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Samsung Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly? Try This

Dishes coming out of your Samsung dishwasher but still dirty? Here are the most common causes and how to fix them yourself.

Last Updated: February 28, 2025 by HAF Experts

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If your Samsung dishwasher finishes a cycle but dishes are still dirty, it’s really annoying. Specially if it used to clean fine before.

Good thing is, most of the time it’s not a big repair. Just small things you can fix yourself.

Go step by step before you call anyone.

1. Clean the Spray Arms

The Samsung dishwasher spray arms have tiny holes that spray water on dishes. Over time food bits and hard water block those holes. Then water pressure becomes weak.

Take the spray arms out carefully. Hold them under light and check the holes. If blocked, use a toothpick or thin pin to clean them. Rinse well and put back.

After putting back, spin them with hand. They should move freely. If stuck, adjust them.

2. Check the Detergent

Old detergent does not clean good. If pods sit in humidity, they don’t dissolve proper.

Only use dishwasher detergent. Never dish washing liquid, it makes too much foam.

Also fill the rinse aid. Many people ignore it but it helps a lot with spots and drying. If dishes are very dirty, use the pre-wash section too. Small thing but it helps.

Warning: Never use dish soap. It creates too much foam and can overflow.

3. Load Dishes the Right Way

Loading is important. If dishes are too tight, water can’t reach everywhere.

Keep space between plates and bowls. Face dirty side towards center and down.

Before closing door, spin the spray arm once. If it hits something, rearrange. Simple check but makes big difference.

Tip: Run the kitchen tap until hot before starting the dishwasher.

4. Make Sure Water Is Hot

Samsung dishwashers need hot water to clean grease. If water is cold, cleaning will be weak.

Before starting, run kitchen tap until water gets hot. Then start the machine.

Water heater should be around 120°F (49°C). Too low temperature can cause poor cleaning.

5. Remove Hard Water Buildup

If you live in hard water area, minerals build up inside the Samsung dishwasher. This lowers spray power and leaves white marks on glasses.

Run empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner once every month.

You can also put two cups white vinegar in a bowl on bottom rack and run empty cycle.

If buildup is heavy, repeat once more.

Note: Hard water can slowly reduce cleaning performance over time.

6. Check the Door Seal

The rubber seal around door keeps water inside. If damaged, pressure can drop little bit.

Look around the full edge. Check for cracks, gaps, or dirt stuck there.

If seal looks worn out, replacing it is not expensive and not very hard.


We really hope that these steps help you fix the issue with out Samsung dishwasher. If not, we are just a call away. Book a service now.

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