Dishwasher won’t start or turn on (Bosch, Beko & Miele)
✅ Safe to check yourself
This is a common, low-risk check most people can do safely. Always unplug the appliance (or isolate power) before touching internal parts.
Quick TipTake a photo of the appliance's model/serial number sticker now — you'll want it if this does end up needing a part or an engineer.
A dishwasher that’s completely dead — no lights, no response to any button — is usually a power or door-latch issue rather than an internal fault, and worth ruling out before assuming the worst.
What to check first
- Check the door is closing and latching fully — most dishwashers have a safety interlock that stops the machine starting (or displaying anything) if the door isn’t properly shut, and this can be triggered by an overfull top rack pushing against the door.
- Check the socket the dishwasher is plugged into with another appliance, and check any fuse in the plug itself (UK plugs have a replaceable fuse — a blown fuse is a common, harmless-to-check cause).
- Check your consumer unit/fuse box for a tripped circuit breaker, especially if other kitchen sockets have also lost power.
- If the dishwasher is on a timer plug or smart socket, check that isn’t the reason it appears “off”.
When to call an engineer
If power, the door latch, and your home’s circuit are all fine and there’s still no response at all, the door interlock switch itself or the machine’s main control board may have failed — this needs a professional diagnosis.