have an unpleasant odor after washing;
• very dirty items were sent for washing (in technical oil, in dirt, etc.);
• there is a possibility that coins, paper clips and other foreign objects have entered the tank.

In untreated cases, the filter can be washed well even with ordinary water, and does not require the use of special products.

Where can I find the element in Bosch washing machines with different types of loading?

Every Bosch washing machine has a drain filter, with the exception of some models manufactured before 2005. But in machines with different types of loading, its placement is different. The part has a simple structure and its operating principle is purely mechanical.

Horizontal

The structural debris catching part is located in the lower part of the housing Bosch washing machine from the front side, usually on the right. On top, the unit is most often covered with a panel in the color of the main body, which, depending on the model, can be the entire width of the washing machine or have a small size like a door.

Vertical

In Bosch top-loaders, access to the filter is organized differently than in front-loaders. It is located inside the drum.

Instructions

Cleaning a Bosch filter is a simple task that can be done on your own, even without special skills. You just need to prepare for the procedure.

Selecting Tools

No special tools required for cleaning. To access the unit in a Bosch top-loading washing machine, you will need a pencil or screwdriver.

To clean the drain filter in a horizontal-loading washing machine, you need to prepare rags and a low bowl in advance to collect the remaining water from the washing machine.

In rare cases, when the filter has not been cleaned for a long time and is literally welded, you may need pliers or another tool to more conveniently grip the not very protruding handle.

Preparation

Before you begin cleaning work, you must:

1. Free the drum from laundry and foreign objects.
2. Disconnect the device from the power supply.
3. Shut off the water supply.

Process

Depending on the type of load of the Bosch washing machine, the cleaning process differs. But in all cases it is not complicated.

Vertical loading

For Bosch top-loading washing machines, the cleaning process does not result in water spilling onto the floor, unlike front-loading washing machines. But at the same time, removing the filter has its own nuances.

To access the node you need:

• open the drum doors;
• At the bottom of the drum you need to find a protruding part that serves to grab the laundry as it rotates and distribute things evenly.

Using a screwdriver or pencil, remove the laundry grabber using the following algorithm:

1. A pin-shaped object (screwdriver, pencil) is inserted into the hole.
2. Tilt the inserted object down and at the same time push it to the right until the part moves out of the lock.
3. Remove the laundry grabber.

Further actions:

• turn the washing machine drum forward;
• take out the filter;
• clean the removed part under running water;
• return the removed element to its original place;
• Reinstall the removed laundry grip - to do this, slide it into place until it clicks.

Horizontal loading

It is convenient to clean the Bosch filter by tilting the washing machine slightly towards the rear wall. But you can leave it in its original position.

Procedure:

1. Remove the panel that covers the drain filter at the bottom of the front of the washing machine.
2. If the model has a hose for emergency drainage, it is advisable to use it by removing the plug and directing the free end into a container prepared in advance.
3. After the water has been drained, carefully turn the handle counterclockwise. You need to act carefully.
4. In models that do not have a hose for emergency drainage, you need to immediately start unscrewing the handle, and water will flow straight from under it.
5. Pull out the filter.
6. Inspect the removed part itself and the seat in which it was located. If foreign objects are found, they must be removed and the dirt must be wiped off.
7. Clean the filter and rinse it under the tap or in a basin.
8. If the removed element is very dirty, it can be cleaned additionally with a brush and rinsed in a solution of citric acid.
9. Wipe the part with a cloth.
10. After cleaning, the filter must be installed in its original place, carefully screwing it into the thread.
11. Reinstall the decorative panel.

Video instructions for cleaning the filter:

Possible difficulties

When cleaning the filter of a Bosch washing machine, you may encounter some difficulties. You can deal with them on your own, or by contacting a specialist.

Can't unscrew the part

This situation is possible if, after previous cleaning, the part was screwed in crookedly along the thread.. You can try to help yourself with pliers, ensuring a better grip on the handle that needs to be moved. Another reason is that the blockage is so severe that it is impossible to open the filter.

If it is not possible to do it yourself, you will have to call a technician from a washing machine repair company.

How to remove a filter blocked by debris in a Bosch washing machine, video instructions:

The filter is broken

If the filter is removed, cleaned or installed carelessly, the plastic part may break. The solution to the problem is the purchase and installation of a new part.

Checking the functionality of household appliances

After cleaning the drain filter has been carried out, you need to ensure the quality of the work performed. To do this, the Bosch machine is connected to communications and the wash cycle is started. When starting up for the first time after cleaning the filter, you must be near the operating device to monitor its operation.

If cleaning the filter was carried out as part of the fight against a problematic drain, then the cleaning work performed is not always able to solve the problem. In that case, when the drainage does not improve, it will be necessary to use alternative methods to resolve the issue.

Conclusion

Cleaning the drain filter in a Bosch washing machine is not a difficult task, and almost any user of washing equipment can cope with it. The condition of the machine itself and the quality of the wash will depend on the quality and regularity of the procedure.

To avoid leaks when using the washing machine, it is necessary to strictly follow the procedure and check the correct connections.