Bosch Serie 8 Washing Machine with i-DOS - Safer Filter Removal Tool

Do you happen to have a Bosch front-loading washing machine? Perhaps a Serie 8 (or similar) with i-DOS?

Have you tried to clean your drainage filter, (behind that circular panel on the lower right of the washer's front) Tried to unscrew the "giant grub screw of plastic construction".. only to find it jammed, or just difficult (if not impossible) to remove by hand?

Are you worried, that you'll break the handle of your filter cap? Then you should absolutely call a professional if it's in warranty. However, if it isn't covered by warranty and/or a pro isn't available....

Then you're not alone, because that is a situation, I'm familiar with.

USEFUL TIP:

Don't use pliers or multigrips... that CRUSHES the plastic handle. You need something that fits snugly into the entire recess around the handle, and distributes the rotational forces/pressure as evenly as possible to minimise damage.

That's what this does.

Now, for the OCD washers who ALWAYS empty the pockets and any plastic sheets/linings found in older reusable shopping bags.. then this might be completely unnecessary.

I am not one of those.

I was disturbed by how easily it could be jammed without much debris at all, so I made a tool that allows me to use a little force to "wiggle and jiggle" any debris that may be stopping the filter screw caps ability to rotate. Or if necessary, use a large adjustable wrench (we call them shifting spanners here in Australia) to apply FORCE WITH EXTREME PREJUDICE... with a reduced (but not eliminated) chance of breaking the handle.

DISCLAIMER:

Now, by supplying the model of this tool, it doesn't mean you're a qualified repair person. I wouldn't do this on my in-laws washing machine, so don't complain to me if things go badly. Get a professional in if you have doubts. I have a washer that's out of warranty, and I'm hoping that this is a somewhat rare situation for Bosch Serie 8 owners... but... this is a "just in case" tool. If you're a professional who often works on Bosch washers, then you might like this tool.

WHY NOT CALL A PRO?

I've had this jammed filter problem twice. The first time, I "improvised" a solution, because we were in the depths of COVID isolation and no one would come. I knew it was risky, but thought about my approach and actions. From that experience, I designed this tool, so for the the second time, I was more prepared and much more confident of a positive outcome.

Both times, it has worked, and I still use the original filter cap. It is lightly scuffed but that's all. (See below).