Samsung Dishwasher: not cleaning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Samsung dishwasher leaving dishes dirty or covered in food residue after a cycle? This frustrating issue may stem from clogged spray arms, a dirty filter, or improper loading. Ensure optimal cleaning by addressing these common problems.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Samsung Models

  • Some Samsung models use a waterwall or distributor system; failure of specific motors (e.g., waterwall vane motor) can affect cleaning in specific areas.

Possible Causes

Clogged or obstructed spray arms

How to Identify: Water not spraying strongly; dishes near spray arms are dirtier; spray arms do not spin freely or holes are filled with debris.

Part: Spray arms (upper and lower)

Clogged or dirty filter

How to Identify: Food particles visible in filter; slow draining; dirty water remaining at bottom; repeated dirty dishes.

Part: Dishwasher filter assembly

Improper loading and cycle settings

How to Identify: Overloaded racks; items blocking spray arms; improper cycle selected for soil level.

Part: User loading and settings

Insufficient water supply/temperature

How to Identify: Low water pressure; water feels not hot enough; may hear slow fill; dishes not cleaned especially upper rack.

Part: Water inlet valve, home hot water supply

Detergent or rinse aid issues

How to Identify: Poor detergent dissolve; old or low-quality detergent; no rinse aid leading to spots and poor cleaning.

Part: Detergent dispenser

Faulty circulation pump or motor

How to Identify: No strong water spray; machine fills but does not circulate water; humming noise from pump.

Part: Circulation pump and motor

Failed or blocked water inlet valve

How to Identify: Dishwasher not filling adequately despite water supply; slow fill times.

Part: Water inlet valve

DIY Solutions

Clean spray arms

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: toothpick or small wire, soft brush, warm water
  1. Remove upper and lower spray arms.
  2. Inspect all holes for debris and clear clogs with a toothpick or small wire.
  3. Rinse spray arms under warm water to flush out remaining debris.
  4. Reinstall spray arms ensuring they spin freely.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher is off before removing parts.

Clean filter assembly

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: warm water, soft brush
  1. Locate the filter at the bottom of dishwasher.
  2. Remove and rinse filter under running water.
  3. Use a soft brush to dislodge trapped food particles.
  4. Reinstall filter securely.

Adjust loading and cycle selection

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Unload and reload dishes avoiding overcrowding.
  2. Ensure large items don’t block spray arms.
  3. Select appropriate wash cycle based on soil level and detergent recommendations.

Check water temperature and supply

Easy 5–15 minutes
Tools Needed: thermometer
  1. Run hot water faucet near dishwasher before starting cycle.
  2. Check that water heater is set to ~120°F.
  3. Ensure water inlet valve under sink is fully open.

Use fresh quality detergent and rinse aid

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Replace old detergent with high-quality dishwasher detergent.
  2. Add rinse aid to dishwasher dispenser.
  3. Follow dosage instructions for water hardness and soil level.

Professional Repairs

Replace circulation pump or motor

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher does not circulate water after clearing clogs
Water fill issues persist after basic checks
Unusual noises from pump or mechanical parts
Electronic errors displayed indicating internal faults

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter: Clog buildup leading to poor cleaning
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect and clean spray arms: Spray arm clogs that reduce water distribution
    Frequency: every 2–3 months
  • Run dishwasher cleaning cycle (e.g., vinegar): Mineral buildup and odors
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung Dishwasher not cleaning?
Common causes include clogged spray arms, dirty filters, or improper loading.
How do I fix Samsung Dishwasher not cleaning myself?
Clean spray arms and filter, adjust loading, and check water supply.
How much does it cost to fix not cleaning?
Professional repairs for circulation pump or water inlet valve range from $50 to $400.
When should I call a technician for not cleaning?
If DIY fixes fail or if issues persist, consider professional help to avoid further complications.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged or obstructed water supply (2 mentions)
  • Ineffective detergent usage (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Raising the drain pipe improved cleaning performance.

    Success rate: 17.0%

  2. Running a dishwasher cleaner through it may help clear out water ducts and sprayers.

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

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

  1. Help with a Samsung DMT800RHS dishwasher not cleaning well
  2. Samsung Dishwasher - detergent and soap left after cycle
  3. Could snapped tabs be the cause of my dirty dish woes?
  4. samsung dishwasher - not cleaning dishes

Community Discussions

not cleaning well

Raising the drain pipe improved cleaning performance.

DIY View on Reddit →

not cleaning dishes

Running a dishwasher cleaner through it may help clear out water ducts and sprayers.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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