How to Lock Bosch Dishwasher: Quick Safety Guide
To lock a Bosch dishwasher, press and hold the ‘Start’ button for 3-5 seconds until the control lock indicator lights up. This feature prevents unintended use. To unlock, press and hold ‘Start’ again until the light turns off.
Understanding Your Bosch Dishwasher’s Locking Features

Explanation of the Child Lock Function
The child lock function on your Bosch dishwasher is a safety feature that prevents accidental start or changes to the dishwasher settings by children.
When the child lock is activated, the control panel becomes unresponsive to touch, ensuring that the cycle cannot be altered or started unintentionally.
This is particularly useful in households with curious children, providing peace of mind to parents and guardians.
Purpose of the Lock Feature for Safety and Convenience
The lock feature on your Bosch dishwasher serves to enhance safety and provide convenience. By preventing unintentional operation, it protects against potential hazards such as water leakage or accidental changes to cleaning cycles.
Additionally, it offers convenience by maintaining your preferred settings, ensuring that your dishwasher runs exactly as you set it, every time.
Different Types of Locks
There are primarily two types of locks on a Bosch dishwasher: the control panel lock and the door lock. The control panel lock, often referred to as the child lock, prevents the dishwasher from being operated or the settings from being changed.
The door lock, on the other hand, secures the dishwasher door closed during operation to prevent water from spilling out and ensuring safety during the wash cycle.
Step-by-Step Guide to Locking Your Bosch Dishwasher

Locating the Lock Button or Lock Function
To engage the lock feature on your Bosch dishwasher, you first need to locate the lock button or function.
Typically, the ‘Start’ button acts as the lock control on most Bosch dishwasher models. Look for the ‘Start’ button on your dishwasher’s control panel to begin the locking process.
Instructions for Activating the Child Lock Feature
Activating the child lock feature is straightforward. You press and hold the ‘Start’ button for 3-5 seconds until the control lock indicator lights up on the control panel.
This indicates that the child lock is engaged and the control panel will not respond to touches or button presses. To deactivate the lock, you simply press and hold the ‘Start’ button again for 3-5 seconds until the light turns off.
Tips for Ensuring the Door is Securely Locked
Ensuring the door is securely locked is crucial for the safe operation of your dishwasher.
Always check that the door is firmly closed and latched before starting a wash cycle. If the door is not properly locked, the dishwasher will not start, as a safety precaution to prevent water from leaking during the cycle.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Trying to Lock the Dishwasher
Occasionally, you may encounter issues when trying to lock your dishwasher. If pressing the ‘Start’ button does not engage the lock, ensure that the dishwasher is not in the middle of a cycle or waiting to start a delayed cycle.
Additionally, check that the door is properly closed and latched. If the problem persists, consult your user manual or contact Bosch customer service for assistance.
Maintaining the Lock Function on Your Bosch Dishwasher

Regular Checks to Ensure the Lock Feature is Functioning Properly
Regular testing of the lock feature is important to ensure it is working correctly. Periodically engage and disengage the child lock to verify that it effectively locks and unlocks the control panel.
This simple check can prevent surprises and ensure that the lock feature is ready to use when you need it.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips to Prevent Lock Mechanism Failure
Keeping the lock mechanism clean and well-maintained is key to preventing failure. Ensure that the control panel and the door latch are clean from any debris or buildup that could interfere with their functions.
Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the control panel and door latch regularly. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the control panel’s touch-sensitive surface.
What to Do if Your Dishwasher Lock is Not Working as Expected
If your dishwasher lock is not working as expected, first ensure that you are following the correct steps to activate the lock. Refer to your Bosch dishwasher’s user manual for specific instructions.
If the issue continues, it may be a sign of a malfunction, and you might need to contact Bosch customer service for further assistance or to schedule a repair.
FAQs About Locking a Bosch Dishwasher
How do I activate the control lock on my Bosch dishwasher?
To activate the control lock on your Bosch dishwasher, press and hold the ‘Start’ button for 3-5 seconds until the control lock indicator lights up.
What does the control lock feature do on a Bosch dishwasher?
The control lock feature on a Bosch dishwasher prevents unintended use by disabling the control panel.
How can I tell if my Bosch dishwasher is locked?
You can tell if your Bosch dishwasher is locked if the control lock indicator is lit on the dishwasher’s display or control panel.
How do I unlock my Bosch dishwasher?
To unlock your Bosch dishwasher, press and hold the ‘Start’ button again for 3-5 seconds until the control lock indicator turns off.
Can I lock my Bosch dishwasher while it’s running a cycle?
Yes, you can lock your Bosch dishwasher while it’s running to prevent changes to the cycle or accidental interruptions.
Final Thoughts
Locking your Bosch dishwasher is a simple process achieved by pressing and holding the ‘Start’ button for 3-5 seconds. Look for the control lock indicator to illuminate, signifying activation.
This safety feature helps prevent accidental use. To deactivate the lock, press and hold the ‘Start’ button once more until the indicator light extinguishes, thereby unlocking the dishwasher.