Bosch's troubleshooting table for the SHXM4AY55N separates streaks from spots. Too much rinse aid causes streaks and too little can cause streaks and spots, and the setting can be moved from 0 to 6 from the factory 5. Mineral deposits from hard water leave spots that need a water softener and a more intensive cycle, and water dripping from the third or upper rack onto the racks below can spot glasses. Soft water with too much detergent etches glassware, so use only 1 tablespoon (15 mL) with soft water. The Delicate option also reduces the likelihood of cloudy glasses.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bosch dishwasher leaves spots, film or cloudy glassware”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Too much or too little rinse aid
What separates it Streaks on glasses and silverware, or spots where the rinse aid ran out
How to confirm Adjust the rinse aid amount: lower it for streaks and raise it for spots
- 2
Hard water mineral deposits
What separates it There are white spots that return after cleaning because of hard water mineral deposits
How to confirm Install a water softener and choose a more intensive cycle
- 3
Too much detergent in soft water
What separates it Permanent cloudiness or etching on glassware and fine china
How to confirm Use 1 tablespoon (15 mL) with soft water and a lower temperature cycle
- 4
Water dripping from an upper rack onto glasses below
What separates it The spots are concentrated under the third or upper rack because water drips from an upper rack onto the glasses below
How to confirm Cups tilted on the fold-down cup shelves reduce pooling; avoid dripping onto lower items
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the marks are streaks, spots or permanent cloudiness
- The rinse aid amount setting and the detergent amount
- Your water hardness and whether a softener is fitted
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedSet the rinse aid amount
ReversibleThe amount can be set from 0 to 6 and the factory setting is 5. Change it only if streaks remain (lower the amount) or if dishes are not drying enough (raise it). Do not fill the dispenser with detergent.
Measure detergent for your water
ReversibleThe dosing table gives 3 tablespoons (45 mL) for hard water or heavy soil and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) with soft water and little soil. The cup has lines for 1 tablespoon and 1.75 tablespoons.
Use the right cycle for glass
ReversibleUse a wash cycle with low temperatures or the Delicate option for glass; the option reduces cloudy glasses. Use a detergent with etch protection.
Clean limescale
ReversibleUse the Bosch descaler a few times a year: add one box to the bottom of the dishwasher and run the hottest, longest cycle, then run another wash cycle.
Check the spray arms and filters
ReversibleClean the filters and check the spray arms for grease and limescale deposits; blocked jets leave unrinsed spots.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Tools and supplies
- A flashlight, towels and a shallow pan, a soft brush and mild soap for the filter, a sponge and a spoon to lift the drain pump cover, Bosch dishwasher cleaner or descaler and a toothpick for spray arm holes. Bosch says debris in the filters and pump can be sharp, so take care removing parts.
- Detergent dosing table
- Hard water or heavy soil: 3 tbsp (45 mL) for Heavy, 1.75 to 3 tbsp for Auto and Normal, 1.75 tbsp for Speed60 and Clean30, none for Rinse. Medium water and soil: 3 tbsp for Heavy, 1.75 tbsp for Auto and Normal, 1 to 1.75 tbsp for the short cycles. Soft water and little soil: 1.75 to 3 tbsp for Heavy and 1 tbsp (15 mL) for the shorter cycles.
- Parts for this problem on the SHXM4AY55N (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- briggs & stratton original equipment 491588s air, part number 491588S, at $8.80.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models SHE3AEM5N, SHE53B75UC, SHS43CF5N, SHP65CM5N, SHP865WD5N, SHP78CM5N, SHX78CM5N, SHV9PCM3N.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If glass is permanently cloudy it is etching and cannot be reversed
- !If spots return after adjusting rinse aid and detergent in a hard water home, fit a softener or use Bosch descaler
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Bosch's own list of dishwasher error codes with the fixes for E15, E18, E22, E24, E25 and E27.
Bosch's own owner-support articles for a dishwasher that will not drain, will not dry or smells.
Bosch's own specification sheet for this model.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why do my glasses have streaks?+
Too much rinse aid causes streaks; lower the amount in the menu.
Why do I get spots?+
Too little rinse aid or hard water mineral deposits.
How much detergent for soft water?+
About 1 tablespoon (15 mL); too much causes etching.
What is the rinse aid range?+
0 to 6, with 5 as the factory setting.
What does the Delicate option do?+
It reduces time and temperature for lightly soiled items and the likelihood of cloudy glasses.
How do I remove limescale?+
Run the Bosch descaler in the hottest, longest cycle a few times a year.
Can I use hand dish soap?+
No. Do not use hand dishwashing products in the dishwasher.
Why is there white residue on the tub?+
Lime scale deposits from hard water; use a dishwasher cleaner every few months.