Venting condensation and steam is a crucial aspect of any dishwasher. Improper venting or drying can lead to mold buildup and, eventually, a foul odor emanating from your dishwasher.
Some Bosch dishwashers use steam vents to vent steam. The vents work by releasing pressure and giving the steam a place to escape. Other Bosch dishwasher models utilize condensation drying for your dishes and therefore do not need vents or fans.
Knowing the ins and outs of how your dishwasher works will help you to notice and diagnose any problems immediately. This short article will teach you more about Bosch dishwasher steam vents so you can quickly detect issues that could lead to a unit breakdown if left unchecked.
Where Do Bosch Dishwashers Vent?
Bosch dishwashers vent in three ways depending on the model. Steam is vented from the front by the door opening automatically after the dry cycle or via condensation drying technology that lets the moisture drain away. Also, via an external vent that lets the steam escape from the side of the unit.
Newer Bosch dishwashers include a trademarked technology called AutoAir that eliminates the need for traditional vents along the sides or back of the dishwasher. AutoAir works by using the fresh air from your home to dry the dishes.
The dishwasher’s door opens automatically after the unit runs through the dry cycle. This allows fresh air to cycle through the appliance and helps dry your dishes faster. In fact, Bosch claims that this technology gets your dishes 40 percent drier than other models. The steam circulating inside the dishwasher can easily escape as the door opens.
AutoAir is a newer technology included in their 500 Series line of dishwashers. For older units, Bosch uses Crystal Dry, another trademarked technology. Crystal Dry works through condensation drying.
How Does Condensation Drying Vent Steam?
Dishwashers that use condensation drying do not typically include external vents. While other dishwashers may have condensation vents or steam vents to get rid of the extra moist air, Bosch dishwashers with Crystal Dry technology have no need for vents.
Here’s how the drying cycle works with no vents:
The water’s temperature increases to a high heat which heats up the dishes.
The steel tub at the bottom of the dishwasher heats up along with the dishes.
The hot, moist air in the dishwasher is transformed into liquid water droplets.
The droplets fall into the stainless steel tub.
Once the droplets have pooled in the tub, they are drained away.
In this case, the dishwasher doesn’t need to vent the steam because the steam is turned into liquid and can be quickly drained from the dishwasher at the end of the drying cycle. If your dishwasher is no longer draining properly, read this article to learn how to fix the problem.
Older models of Bosch dishwashers may not include Crystal Dry or AutoAir technology, rendering an external vent necessary. In such cases, it is located on the appliance’s inner wall. You will find the air vent a few inches below the top rack, right above the bottom rack. Vents are typically located on a different side of the dishwasher than the silverware rack.
Should You Clean the Steam Vent on a Bosch Dishwasher?
Cleaning the vents at least once a month can ensure your dishwasher stays in proper working order. This is because a vent clogged with debris can have a trickle-down effect on your dishwasher. When steam cannot escape during the dry cycle, mold can form inside the dishwasher’s vent, filters, and walls.
Additionally, clogged or blocked steam vents can cause the appliance to leak. Locating your steam vents varies based on the model, so refer to your Bosch dishwasher use and care manual and check the vent location on the included diagram.
How To Clean Your Steam Vent
Follow these steps to clean your steam vent:
Locate the steam vent through visual inspection or by referring to the owner’s manual.
Remove the vent’s cover and screen.
Give the screen a good rinse to remove any debris, mold, mildew, or excess dishwashing solution.
Replace the screen and cover.
Why Doesn’t Your Bosch Dishwasher Clean Your Dishes?
If you’ve been doing regular cleaning and maintenance of your dishwasher, including cleaning any venting components, there could be several reasons why your dishes aren’t getting clean enough.
Try these suggestions to get your dishwasher operating properly and doing what Bosch designed it to do:
Clean buildup and debris from the spray arms.
Clean or replace the dishwasher’s filter.
Reset your dishwasher.
This video gives a few handy tips on troubleshooting and fixing the problems that could cause your dishwasher to stop functioning correctly:
Conclusion
Bosch dishwashers vent steam in three ways:
AutoAir technology automatically opens the door of your dishwasher at the end of the drying cycle to let the steam vent and bring fresh air in.
Crystal Dry technology uses condensation drying to turn the steam into a liquid that can be drained from the tub at the bottom of the dishwasher.
A traditional vent, which helps facilitate steam removal in the appliance.
By understanding how the venting system works and keeping up with regular cleaning, you can keep your dishwasher running properly for a long time.
