If your Bosch washer smells “clean-ish” but not clean, the fix is usually one wash program away.
The cleaning mode most people miss: Cotton 90°C (Drum Clean)
Bosch includes a dedicated drum-care routine using the Cotton 90°C program. The manual recommends it after 20 washes at 40°C or lower, after long downtime, and at least once per year.
How to run it properly (the “real” drum clean):
- Run Cotton 90°C with an empty drum (no laundry).
- Use washing powder for boil wash with oxygen bleach (put it in compartment II / main wash).
- Use only half the usual detergent amount (prevents foam overload).
- No fabric softener.
- No wool/delicates detergents and avoid liquid detergents for this clean cycle.
Why this matters: low-temperature washing + a closed door creates moisture + detergent residue = the perfect environment for odor and buildup. Bosch specifically warns that ongoing low-temp washing without airing can damage the drum and create hygiene issues.
The quick “freshen-up” routines (when you don’t need 90°C)
Not every situation needs a full drum-clean. Use these when you want maintenance without heat shock:
- Rinse (Sköljning / Rinse): good if you see leftover detergent on fabrics or want to flush the system.
- Spin/Drain (Centrifugering/Udpumpning): helpful if you need to drain water only (set “–0–” to disable spinning and drain).
- Hygiene Plus: designed for higher hygiene needs; it holds temperature once reached (useful for allergy-sensitive households).
Cleaning the parts that actually cause smells
A clean program won’t help much if the “hidden” zones stay dirty.
1) Detergent drawer clean (fast, high impact)
Bosch’s method is simple:
- Pull drawer out
- Press the insert down and remove
- Remove the insert and wash everything with water + soft brush
- Clean the drawer opening
- Reassemble and slide back in
This is where softener slime and detergent paste usually live.
2) Pump and filter clean (the “mystery noise” fix)
Bosch recommends cleaning the pump regularly and at least once a year, especially if you get clattering sounds or drainage errors.
Safe pump-clean sequence (summary):
- Turn off water tap, power off, unplug
- Open service flap
- Drain via the small drain hose into a container
- Unscrew pump cap carefully (residual water may remain)
- Remove debris, clean threads and housing
- Refit cap correctly and close flap
The one habit that keeps everything fresher
After washing:
- Wipe the door seal (gasket)
- Remove foreign objects
- Leave the door + detergent drawer open to dry
It’s boring. It also prevents most odor complaints.