How to Clean Samsung Dishwasher: Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

Last Updated on October 12, 2023

Cleaning dishwashers periodically is essential to guarantee optimal performance. Although almost every dishwasher has a self-cleaning mode, it is sometimes good to do manual cleaning to achieve the required results.

Samsung dishwashers are quite popular, among the best and most sold due to their ease of use and excellent functioning.

However, even though you have bought a premium quality dishwasher, you still need to pay attention to the overall cleaning. If you do not know how to clean your Samsung dishwasher, we have compiled all the information to instruct you during the cleaning process.

If you find that your Samsung dishwasher settings have been inadvertently changed while cleaning, it’s essential to know how to reset your Samsung dishwasher.

How to Clean Samsung Dishwasher? – Complete Guide

No matter how much you care for your dishwasher, its warm and humid surroundings suit bacterial or fungal growth. Also, while cleaning, the food particles collect inside the drain or filter, which must be removed after every use to avoid bad smells and malfunctioning machines.

Other reasons also contribute to making the dishwasher dirty, which requires proper cleaning. Some steps are involved in cleaning, and you must follow them to clean your Samsung dishwasher accurately.

Cleaning your Samsung dishwasher is essential to keep it running efficiently and to ensure your dishes come out sparkling clean.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clean your Samsung dishwasher:

Materials you’ll need

Dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar
Dishwashing soap
Soft cloth or sponge
An old toothbrush or soft brush
A small bowl or container
Baking soda (optional)

Step 1: Safety First

Before cleaning your dishwasher, ensure it’s completely cool and unplugged. Safety should always be a priority when working with appliances.

Step 2: Empty the Dishwasher

Remove all dishes, racks, and utensil baskets from the dishwasher. Check the bottom for any large food debris or foreign objects, and remove them by hand.

Step 3: Clean the Filters

Samsung dishwashers typically have two filters: a coarse and a fine filter. Here’s how to clean them:

Remove the coarse filter:

Twist it counterclockwise and lift it out.
Rinse it under hot running water to remove debris and grease.
Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn particles.

Remove the fine filter

Lift it out and rinse it under hot running water. Be gentle with the fine filter to avoid damaging it.

Step 4: Clean the Spray Arms

The spray arms can become clogged with food particles. Here’s how to clean them:

Remove the lower spray arm: Depending on your dishwasher model, you may need to unscrew a retaining nut or release a clip to remove it. Rinse it under hot water and use a brush to clear any clogs.
Check the upper spray arm: If your dishwasher has an upper spray arm, remove it (if possible) and clean it similarly.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Interior

Use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with warm, soapy water to wipe down the dishwasher’s interior, including the door, walls, and gaskets. Pay attention to areas where debris may accumulate, like the door gasket.

Step 6: Clean the Dishwasher Exterior

Wipe down the dishwasher’s exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Don’t forget the control panel and buttons.

Step 7: Run a Cleaning Cycle

To clean the internal components of your dishwasher thoroughly, you can run a cleaning cycle using a dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar:

Place a dishwasher cleaner tablet or a cup of white vinegar in the dishwasher’s bottom rack.
Run a hot water cycle without any dishes. Consult your dishwasher’s user manual for specific instructions on how to run a cleaning cycle.

Step 8: Baking Soda (Optional)

If your dishwasher still has lingering odors, sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom before running a short, hot water cycle. This can help neutralize odors.

Step 9: Reassemble and Test

After cleaning, reassemble the dishwasher, including the filters and spray arms. Run a short rinse cycle with a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar on the top rack to ensure no residual cleaning agent is left.

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How To Wash the Interior of the Samsung Dishwasher?

Plenty of methods are available to clean the interior of a Samsung dishwasher, which might create confusion about the most reliable method. Some of the effective steps involved in cleaning are mentioned below:

Wipe the inside of the Samsung dishwasher regularly to eliminate dust and debris lingering ahead. Use a wet or microfiber cloth for this purpose.
It is highly recommended to ensure maximum cleaning either by self-cleaning mode or manually.
Also, clean the cutlery pad when you are done using it.
The self-cleaning mode is also effective in addressing the issue of why their dishwasher smells and eliminating any dirty spots from the interior, including the cutlery tray. Dishwasher users often wonder why their dishwasher smell and this self-cleaning feature can help alleviate that concern.
You can turn the cycle on and run the machine without adding detergent.
Take a break in the cycle, add eight ounces of white vinegar to the chamber, and restart the washing cycle.
With the help of a wet piece of cloth, wipe down all the grease. If the deposits are hard to remove, use a small amount of detergent and run another dishwasher cycle to rinse the inside thoroughly.

Important Instructions: Never remove the rubber seal present on the front of the dishwasher if you don’t want to keep the interior open.

How To Clean or Replace the Samsung Dishwasher Filter?

Cleaning or replacing the filter in your Samsung dishwasher is crucial for maintaining its efficiency and ensuring clean dishes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean or replace the filter:

Materials You’ll Need

Soft brush or toothbrush
Warm, soapy water
Replacement filter (if necessary)

Step 1: Safety First

Ensure that the dishwasher is turned off and it’s safe to proceed. You can unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power for added safety.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Rack

Pull out the lower rack of the dishwasher and set it aside. This will give you access to the filter assembly.

