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Quick answer: E22 tells you the dishwasher’s filter system is clogged — a simple rinse under the tap clears most cases in under five minutes; aim to clean the filter monthly to prevent recurrence.
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What does E22 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E22 is Bosch’s filter-blocked fault. The dishwasher uses a two-stage filter system — a coarse cylindrical filter that catches large food particles and a fine flat mesh beneath it that traps smaller debris — to protect the circulation pump from damage. When both filters become sufficiently clogged, water cannot flow through to the pump fast enough, the machine detects reduced circulation, and E22 is triggered.
The good news is that E22 is almost always the cheapest and quickest fault to fix on a Bosch dishwasher. In the large majority of cases, removing and rinsing the filter takes under five minutes and the machine runs perfectly afterwards. The filter is designed to be user-serviced, and Bosch includes filter cleaning instructions in the owner’s manual for exactly this reason.
What causes E22 on a Bosch dishwasher?
| Cause | How to identify it | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Food debris and grease buildup on filter mesh | Visible food residue on cylindrical filter and flat mesh; water pooling on tub floor after cycle | Most likely — accounts for the vast majority of E22 faults |
| Limescale coating the fine mesh (hard water areas) | White or grey mineral deposit on mesh that does not rinse off with cold water; requires a soaking in white vinegar or citric acid | Common in hard-water suburbs |
| Damaged or cracked filter allowing debris into pump | Visible crack in filter housing or mesh; debris in sump below filter | Uncommon — usually caused by the filter being reinstalled incorrectly |
| Circulation pump starved after prolonged filter neglect | E22 persists after cleaning; dishes are not being cleaned properly; pump noise has changed | Possible if filter cleaning has been neglected for an extended period |
How to fix Bosch E22: step-by-step
- Cancel the programme and switch off power. If the machine has stopped mid-cycle, open the door carefully to release steam and check for standing water in the base of the tub.
- Remove the lower basket. Set it aside so you have clear access to the tub floor.
- Remove the cylindrical filter. Turn the filter handle anti-clockwise (usually a quarter turn) until it releases, then lift it straight out. Some models have a handle marked with an arrow indicating the unlock direction.
- Remove the flat mesh filter plate. Lift the flat filter up from the sump floor. It should come away freely without tools.
- Rinse both filter components under running water. Hold the cylindrical filter under a tap and rotate it so water flushes through from the outside in. Use a soft brush — an old toothbrush works well — to scrub the mesh on both the cylindrical and flat filters. Pay particular attention to the bottom of the cylindrical filter where grease tends to accumulate.
- For stubborn limescale, soak in a citric acid solution. Dissolve one to two tablespoons of citric acid crystals in a bowl of warm water and soak the filter components for 20–30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly before reinserting. White vinegar also works for lighter scale.
- Refit the flat mesh filter first, then the cylindrical filter. Ensure the cylindrical filter locks into position — you should feel or hear a click. An incorrectly seated filter will allow debris to reach the pump.
- Replace the lower basket, restore power, and run a cycle. A normal wash cycle will confirm the fault is cleared. If E22 returns after a thorough clean, inspect the circulation pump area for restriction or consider whether the filter itself is damaged and needs replacement.
Recommended maintenance: Clean the filter assembly at least once a month under normal use. If your household cooks heavily or the dishwasher is used in a trade or hospitality setting, clean it fortnightly. A two-minute rinse prevents E22 faults entirely.
Frequently asked questions about Bosch E22
How do I reset E22 on a Bosch dishwasher after cleaning the filter?
Once the filter is cleaned and correctly refitted, switch the dishwasher off at the wall for 30 seconds, then restore power and start a new cycle. The E22 code should not reappear if the blockage has been resolved. If it does return immediately, check that the flat mesh filter is seated flush and the cylindrical filter is locked — a partially seated filter restricts flow just as a clogged one does.
Can I run the Bosch dishwasher filter through the dishwasher itself to clean it?
No — the filter should be rinsed by hand under a tap, not placed inside the dishwasher for a cycle. The filter is what protects the pump from debris; placing it in the tub without the filter installed risks sending food particles directly into the pump housing and causing a more serious fault.
E22 keeps coming back every few weeks even though I clean the filter — what is wrong?
If E22 recurs within a few weeks of cleaning, one of two things is likely: either the household load is genuinely high and more frequent cleaning is needed, or there is a partial obstruction in the circulation pump or sump that is causing reduced flow independent of the filter. If cleaning fortnightly does not prevent recurrence, check the sump area for debris and assess the circulation pump for restriction.
Does E22 mean the dishwasher is not cleaning properly?
Yes — when the filter is sufficiently clogged to trigger E22, water flow to the circulation pump is reduced. This means spray arms may not be getting enough pressure to clean effectively, and you may notice food residue on dishes before the fault code appears. E22 is often preceded by a gradual decline in wash quality.
I cleaned the filter and E22 is gone, but the machine is still leaving dishes dirty — why?
After a period of restricted flow, it is worth also checking the spray arms for blocked jets — remove them and hold each one up to the light to see if any spray holes are blocked with limescale or debris. Also check the rinse aid dispenser and ensure the salt reservoir is topped up if you are in a hard water area.
Related articles
- Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error Code — Drain Blocked Fix
- Bosch Dishwasher E25 Error Code — Drain Pump Blocked Fix
- Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code — Water in Base Fix
Ready to fix it?
A monthly filter clean prevents E22 entirely. If after cleaning the code persists and you suspect circulation pump restriction, the flow meter board (00611317) is a low-cost first step before committing to a pump replacement. Use the Part Finder to confirm compatibility with your model.
Disclaimer: this article is general information only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Appliance designs vary between models and production runs — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, switch off and unplug the appliance before starting any work, and confirm parts against the model number on your appliance’s model sticker. Any repair is undertaken at your own risk and Oz Appliance Spares accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from work performed after reading this guide, to the maximum extent permitted by law. If in doubt, use a qualified technician.
