Bauknecht Dishwasher Daily Reference Guide
This guide provides essential information for operating and maintaining your Bauknecht dishwasher.
Product Description
Appliance Components
Diagram of the appliance with numbered parts:
- 1. NaturalDry ?
- 2. Top rack
- 3. Foldable flaps
- 4. Upper rack
- 5. Upper rack height adjuster
- 6. Upper sprayer arm ?
- 7. PowerClean Pro support ?
- 8. Lower rack
- 9. Cutlery basket
- 10. PowerClean Pro ?
- 11. Lower sprayer arm ?
- 12. Filter Assembly ⚙️
- 13. Salt reservoir ?
- 14. Detergent and Rinse Aid dispensers
- 15. Rating plate
- 16. Control panel ?️
Control Panel
Diagram of the control panel with numbered buttons and indicators:
- 1. [ON/OFF] button ⏻ with indicator light
- 2. [Eco] program button with indicator light
- 3. [Auto Intensive] program button with indicator light
- 4. [Auto Mixed] program button with indicator light
- 5. [Auto Fast] program button with indicator light
- 6. [Rapid] program button with indicator light
- 7. [Crystals] program button with indicator light
- 8. [Prewash] program button with indicator light
- 9. [Salt Empty] indicator light ?
- 10. [Rinse Aid Empty] indicator light ?
- 11. [Display] ?️
- 12. Program number and remaining time indicator ⏱️
- 13. [Closed water tap] indicator light ?❌
- 14. [DESCALE] indicator light ⚠️
- 15. [PowerClean Pro] option button ?
- 16. [Half Load] option button ⚖️ / Settings - 3 sec. press
- 17. [Extra Dry] option button ?
- 18. [Silent] option button ? / [Key lock] ? - 3 sec. press
- 19. [Sani Rinse] option button ?
- 20. [Self-Clean] program button ✨
- 21. [Delay] option button ⏳
- 22. [START/Pause] button ▶️/||
First Time Use
Follow these steps for initial setup.
Setting Menu
Access the settings menu to configure your dishwasher:
- Press the [ON/OFF] button ⏻.
- Hold the [Settings] button for 3 seconds until a beep is heard.
- Use the [Eco] button to scroll through available settings and [START/Pause] ▶️/|| to select/save.
- Press [ON/OFF] or wait 30 seconds to exit the menu.
Water Hardness Setting
Properly setting water hardness ensures optimal water softener performance. Consult your local water supplier for your water hardness level. The factory setting is '3'.
Level | °dH (German degrees) | °fH (French degrees) | °Clark (English degrees) |
---|---|---|---|
1 (Soft) | 0-6 | 0-10 | 0-7 |
2 (Medium) | 7-11 | 11-20 | 8-14 |
3 (Average) | 12-16 | 21-29 | 15-20 |
4 (Hard) | 17-34 | 30-60 | 21-42 |
5 (Very hard) | 35-50 | 61-90 | 43-62 |
Adjust settings via the "SETTING MENU". Use only dishwasher-specific salt.
Water Softening System
The water softener reduces water hardness, preventing scale buildup and improving cleaning. It regenerates using salt.
Filling the Salt Reservoir
Salt prevents limescale. The reservoir is in the lower part of the dishwasher. Ensure it is never empty. Fill when the [SALT REFILL] indicator ? is lit.
- Remove the lower rack and unscrew the cap anticlockwise.
- Fill with salt using the funnel until full (approx. 0.5 kg). Some water may leak out.
- For the first time, fill the reservoir with water.
- Remove the funnel and wipe away salt residue. Ensure the cap is tightly closed.
Using the appliance without salt can damage the water softener. Add salt before starting a wash cycle to prevent corrosion.
Filling the Rinse Aid Dispenser
Rinse aid aids drying. Fill the dispenser (A) when the [RINSE AID REFILL] indicator ? is lit.
- Open dispenser (B) by pressing the tab on the lid.
- Pour rinse aid (max. 110 ml), avoiding overflow. Clean spills immediately with a dry cloth.
- Close the lid until it clicks.