Step 3: Access the Filter

In most Samsung dishwashers, the filter assembly is underneath the spray arm at the bottom. Depending on your model, you may need to turn the filter assembly counterclockwise to unlock and remove it. Refer to your dishwasher’s user manual for specific instructions.

Step 4: Clean the Filters

Once you’ve removed the filter assembly, it’s time to clean the filters:

Coarse Filter: This is the first filtration layer and is usually a circular mesh screen. Remove and rinse it under hot running water to remove debris or food particles. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub away stubborn residue.
Fine Filter: Beneath the coarse filter, you’ll find the fine filter. Remove it carefully and rinse it under hot running water. Ensure it’s free of debris, detergent residue, or grease. Use the brush to clean if necessary.

Step 5: Check the Filter Housing

Inspect the filter housing (where the filters sit) for any food particles or buildup. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to clean this area thoroughly.

Step 6: Reassemble the Filters

Place the cleaned coarse and fine filters back into their respective positions in the filter assembly. Make sure they fit securely.

Step 7: Reinstall the Filter Assembly

Insert the filter assembly back into the dishwasher, aligning it correctly. If your dishwasher requires you to turn it clockwise to lock it in place, do so. Refer to your user manual for any specific locking instructions.

Step 8: Replace the Lower Rack

Slide the lower rack back into the dishwasher.

Step 9: Test the Dishwasher

Turn on the dishwasher and run a short rinse cycle to ensure the filters are properly installed and there are no leaks.

Step 10: Replace the Filter (If Necessary)

If your dishwasher filter is damaged or excessively worn and cannot be adequately cleaned, it’s time to replace it. Refer to your dishwasher’s user manual or contact Samsung customer support to find the correct replacement filter for your specific model.

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Cleaning The Exterior Of Samsung Dishwasher

The exterior of your dishwasher should also be cleaned to avoid germs and dust entering inside through the door. Here is the process of washing the outside of your Samsung dishwasher:

Take a microfiber cloth and wipe the control panel softly to clean any dirt or food spills.
It is recommended to use only mild cleaning solutions.
Many electric components are present in the dishwasher, and sprinkling water on the exterior directly will cause huge damage.
If your dishwasher door is made of stainless steel, try a cleaner that doesn’t disrupt the outer surface.

Important Instructions: Avoid using wax, alcohol, benzene, chlorine, or any other chemical for cleaning, as these substances lead to discoloration of the exterior of your Samsung dishwasher.

Remove Debris Deposits From Cabinet

Sometimes, food particles gather in the dishwasher’s cabinets, creating a pungent smell if left untreated for several days.

To remove such particles, use some soft but damp cloth to scrape off them. Or you can turn on the rinse cycle at the maximum temperature inside the empty dishwasher once you have filled the chamber with detergent.

Unclog Nozzle of the Samsung Dishwasher

Usually, the nozzles of the dishwasher get clogged, and you must unclog them to ensure the smooth running of your dishwasher. So, do not ignore any clogged nozzle and try to remove whatever material is blocking them.

To unclog the upper nozzle, remove the rack present above it.
Move it in a counterclockwise direction to detach the cap of the nozzle.
Remove the debris and clean it thoroughly.
Now, put the nozzle back in its position and tighten its cap.
To fix it properly, rotate it by hand.

For fixing the top nozzle:

Look at the holes in the nozzle and try to clear them off.
If the junk materials are present, remove them in the same way as mentioned above by opening the cap.
Take off the cap, pick the nozzle out of the dishwasher, and clean it thoroughly.
Now insert the nozzle back and fix the cap on it.

You can also remove the lower nozzle of the dishwasher for cleaning. It is important to clean all the components of a dishwasher to restore its normal functioning abilities.

Cleaning The Spray Arms

Spray arms are also the part of the dishwasher that requires cleaning to run it efficiently. These steps are involved in cleaning the spray arms of the Samsung dishwasher:

Displace the lower and middle spray arms by loosening the nuts.
Use soap and water to wash the arms and bearings.
With the help of a brush, scrape the hard objects.
Rinse the spray arms and fix them back to their location.

Cleaning The Drain Pump of the Samsung Dishwasher

There are the following ways to clean the drain pump of your dishwasher:

To clean the drain pump, you must check the garbage disposal first to find any faults or clogging.
By running a cycle, all debris will wash away out of the hose.
If air gaps are present and they get blocked, try to clear them. Blocked air gaps prevent water from draining and bring it back into the dishwasher.
To eliminate the obstructions in the drain pump, you can use baking soda or white vinegar. The solution will loosen the large food deposits and make it easy to clean the dishwasher.

If you also want to maintain your oven, learn how to clean a self-cleaning oven in our comprehensive guide.

Final Verdict

Our team of experts suggests cleaning your Samsung dishwasher once a month to normalize the smooth functioning.

Taking care of your dishwasher will take care of your whole kitchen chores and lessen the labor. Use the above-mentioned procedure to clean your dishwasher most efficiently and effectively.