Bosch Dishwasher E22: Filter Blocked or Not Seated (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What the code means
Bosch USA describes E22 as "the dishwasher filter is blocked": the filter at the bottom of the tub, where food particles get caught, is clogged and needs cleaning. Bosch's Middle East and Malaysia support pages give the same meaning ("Filters blocked") and add a second check: make sure the filters are inserted correctly, since most must be locked in position. Bosch's filter system has a coarse filter, a flat fine filter and a microfilter that keep food away from the pump. When they clog, water can't flow back to the pump properly. E22 is a different code from E24 and E25, which are about the water not draining (drain hose, drain pump or pump cover), though a badly clogged filter can leave water sitting over the filter too.
Likely causes
- Food scraps, grease, seeds, labels or broken glass built up on the coarse, fine or micro filter
- Filters not cleaned regularly; Bosch's manual says to check them for residue after each wash cycle
- Filter cylinder or fine filter put back incorrectly or not twisted until it locks, so the filter system doesn't seat
- Heavy food soil left on dishes before loading, which overloads the filter faster
Safe DIY checks
Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.
- Switch the dishwasher off and unplug it or turn off its breaker before reaching into the tub. Let hot water cool first.
- Pull out the bottom rack. Twist the filter cylinder (Bosch's manual says to unscrew it as illustrated) and lift out the whole filter system: coarse filter, flat fine filter and microfilter.
- Wash each filter under running water with mild soap and a soft brush until the mesh is clear. Don't use wire brushes or scouring pads that could tear the mesh. Sponge out any standing water and pick out any debris in the filter well, watching for broken glass.
- Reinstall the filters in reverse order. Twist the cylinder until it locks; on the model in Bosch's manual, the arrow marks must line up opposite each other when closed. Make sure the flat fine filter lies flat and the cylinder is fully seated.
- Restore power and run a short or rinse program to check that the code is gone.
- To keep E22 from coming back, scrape large food off dishes before loading and check the filters often; Bosch's manual suggests looking after every cycle.
🛠 When to call a pro
- E22 keeps coming back even though the filters are clean, undamaged and locked in place.
- The filter mesh is torn or the cylinder won't lock, and you'd rather have the correct replacement fitted.
- Water also won't drain (E24 or E25 territory) after the filter is clean, which points to the drain hose or pump.
- Bosch's advice if cleaning doesn't solve it is to contact Bosch Customer Support (1-800-944-2904 in the US) or book an engineer.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
Bosch dishwasher filter assembly (exact part for your model)
Replace if the microfilter mesh is torn or the cylinder won't lock.
[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_FILTER]Bosch dishwasher cleaner
Helps keep grease and residue from building up in the filter and tub.
[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_CLEANER]Sources
- Bosch USA: E22 means the dishwasher filter is blocked; remove and wash it with mild soap and a soft brush
- Bosch USA dishwasher error codes list (E22 filter blocked; E24 and E25 draining codes)
- Bosch Saudi Arabia: E22 filters blocked; clean filters and make sure they are inserted correctly and locked
- Bosch Malaysia: dishwasher error code E22, filters blocked
- Bosch dishwasher owner's manual 9000388622: filter system (coarse, fine and microfilter), cleaning and reinstalling with arrow marks aligned
Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.