Never pour rinse aid directly into the tub. Adjust dosage if drying results are not satisfactory.
Filling the Detergent Dispenser
Use only dishwasher-specific detergent. Do not use washing-up liquid.
Diagram showing the detergent dispenser opening device (C) and the dispenser compartment (D).
Follow dispenser markings for quantity. For normally soiled items, use approx. 35g (powder) or 35ml (liquid), plus an extra teaspoon in the tub if needed. For lightly soiled items, reduce the amount (min. 25g/ml). Use one tablet if using tablets.
Using excessive detergent can cause foam issues. Using non-dishwasher detergents can cause malfunction.
Daily Use
Follow these steps for daily operation:
- Check water connection and ensure the tap is open.
- Switch on the dishwasher using the [ON/OFF] button ⏻.
- Load the racks (see "Loading the Racks").
- Fill the detergent dispenser.
- Choose and customize the cycle using program and option buttons.
- Start the cycle by closing the door and pressing the [START/Pause] button ▶️/||.
- End of cycle is indicated by sound and "END" on the [Display] ?️. Switch off the appliance and open the door. Wait a few minutes before unloading to avoid burns.
The machine may switch off automatically after periods of inactivity for energy saving.
Modifying a Running Program
If a program was selected incorrectly, reset the machine by holding [ON/OFF] for over 3 seconds. Wait for the drain cycle to finish, then restart with the new program.
Adding Extra Crockery
Open the door slightly to avoid steam, then add items. Close the door and press [START/Pause] to resume.
Accidental Interruptions
If the door is opened or power is cut, the cycle stops. Close the door and press [START/Pause] to resume.
Advice and Tips
General Loading Tips
Remove food residues before loading. Arrange items securely. Containers should face downwards. Ensure spray arms can rotate freely.
Unsuitable Crockery
Avoid wood, delicate decorations, non-heat resistant plastics, copper, tin, and items soiled with wax, grease, or ink. Colors on glass and metal may fade.
Damage to Glass and Crockery
Only use dishwasher-safe items. Use delicate detergent. Remove items promptly after the cycle.
Energy Saving
Dishwashers generally use less energy and water than hand washing. Load the dishwasher fully for maximum efficiency. Use half-load or zone options for partial loads. Avoid manual pre-rinsing.
Hygiene
Run a high-temperature program monthly to prevent odors and sediment. Use a teaspoon of detergent.
Frost Resistance
If exposed to frost, drain the appliance completely. Ensure salt reservoir is full. If stored in frost, keep at min. 5°C for 24 hours before first use.
Programs Table
Program | Drying Phase | NaturalDry* ? | Available Options** | Duration (h:min)*** | Water Consumption (litres/cycle) | Energy Consumption (kWh/cycle) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eco | 50° | ✔️ | [POWER CLEAN] A ? | 5:10 | 9.9 | 0.55 |
Auto Intensive | 65° | ✔️ | [POWER CLEAN] A ? | 2:25 - 3:10 | 17.0 - 25.0 | 1.30 - 1.70 |
Auto Mixed | 55° | ✔️ | [POWER CLEAN] A ? | 1:20 - 3:00 | 7.5 - 19.5 | 0.75 - 1.20 |
Auto Fast | 50° | ✔️ | [POWER CLEAN] A ? | 1:00 - 1:50 | 8.0 - 16.0 | 0.70 - 1.10 |
Rapid | 45° | ✔️ | 0:30 - 0:40 | 10.5 - 15.0 | 0.55 - 0.65 | |
Glass | 45° | ✔️ | 1:40 - 1:50 | 12.5 - 17.0 | 0.95 - 1.20 | |
Prewash | - | - | 0:12 | 4.5 | 0.10 | |
Self-Clean ✨ | 65° | - | 1:15 | 12.7 | 1.10 |
* Door opens to improve drying efficiency. ** Not all options are compatible simultaneously. *** Durations are indicative and may vary.
Programs Description
- Eco: Efficient for normally soiled dishes, balancing energy and water use.
