How to Use the Sanitize Setting on a Bosch SilencePlus 50 dBA Dishwasher

Last Updated: September 10, 2020

If you've got a Bosch SilencePlus 50 dBA dishwasher installed in your home, you've probably noticed the sanitize setting and wondered how to use it. The sanitize setting heats water to 155°F (68.3°C) which kills about 99.9% of bacteria on dishes. It can be very helpful when you are sick.^{[1]
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Steps

1
Turn on your dishwasher. This can usually be done by pressing the On/Off button.
2
Using the left and right arrows, choose either the Heavy Wash, Normal Wash, Auto Wash, or Half Load cycle.
- It will not work with the Delicate and Express Wash cycles. This is because the high bacteria killing temperatures could damage delicates and it takes a while for the sanitization to complete.
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3
Press the Sanitize button. The Sanitize light should light up.
- If this doesn't happen, you should refer to the original appliance manual for specific instructions.
4
From a nearby tap, let the hot water run for 10 seconds. This makes the water in the pipes to the dishwasher already hot so the dishwasher can begin the cycle immediately.
5
Press the Start button.
6
Once the cycle is complete, the Sanitized light should be lit up.

Community Q&A

Question

Do I use this cycle for cleaning the inside?

Bat 🦇

Top Answerer

You can, along with the instructions from Clean a Dishwasher with Vinegar.
Question

What do I do if the sanitize light doesn't come on?

Community Answer

Choose Heavy Wash, Normal Wash, Auto Wash, or Half Load cycle. It does not work with the Delicate and Express Wash cycles. This is because the high bacteria-killing temperatures could damage delicates, and it takes a while for the sanitizing to complete.
Question

I have an odor in the dishwasher. Do I have to use the sanitize cycle every time I do a load?

Community Answer

See Clean a Smelly Dishwasher.

Warnings

Using this frequently can make your energy bills go up because the dishwasher has to use more power to heat up the water. It's best used when you or someone in the house is sick.

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When removing items from the dishwasher after cycle completion, the hot temperatures could burn you.

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