Samsung Dishwasher Not Cleaning

We need to make sure that you are here because your dishwasher runs but is not cleaning properly, rather than your dishwasher is not starting. If your dishwasher doesn't start, go to this page.

Usually, one of two problems will cause poor cleaning performance:

1. The dishwasher is being improperly used, or
2. The dishwasher is malfunctioning in some way.

We will concentrate on proper use and care in the following list and then go into possible malfunctions or other causes in the following sections. The primary source of these care and use recommendations is Samsung.

Who are these fools, you may ask? WAIT! Before you write this off, note that this is the recommendation of both dishwasher manufacturers and dishwasher detergent manufacturers.

• By all means, scrape off the big chunks (noodles, etc.), but don't try to get the dishes spotless. Dishwasher detergent is designed to work with dirty dishes.
• Further, many units have a soil detector (turbidity sensor) which may be fooled into thinking your dishes are cleaner than they are and stop the cycle early. Speaking of cycles…

• While many of us see picking our cycle as a superior option, the Auto cycle found on many units can do an excellent job while minimizing water and energy use. You should experiment before just dismissing it as a gadget.
• Also, don't be afraid to use the Heavy Cycle for nasty stuff like casserole pans and pots.

You may think it is self-evident how to load a dishwasher, but the designers set it up to be loaded a certain way.

• That's what your owner's manual is for. It will describe how to load the machine.
• It may not consider every odd load you may need to wash, but it will frequently have recommendations from people with a vested interest in your dishwasher performing well.
• Try to load large items to the outside to avoid blocking the spray in the middle of the dishwasher. Face the dirty part of the item to the inside. Make sure pots are loaded with the opening downward so the spray can reach the inside.

Since many dishwashers use unheated drying cycles, they depend on water shedding from the dishes as part of the drying operation. They rely on rinse aid to "aid" with this (lots to do with rinse, you might wonder).

• If you are concerned that your dishes have a chemical residue from the rinse aid, some alternatives rely on natural ingredients. You can also make it yourself.
• Some dishwashers will show a warning light, and others will not take advantage of some cycles if they detect that the rinse aid dispenser is empty.

The temptation to go heavy with the detergent when the dishes are really dirty is strong. Excess detergent often deposits on the dishes, resulting in filmy or foggy dishes.

• Brand changes are a first resort, in preference to pouring in more detergent when things aren't cleaning well.
• Keep in mind that dishwasher detergent, because it does not have to be as gentle as hand dish detergent, is considerably more powerful, and a little goes a long way, especially with water that has the right…(water temperature in case you couldn't guess)

This is quite important, but it takes a little effort to check. Many detergent pods or pacs may not dissolve entirely if the temperature is below 130°F, adversely affecting cleaning.

• The easiest way is to adjust your water heater until the water at your kitchen faucet near the dishwasher registers 120 to 149°F (49 to 65°C); a digital meat thermometer is excellent for checking this.
• Many dishwasher instructions will also recommend that before you run a cycle, you run the water at the faucet closest to your dishwasher until it is hot so the dishwasher doesn't have to try to heat the water.

You can run a cycle (with no dishes and NO detergent) using a dishwasher cleaning product, white vinegar, or citric acid powder. Here is a link to more information from Samsung on cleaning your unit.

Now, we look at the malfunctions that may be taking place. Since the dishwasher runs, the issues will likely be related to getting water on the dishes.