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We have a Bosch slimline dishwasher Model Classixx purchased in 2014. It has run without problems since then using correct salt, Finish Classic soap powder and Essential Waitrose Dishwasher Rinse Aid.
The last week or so it has been leaving a cloudy smear over the surfaces of the items gradually getting worse. We are in a hard water area near Surrey, Berks, Hants border. The hard water setting is on Setting 2. I have checked the spray arms which are not blocked. The items are given a quick cleaning wash (thick gravy,vegetable matter, etc.) before putting in the machine to avoid blocking the main filter in the base with debris. The salt is checked and also the rinse aid liquid regularly.
According to the Operating Instructions the rinse aid setting on p.8 can be adjusted in the same way as the hard water setting. I have tried checking this, but stepping through the instructions the rinse aid refill indicator comes on, but doesn’t flash nor do the display lights show a setting; rotating the programme control does not produce a new setting. The hard water setting is identical on p.6 and this works correctly.
I wonder if the problem is with the rinse aid circuit, or the release mechanism to let it out of the small container in the door located in the same plastic block with the detergent dispenser, although it seems to be used as the container requires filling?
Rodney Fry
Re: Bosch Classixx Slimline, Rinse Aid Problem?
Can you give us the full model number (ENr no) etched on the stainless door liner?
Re: Bosch Classixx Slimline, Rinse Aid Problem?
I have just found one of the Forum guides – “Dishwasher Repair Help Guides Dishwasher Water Softening Systems”. I suspect my problem relates to the resin regeneration system which I had not appreciated was inside the machine, rather than the rinse aid – the Instruction Manual on p.7 just refers to “Using Special Salt” and the system. I presumed the salt must do the softening if it was special! Clearly from the Forum Guide a resin exists which needs regeneration with the ‘special salt’.
We will run the machine without a load, no detergent on the 45 deg programme setting a number of times over the next few days with the water hardness setting increased from 2 to 3 (the maximum). Perhaps this will cure the whiteish deposit on the utensils – very obvious on glass items.
Re: Bosch Classixx Slimline, Rinse Aid Problem?
What salt were you using if you weren’t using water softening salt?
Re: Bosch Classixx Slimline, Rinse Aid Problem?
It was water softening salt, Martin, namely Essential Waitrose Dishwasher Salt Granules. This plus the two in my first message have always been used by my wife. The salt package states on the back more than 30{e5d1b7155a01ef1f3b9c9968eaba33524ee81600d00d4be2b4d93ac2e58cec2d} salt. I don’t expect it to be ANALAR quality, but it should have, I expect, minimal Ca++ ion or other contaminants that would affect the resin?
RodneyRe: Bosch Classixx Slimline, Rinse Aid Problem?
Now at least we have established you are using the correct salt for your water softener. Nothing special about the Waitrose product over other brands of dishwasher salt granules, except perhaps the nonsencse spiel their website describes it. So, no the resin would not be affected, the ‘backwash’ part of the water softening cycle will ensure any contaminents are removed and flushed away.
I don’t regard your water softener as the cause of the smearing anyway. More likely the rinse aid in fact. Too much rinse aid would result in what you describe. Insufficient rinse aid however could cause spotting especially on glassware.
You could try a few cycles by NOT using rinse aid to test the effect. Always use a normal wash not a quick wash as quick wash can also create these smears especially so if you use a full load.
One other thought : Does the top basket have the worst results?
Re: Bosch Classixx Slimline, Rinse Aid Problem?
I have now run the machine 19 times since my last message, Martin. These have nearly all been on Quick 45 deg cycle with just a few items (glasses to show any deposits!). In answer to your query the glasses were put in the top and bottom baskets, but they all look equally clear.
The Rinse Aid has not been topped-up and the light has not come on from starting this test. I had some trouble in trying to change the level; only managed on third attempt. I did not try switching off the rinse aid (Setting 0).
The salt refill light appeared at the 11th wash. Looking in the container I was able to see the bottom and all the salt had gone – I don’t think we’ve ever seen it at that level. Last night it was about two-thirds full and has been topped-up again. The wash cycle now appears to be clean and has been since the first couple of runs with the salt and rinse aid being put on the highest level for our very hard water area (SouthEast Water). My check in 2013 showed the hardness as 304 mg/l CaCO3; the latest check shows it as 301 mg/l. The Bosch Operating Instructions indicate the hardness for Setting 3 is 3.8 – 6.2 mmol/l and converting this to mg/l is 390 to 620 – (a mmol/L is equivalent to 100.09 mg/L CaCO3). In principle our hardness level Setting 2 should be OK – perhaps the resin softener unit needs to be changed at some time?.
It looks as if the problem was
1. Softener resin needed regeneration.
2. The machine settings were just too low over a long time for the hard water area . Probably the resin managed to last as long as it has for four years, but gradually getting less and less effective.Now we know the “likely problem” and the cure!
Rodney
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