Dishwasher
E6
The E6 error code on a Miele dishwasher indicates a fault with the aqua sensor — the optical sensor that monitors water clarity during a wash cycle. It’s a moderately serious fault that will prevent the dishwasher from completing cycles, but it’s often fixable at home.
What does this error mean?
The aqua sensor sits in the sump area and measures how dirty the wash water is, telling the dishwasher how long to run each cycle. When Miele displays E6, it means the control board is receiving no signal, an out-of-range signal, or a consistently incorrect reading from this sensor. In practice, this means the machine can’t regulate water usage properly and will stop mid-cycle as a precaution.
Est. repair cost
DIY sensor clean: free. Replacement aqua sensor part: £20–£45. Professional repair (parts + labour): £80–£160.
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: switch it off at the wall, wait 60 seconds, then power back on and start a short cycle. A one-off software glitch can trigger E6 and a reset clears it.
Clean the filters: remove the coarse and fine filters from the base of the dishwasher, rinse them under a hot tap, and scrub away any grease or debris. Refit securely — a loose filter can flood the sump with debris.
Clean the aqua sensor: locate the sensor in the sump area (a small translucent or dark plastic component, usually clipped into place near the filter housing). Gently wipe the lens with a soft cloth dampened with white vinegar to dissolve limescale and grease. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Check and top up salt and rinse aid: ensure the salt reservoir is full (especially important in hard-water areas like the South East and Midlands) and the rinse aid dispenser isn’t empty. Run a full cycle and check if E6 clears.
Run a hot maintenance wash: add a dishwasher cleaner such as Miele’s own descaler or a branded tablet (e.g. Finish Dishwasher Cleaner) and run the hottest cycle available (typically 70°C). This removes limescale and residue that may be affecting sensor accuracy.
If the error persists after all the above, do not attempt to open the base panel or disconnect wiring yourself — call a qualified appliance engineer at this stage.
📞 When to call a professional
If cleaning the sensor and filters and running a descale cycle doesn’t resolve the E6 fault, the aqua sensor itself has likely failed and needs replacing — this involves accessing the sump wiring, which is best left to a qualified appliance engineer. Contact a Miele-approved service engineer or a reputable local appliance repair technician and tell them: ‘My Miele dishwasher is showing error code E6, I’ve cleaned the filters and aqua sensor, and the fault persists.’ This helps them arrive with the correct replacement part.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional aqua sensor replacement on a Miele dishwasher typically costs £80–£160 including parts and labour — Miele parts are pricier than budget brands, but the machines are built to last 20+ years. If your machine is under 10 years old, repair is almost always the better value. If it’s over 12–14 years old and this isn’t the first fault, compare repair cost against a new mid-range Miele (from around £700) and consider replacement.