Find where the smell begins
Inspect the accessible filter, door edges and rack areas for retained food. Look for items that fell below a rack, but do not reach into hidden mechanical areas. Check whether the odor is present immediately after a completed cycle or develops while dirty dishes wait.
Bosch identifies trapped food in filters and spray arms as common maintenance-related odor sources. Use your own model’s cleaning procedure so parts are removed and refitted correctly.
Clean the cause
Clean the approved removable filter and wipe the permitted surfaces. A compatible dishwasher cleaner can help with deposits, but follow the product’s directions and the appliance manual. Do not mix treatments or use scent as evidence that the machine is clean.
If you wait several days between full loads, consult the manual about any rinse-and-hold option. Consider whether a different loading routine would reduce food standing in the machine.
Escalate unusual symptoms
An odor that returns immediately after cleaning, especially with standing water, can indicate a drainage problem. A burning smell or electrical symptom calls for stopping use and professional assessment, not another cleaning cycle.
Keep a record of when the odor occurs and what you cleaned. That is more useful for service than describing the machine as simply dirty. Once the underlying issue is resolved, use the maintenance schedule appropriate to your water and loading habits.