Drum cleaning function in a Bosch washing machine

Most housewives aren't even aware that modern washing machines require regular, thorough cleaning. If you ignore this special cleaning routine, your "household helper" will end up soiling your favorite clothes rather than cleaning them. A standard drum clean in your Bosch washing machine can help prevent this. Let's take a closer look at this useful program, available on some models.

We start the cleansing mode

A useful feature of automatic washing machines from Bosch is that they actively inform the user about the contamination of the household appliance. The thing is that the machine counts the working cycles, and as soon as the period of 25 cycles comes to an end, the washing machine activates a special indicator. This signal will let the user know it's time to activate the self-cleaning mode to ensure the washing performance doesn't suffer. Let's learn how to activate it.

• Check the washing machine drum to make sure there are no clothes, shoes or other foreign objects in it.
• Press and hold the button to activate the drum cleaning function for 3 seconds.
• At this stage, the user notification indicator will turn off and the SM cleaning program will be activated.

Once the mode is completed, a new period of 25 cycles will begin, so the owner of the equipment does not even need to remember the date of the last cleaning.

While the machine is running, it's best not to touch it or interfere with the cleaning process in any way. This includes avoiding any attempts to enhance the cleaning process yourself, for example, by using vinegar, baking soda, or citric acid. This is because aggressive substances can damage the appliance instead of helping it remove dirt. Therefore, it's best to simply leave the machine alone while it cleans itself.

If you need to enhance self-cleaning

In the previous section, we discussed how to enable the cleaning function of your "home assistant" and that you shouldn't add any household cleaning products to it. However, this does not mean that nothing at all can be added to it to improve the work cycle. Moreover, in severe cases, the manufacturer recommends using special household chemicals, which significantly improve the cleaning process.

• A special cleaning agent from Germany, composed of glycerin, non-ionic surfactants, activated carbon, and citric acid. It is available in both gel and powder form. It is suitable for removing limescale, dirt, and unpleasant odors. When used regularly, Beckmann's product provides an antibacterial effect and protects rubber and metal components of your appliance, thereby extending its lifespan.
• A common household chemical, available in liquid form, that eliminates unpleasant odors, limescale, scale, and other stubborn stains. It helps keep the inside of the machine clean, removing dirt from its key components using a formula made from citric acid and non-ionic surfactants. Plus, after using Tiret with a special fragrance, your equipment will smell pleasantly of lemon, a touch any housewife will appreciate.
• Last on the list, but not in quality, is a specialized product from Bosch, ideal for cleaning washing machines from the same company. This powdered household cleaning product effectively removes limescale, soap scum, limescale, dirt, and any unpleasant odors. Therefore, if you have a Bosch washing machine, it makes sense to use this detergent first.

Use these products in situations where you haven't cleaned your appliances in a long time, or have never used the self-cleaning mode before.

Necessary algorithms for a Bosch washing machine

The drum cleaning function is one of the most useful modes in Bosch equipment, as it allows users to save time and effort. However, this program is usually used only once every few months, while the machine has modes that are needed daily. Let's briefly look at the most common ones:

• Cotton. A basic cycle for treating cotton items that are resistant not only to wear but also to high water temperatures.
• Synthetics. Another standard program, this time for cleaning synthetics.
• Baby. A specialized function designed to help moms clean their baby's clothes. It features an enhanced rinse stage that effectively removes detergent buildup.

This option is also recommended for people suffering from allergies, as the machine completely washes out all household chemicals from the fabric fibers during operation.

• Quick 45. A special cycle for accelerated cleaning of clothes without serious stains and other dirt.
• Mixed Fabrics. This mode is designed for easy processing of items made from different types of fabric.
• Jeans. A special program for denim that protects items from fading.
• Color. Another feature that ensures safe washing without color loss, this time for brightly colored clothing.
• Quick 15. This mode is indispensable in situations where you need to quickly refresh things, but there is no time to wait for a full work cycle to complete.
• Delicate. Suitable for cleaning delicate silk, satin, lace, and other delicate fabrics.
• Wool. Another gentle treatment for clothes, this time for wool items. Prevents items from losing their color and shape.
• Spin. A separate function for starting the spin cycle, necessary in situations where the machine is unable to complete the spin cycle. Before starting, the washing machine will drain all the used water.
• Rinse and spin. Same as the previous cycle, but before spinning, the "household helper" will rinse the clothes.
• ECO. A cycle for cleaning cotton and linen clothes that uses low energy and water consumption. This means longer washing times and lower utility bills.
• Sports. A useful option for working with sportswear and footwear that require especially delicate treatment.
• Wash and Dry 1 Hour. As the cycle name suggests, this cycle is short-lived, but allows for a complete wash and dry cycle. The only limitation, due to the short cycle time, is that it can only handle up to 1 kilogram of items at a time, or about 4 shirts.
• Washing and drying 5 kilograms. Same as above, only takes more time, but you can wash a full 5 kilograms of laundry.

These two cycles are only found in Bosch machines with a drying mode, so you shouldn't look for them in regular washing machines.

As you can see, you can clean almost any clothing and even shoes in an automatic washing machine, so you should take great care of this indispensable appliance.

   

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