Begin with the manual
Find the model number and identify which parts the owner is allowed to remove. A manual-clean filter and a filtration system with a chopper do not have identical maintenance instructions. Let the machine cool and isolate power where the procedure requires it.
Remove loose dishes and inspect for broken glass before reaching into the sump area. If something is sharp or inaccessible, stop rather than probing around an unseen pump.
Work through the accessible areas
Remove and rinse a removable filter as the manufacturer directs, using the approved brush or cleaning method. Check visible spray-arm openings and make sure the arms rotate freely after refitting. Wipe the door edges and seals with a permitted mild cleaner.
Refit every component in the correct orientation. Running without a properly seated filter can create further problems. Bosch’s support guidance emphasizes filter care, loading clearance and unblocked spray arms as practical cleaning checks.
Treat deposits separately
Use a cleaner or descaler only if it is compatible with the machine, and follow its directions about an empty or loaded cycle. Affresh tablets and Finish’s bottle cleaner do not share identical instructions. Never combine cleaners or add bleach to an acidic descaling treatment.
If odor or residue returns immediately, inspect the underlying cause. Repeated chemical cycles are not a substitute for resolving trapped food, incorrect dosing or drainage trouble. Base the ongoing schedule on your manual and actual use rather than a universal calendar.