Hello mdryja I just got my dw and I use party wash and it is shorter. I use it the most because we don't always have a full load but do need to wash because after a couple of days things get stinky. Things come out fine. I do run the water in the sink to make it hot before I start the dw. The repair man suggested that-he came to fix the first one which was changed out for this one. Haven't used the sanitize option. also just got a new washer and dryer so learning everything about these appliances is a little time consuming.

There are adjustment screws for the door panel located in the front, by the feet (look at the install manual). You can temporarily loosen the tension, and then tighten again when the panel is applied. It should be in your install kit. Otherwise, as Whit461 points out, it will not stay down properly. You can probably just use some colored plastic with velcro strips if the grey color disturbs you, or you can order a stainless panel from Bosch (their web site sells parts and accessories directly).

Thanks @whirlpooltrainee & @nerdyshopper. I made an appointment with a tech from a Bosch-affiliated shop coming by at the end of this week. In the meantime, I had my regular repair guy (who'd cleared the problem last time) and he said it should have been high-looped (which is what the installation manual says as well). So he made that fix and reset the machine so that it works. But he also indicated that there was water collecting at the bottom of the tub and that he thought the control panel was wonky. I'm keeping the Bosch warranty appointment for this week to make sure that I get it fully checked by an expert.

Thank you. It's right next to the sink and it looks pretty straight forward. I am not at the condo, so I can't take pictures. I have a one-day window to get this installed before I have to leave again so want to be covered - what parts would you recommend just to be safe if you don't mind?