Samsung Dishwasher: not cleaning properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are your dishes coming out dirty from your Samsung dishwasher? If you notice food residue, spots, or incomplete cleaning after a full cycle, you're not alone. This common issue can stem from clogged filters, improper loading, or ineffective detergent use. Discover how to restore your dishwasher’s cleaning power with simple DIY solutions or professional repairs.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Samsung Models

  • Some Samsung models rely on a heating element to heat wash water; failure may reduce cleaning.

Possible Causes

Clogged or dirty filter

How to Identify: Slow draining, visible food debris on dishes, bad odors, filter visibly clogged

Part: Dishwasher filter

Improper loading blocking water flow

How to Identify: Large items block spray arms, dishes shielded from water jets

Part: User loading arrangement

Detergent dispenser issues or poor detergent choice

How to Identify: Detergent not dissolving fully, detergent residue left, dispenser not opening properly

Part: Detergent dispenser/detergent type

Low water temperature

How to Identify: Greasy residue, dishes not sanitized, water below ~120°F at start

Part: Water heater/ dishwasher heater

Faulty circulation or heating element

How to Identify: Dishwasher runs but no pressure or water heating, consistent poor cleaning across cycles

Part: Circulation pump/heating element

DIY Solutions

Clean the dishwasher filter

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, old toothbrush
  1. Turn off and open dishwasher
  2. Remove lower rack and take out filter
  3. Rinse filter under running water and scrub debris with brush
  4. Reinstall filter and run a rinse cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before handling internal parts

Clean spray arms

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver (if needed), toothpick or small brush, warm water
  1. Remove spray arms according to manual
  2. Rinse under warm water and clear holes using brush or toothpick
  3. Check that arms spin freely and reinstall
  4. Run an empty cycle to flush out debris
⚠️ Safety First: Be careful not to damage plastic spray arms

Correct dish loading

Easy per load
  1. Do not overcrowd dishes
  2. Place large items properly so they do not block spray arms
  3. Ensure open ends of bowls face spray
  4. Distribute items evenly on racks

Use proper detergent and loading steps

Easy per load
  1. Use high quality detergent appropriate for water hardness
  2. Place detergent properly in dispenser
  3. Do not overuse rinse aid or detergent pods incorrectly

Increase water temperature

Moderate 5-10 minutes to adjust water heater
  1. Ensure home water heater is set to at least 120°F/49°C
  2. Run dishwasher on a hot cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid burns from hot water

Professional Repairs

Replace circulation pump or heating element

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300 for parts

Professional inspection for internal blockages or faults

Estimated Cost: $80 - $150 labor (varies)

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher continues to not clean despite filter and spray arm cleaning
Dishwasher displays error codes indicating pump or heating issues
Water does not heat or there is no spray pressure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter: Clogs that cause poor cleaning
    Frequency: monthly
  • Clean spray arms: Spray jet blockage and uneven cleaning
    Frequency: monthly or bi-monthly
  • Run maintenance cycles with dishwasher cleaner: Mineral build-up and grease deposits
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung Dishwasher not cleaning properly?
Common causes include clogged filters, improper loading, and detergent issues.
How do I fix Samsung Dishwasher not cleaning properly myself?
Clean the filter, spray arms, and ensure proper loading and detergent use.
How much does it cost to fix not cleaning properly?
Professional repairs range from $80 to $300 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not cleaning properly?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't work or if internal blockages are suspected.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Motor/valve failure affecting water pressure to spray arms (1 mentions)
  • Broken door seal (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace broken door baffle (part DD69-00017A)

    Success rate: 17.0%

  2. Check and possibly replace motor/valve for water pressure issues

    Success rate: 17.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Why are Samsung Dishwashers soo bad?
  2. Samsung dishwasher leaving dishes dirty.
  3. Samsung Dishwasher seal broken (the one attached to door)
  4. Samsung washing machine leaves dishes dirty.

Community Discussions

dishes not coming out clean, broken seal

The door baffle part DD69-00017A is the correct part to replace the broken seal.

DIY View on Reddit →

leaving dishes dirty, not fully cleaning dishes, leaving sprayed on food particles

Possible motor/valve failure affecting water pressure to spray arms.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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