Blakeslee Commercial Dishwasher Signal: Self-Cleaning, Remove Filters

What does Blakeslee SELF-CLEANING: REMOVE FILTERS AND PRESS START mean?

The machine reminds the operator when a self-cleaning cycle is due. The display shows SELF-CLEANING: REMOVE FILTERS AND PRESS START. The filters must be out for the self-cleaning cycle to flush the tank properly, and Start begins the cycle. The manual lists this under Signals and gives the action in the text itself: remove the filters and press Start. When the cycle ends, SELF-CLEANING CYCLE OVER appears. It is a maintenance prompt, so nothing is wrong with the machine. Postponing it lets food residue build in the tank and filters, which can cause poor results later and slow draining. The prompt can reappear if the filters were not removed, the cycle was interrupted before it finished, or Start was not pressed. In a kitchen that washes heavy loads, the cleaning is easy to put off at the end of a long night, but the filters and tank are where food collects first, and a clean start the next morning protects both wash quality and drain flow. The cycle takes a short while, so it is best begun when the machine is not needed.

Affected models and control systems

Blakeslee D-18D / D-18V digital-control hood-type dishwasher. The manual's cover prints D-19 L and D-19 LRS and names no D-18 model, so the signal list is read as covering this hood-type family.

Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.

What you may notice

• SELF-CLEANING: REMOVE FILTERS AND PRESS START on the display
• The machine will not wash until the prompt is answered
• SELF-CLEANING CYCLE OVER at the end
• Prompt returns after an interrupted cycle

Possible causes

Likely causes — what usually sits behind SELF-CLEANING: REMOVE FILTERS AND PRESS START on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.

• The machine requires a self-cleaning cycle
• Self-cleaning cycle interrupted before it finished
• Filters left in place when Start was pressed
• Cycle never started because Start was not pressed

Safe checks before calling for service

How a technician diagnoses SELF-CLEANING: REMOVE FILTERS AND PRESS START

1. Confirm the signal and when the last cycle ran.
2. Run the self-cleaning cycle and watch it complete.
3. Check tank level, drain and fill during the cycle.
4. Check the filters and tank for residue.
5. Verify the prompt clears.

How SELF-CLEANING: REMOVE FILTERS AND PRESS START differs from similar codes

This is a maintenance signal. The B and E codes on the same machine are failure alarms.

Technical reference

Document

Instructions for Use and Maintenance (USA), cover prints D-19 L / D-19 LRS; published on blakesleeinc.com Spec Sheets & Manuals page as 'D-18D / D-18V User Manual'

Maker documentation

Blakeslee owner support

Edition

COD. 3100ET_U, Ed. 06 - 09/2018

Models / control

Digital-control hood-type dishwasher (Blakeslee D-18D / D-18V; the PDF itself prints D-19 L, D-19 LRS on the cover and names no D-18 model)

Section

Chapter 8.1 Signals (p. 39)

Checked

October 2026

We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.