Bosch SHE53C85N food is left on the dishes
Cause 1 of 8Dishes are placed too close together or the rack is overfilled. Source: 16 Troubleshooting, p. 36
First checkArrange dishes with enough space between them so the spray jets reach every surface.
Causes and checks
Dishes are placed too close together or the rack is overfilled. Source: 16 Troubleshooting, p. 36
- Arrange dishes with enough space between them so the spray jets reach every surface.
- Avoid points of contact.
Spray arm rotation is blocked. Source: 16 Troubleshooting, p. 36
- Arrange dishes so they do not obstruct spray arm rotation.
Spray arm nozzles are blocked. Source: 16 Troubleshooting, p. 36
- Clean the spray arms (manual section 15.5, page 32).
The filters are dirty. Source: 16 Troubleshooting, p. 36
- Clean the filters (manual page 32).
The filters are inserted incorrectly or are not engaged. Source: 16 Troubleshooting, p. 36
- Insert the filters properly.
- Twist the filters into place.
The selected wash cycle is too light. Source: 16 Troubleshooting, p. 36
- Select a more intensive wash program.
Dishes were pre-cleaned too intensively, so the sensors choose a lighter cycle and stubborn remnants cannot be removed entirely. Source: 16 Troubleshooting, p. 36
- Remove only large remnants of food and do not pre-rinse the dishes.
The upper rack is not set to the same height on the right and left. Source: 16 Troubleshooting, p. 36
- Set the upper rack on the left and right to the same height.
All 8 causes checked. Contact Bosch Customer Service: 1-800-944-2904.
Service
If the checks above do not clear it, contact Bosch Customer Service: 1-800-944-2904, bosch-home.com/us/owner-support/get-support. United States and Canada. Source: 18 Customer Service, p. 44
Other SHE53C85N problems
- Water is left in the tub after the cycle2 causes in the manual. First: the filters, or the area under them, are blocked.
- Dishes are not dry6 causes in the manual. First: no rinse aid, or the dispensing level is too low.
- Glasses and cutlery have wipeable streaks4 causes in the manual. First: the amount of rinse aid to be dispensed is set too high.
- Too much foam3 causes in the manual. First: hand soap got into the rinse aid dispenser.
- Dishwasher does not start4 causes in the manual. First: the breaker has tripped.
- Door will not close2 causes in the manual. First: the door lock has engaged.
Sources
- Use and Care Manual, Dishwasher SHE53C85N. BSH Home Appliances Corporation. Document 9001641447, revision C, 48 pages, en-US. media3.bsh-group.com (PDF). Listed on the manufacturer's support page. Retrieved 12 November 2026.
Page numbers are the numbers printed in the manual. Where this page and the manual differ, follow the manual.