- Auto Intensive: For heavily soiled dishes and pans. Senses soil level and adjusts program.
- Auto Mixed: For normally soiled dishes with dried food residues. Senses soil level and adjusts program.
- Auto Fast: For normal/lightly soiled dishes, offering optimal cleaning and drying in a shorter time. Senses soil level and adjusts program.
- Rapid: For small loads of lightly soiled dishes without dried food residues. Does not include drying.
- Glass: For delicate items sensitive to high temperatures, like glasses.
- Prewash: To rinse dishes that will be washed later. No detergent needed.
- Self-Clean ✨: For appliance maintenance. Use only when the dishwasher is EMPTY with specific detergents.
Options and Functions
- PowerClean Pro ?: Intensive wash in the lower rack using special power jets. Recommended for pots and casseroles.
- Half Load ⚖️: Saves water, electricity, or time when washing fewer dishes. Halve detergent amount.
- Extra Dry ?: Higher rinse temperature and extended drying phase for improved drying. Lengthens cycle time.
- Silent ?: Reduces noise emission for night-time operation. Increases cycle time.
- Keylock ?: Activated by long-pressing [Silent]. Locks the control panel except [ON/OFF].
- Sani Rinse ?: Sanitizes dishes by increasing final rinse temperature and adding antibacterial wash. Door must remain closed.
- Delay ⏳: Start the program between 0:30 and 24 hours later.
- Sensing ?: Detects soil level to adjust program duration and water use.
- Water Tap Closed - Alarm ?❌: Flashes when no water inlet or tap is closed.
- Descale - Alarm ⚠️: Indicates limescale buildup. Check water hardness and salt. Use Self-Clean program with descaler.
- NaturalDry ?: Automatically opens the door during/after drying for exceptional drying. Door opening is safe for kitchen furniture.
Loading the Racks
Capacity: 15 standard place-settings.
Top Rack
Designed for bowls, mugs, and larger plates, creating space for other items. Cutlery can be arranged separately for easier collection and better washing/drying. Knives and sharp items should have blades facing downwards.
Upper Rack
For delicate items like glasses, cups, and low salad bowls. Features tip-up supports for saucers or bowls.
Height Adjustment: The upper rack height can be adjusted to accommodate bulky items below or maximize space above. Use the height adjuster levers (A) to raise or lower the rack. Never adjust on one side only.
Foldable Flaps
Side flaps can be folded or unfolded to optimize crockery arrangement. Wine glasses can be secured in the slots.
Lower Rack
For pots, lids, plates, salad bowls, and cutlery. Large plates and lids should be placed at the sides. Tip-up supports can be used vertically for plates or horizontally for pans and bowls.
PowerClean Pro ?
Uses special water jets in the rear cavity for intensive cleaning of heavily soiled items. The lower rack has a pull-out support ("Space Zone") for pans and baking pans.
To use: Adjust the PowerClean Pro area by folding down rear plate holders. Load pots vertically, facing the jets.
Cutlery Basket
Features top grids for better arrangement. Place at the front of the lower rack. Knives and sharp items should point downwards or be placed horizontally in the upper rack.
Care and Maintenance
Always unplug the appliance before cleaning or maintenance.
Cleaning the Dishwasher
Use a damp cloth with vinegar for interior marks. Use a damp, non-abrasive cloth for external surfaces and control panel. Avoid solvents.
Preventing Unpleasant Odours
Keep the door ajar to prevent moisture buildup. Clean door seals and dispenser areas regularly with a damp sponge.
Checking the Water Supply Hose
Inspect the inlet hose for brittleness and cracks. Replace if damaged. Check transparent coating for color intensification (leak indicator) and water stop function window (red indicates trigger).
Cleaning the Water Inlet Hose
If new or unused for a long time, run water to clear impurities before connecting to prevent blockages.
Cleaning the Filter Assembly ⚙️
Regularly clean the filter assembly (three filters) to ensure proper water flow and prevent malfunction. Clean monthly or every 30 cycles.
- Remove cylindrical filter (A) counter-clockwise. Align triangles on reinstallation.
- Remove cup filter (B) by pressing side flaps.
- Remove plate filter (C).
- Remove any foreign objects (glass, bone, etc.).
- Inspect trap and remove residues. Do not remove pump protection.
Ensure the filter assembly is correctly reinstalled.
Cleaning the Spray Arms ?
Periodically check spray arms for food residue and clean with a small non-metallic brush. Remove upper spray arm with its manifold. The top rack has a fixed wash tube; clean with tweezers. Lower and ceiling spray arms can be removed by pulling upwards and rotating counter-clockwise.
Troubleshooting
Refer to this table for common issues and solutions.
Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Salt indicator lit ? | Salt reservoir almost empty. | Refill salt reservoir. Check water hardness setting. |
Salt indicator blinking ? | Salt reservoir empty. | Refill salt reservoir immediately. Using without salt can cause damage. |
Rinse aid indicator lit/blinking ? | Rinse aid dispenser empty. | Refill rinse aid dispenser. |
Descale indicator lit/blinking ⚠️; "dES" alarm | Limescale accumulation. | Descale immediately using Self-Clean program ✨ and descaler. Refill salt ?. Check water hardness. If not descaled, appliance may stop functioning. |
Dishwasher won't start/respond | Not plugged in; Power outage; Door not closed; NaturalDry ? pin not pulled; Cycle interrupted by door opening. | Plug in; Wait for power return; Close door firmly and press [START/Pause] ▶️/||; Close door within 4 seconds and press [START/Pause] ▶️/||. |
Control panel unresponsive or F6 E1 | Control panel issue. | Switch off/on. If problem persists, unplug for 1 min, then plug back in. |
Dishwasher won't drain (F7 E3 or F9 E1) | Clogged filter ⚙️; Kinked drain hose; Blocked sink drain. | Clean filter ⚙️ and descale ⚠️; Check drain hose; Clean sink drain. |
Dishes rattling | Crockery not arranged properly. | Arrange crockery correctly. |
Excessive noise | Excessive foam; Crockery not arranged properly; Clogged filter ⚙️; Spray arms ? blocked. | Check detergent amount/type; Restart cycle; Arrange crockery correctly; Clean filter ⚙️; Check spray arm ? clearance. |
Dishes not clean | Excessive foam; Rinse aid cap not closed ?; Clogged filter ⚙️; Crockery not arranged properly; Spray arms ? blocked; Gentle wash cycle. | Check detergent amount/type; Close rinse aid cap ?; Clean filter ⚙️; Arrange crockery correctly; Check spray arm ? clearance; Select appropriate cycle. |
Dishwasher not filling with water (H2O / ?❌ lit) | No water supply/tap closed; Kinked inlet hose; Clogged inlet hose screen. | Check water supply/tap; Check inlet hose; Clean inlet hose screen. |
Dishwasher finishes cycle prematurely (F8 E3) | Clogged filter ⚙️; Low drain hose position/siphoning; Excessive foam; Air in water supply; Low rinse aid ?. | Clean filter ⚙️/descale ⚠️; Check drain hose position/install siphon breaker; Check detergent; Check water supply for air; Refill rinse aid ?. |
Dishes not dried well | Low/no rinse aid ?; Unloaded too early; Dishes positioned flat; Cycle without drying phase; Non-stick/plastic items. | Refill rinse aid ?; Ensure cycle completion; Adjust loading angle; Select cycle with drying phase; Some water drops on plastic are normal. |
Blue streaks on dishes | Excessive rinse aid ?. | Adjust rinse aid dosage to a lower setting. |
Limescale/whitish film on dishes | Empty salt reservoir ?; Low water hardness setting; Salt reservoir cap not closed ?; Empty/insufficient rinse aid ?. | Refill salt ?; Increase water hardness setting; Close salt cap ?; Refill/adjust rinse aid ?. |
Dishwasher shows F8 E5 | Valve blocked/faulty. | Close water tap ?❌, do not switch off power. Contact service. |
Detergent leaks | Incorrect detergent type/dosage; Delay option ⏳ activated. | Change detergent type or use tablets. |