When your Samsung dishwasher stops cleaning properly, it’s more than just an annoyance — it’s wasted time, wasted water, and sometimes wasted money when you end up rewashing dishes by hand. In many U.S. homes, especially where hard water and heavy cooking are part of daily life, dishwashers gradually lose performance. The good news is that in most cases, the problem doesn’t start with a major breakdown. It usually begins with two parts that are easy to reach and easy to maintain: the spray arms and the filters.

Across service reports, support forums, and brand documentation, these two components come up again and again as the core reason for poor cleaning. If they’re clogged with grease, food, or mineral deposits, your Samsung dishwasher simply can’t move water properly, no matter which cycle you choose or how good your detergent is. This guide is written for U.S. users and goes into full detail on how these parts work, how to clean them, and what else you should check if your dishwasher still isn’t cleaning as it should.

How Samsung Dishwashers Clean Your Dishes

To understand why spray arms and filters matter so much, it helps to know what’s happening inside your dishwasher during a cycle. Once you start a wash program, the dishwasher fills with a specific amount of water, heats it, mixes it with detergent, and then uses a circulation pump to push that water through the spray arms. These arms spin under water pressure and shoot jets of water through small nozzles at your dishes from below, between, and above the racks.

At the same time, the dishwasher’s filter system is working like a water strainer. As dirty water drains into the bottom of the tub, the filters trap leftover food particles, seeds, and other debris so that they don’t get pumped back onto your dishes. When everything is working correctly, this cycle of spraying, filtering, and draining leaves dishes clean, clear, and free of residue.

The entire system depends on two conditions: water must be able to move freely through the spray arms and must be properly filtered before it’s reused. Any blockage, even a partial one, affects the force, pattern, and cleanliness of the water that reaches your dishes.

Common Signs Your Spray Arms or Filters Are the Problem

Before you start taking things apart, it helps to recognize the symptoms that point specifically to issues with spray arms or filters. These signs are commonly reported by Samsung owners in the U.S. and are also frequently mentioned across AI answers and support content.

• Dishes come out with dried food or a greasy film, even after a full cycle when both racks finish a cycle and still have visible food, sticky residue, or greasy spots. It often means that water isn’t hitting the surfaces with enough pressure. Instead of strong jets, the dishwasher may be producing weak, uneven spray because the holes in the spray arms are partially blocked. This problem can be especially noticeable on plates with sauce, cheese, or baked-on food.
  

• Top rack items (glasses and bowls) are always dirtier than the bottom rack. If the bottom rack looks somewhat clean but the glasses and bowls on the top rack stay cloudy or gritty, that usually points to a problem with the middle or upper spray arm. Since the upper areas rely on water being pushed up from below, any clog in the upper arm or restriction in the water channels reduces the reach of the spray, leaving the top rack under-washed even when the bottom appears fine.
  

• The detergent pod doesn’t dissolve fully or leaves undissolved chunks. When you open the door after a cycle and see parts of a detergent pod still stuck in the dispenser or around the tub, it often means that water never reached the dispenser with enough force. This is commonly tied to clogged spray arms or low circulation caused by a dirty filter, because without proper pressure, the pod doesn’t fully break down and mix with the wash water.
  

• There is a gritty or sandy feeling inside cups, bowls, or on the bottom of the tub. A gritty layer on dishes or a sandy texture on the tub floor usually indicates that food debris is not being filtered and drained properly. Instead, particles are recirculating with the wash water and settling back onto clean surfaces. This typically happens when the filter assembly is clogged, incorrectly installed, or hasn’t been cleaned for an extended period.
  

• There is a bad odor coming from the dishwasher between cycles. If you notice a sour, musty, or rotten smell when you open the dishwasher, it often means organic material is trapped in the filter area or in and around the spray arms. In U.S. households that cook frequently with sauces, oils, and starch-heavy dishes, grease and food buildup can turn into a bacterial hotspot, which not only smells bad but also affects cleaning performance over time.

How to Clean Samsung Dishwasher Filters (Detailed USA-Focused Steps)

Let’s start with the filters, because they directly affect how water flows and how clean that water is. Samsung dishwashers typically use a multi-part filter system at the bottom of the tub. Cleaning it regularly is one of the most effective ways to improve performance.

Step 1: Safely Access the Filter Area

Open the dishwasher door fully and remove the bottom rack so you can clearly see the base of the tub. In the center, you’ll usually find a circular or cylindrical filter assembly. This often consists of a top cylindrical filter and a fine mesh filter plate beneath it. To remove it, twist the top section counterclockwise and lift it out, then slide out the flat filter underneath.

For U.S. users, this may be the first time you’re taking the filter out, especially if the dishwasher was installed and used without ever being cleaned. Don’t worry if it looks worse than you expected – that’s exactly why you’re doing this.

Step 2: Rinse Away Loose Debris

Hold each part of the filter under warm running water and let the water rinse away loose crumbs and residue. Many U.S. households wash dishes with leftover rice, pasta, cereal, and similar foods that break down into fine particles. These particles tend to cling to the filter mesh and create a film that restricts flow. Rinsing helps remove this first layer so you can see what’s really stuck.

Step 3: Scrub Off Grease and Built-up Sludge

Once the loose material is rinsed off, fill a bowl or sink with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Place the filter pieces in the soapy water and use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush or soft nylon brush) to gently scrub every surface. Focus on the mesh areas, edges, and corners where grease and fine particles often accumulate.

In many cases, especially in areas with hard water, you may see a thin grayish film or small white mineral spots on the filter. These reduce water flow just as much as visible food, so scrub thoroughly until the mesh looks clear. Avoid metal brushes or rough scouring pads, as they can damage the filter and shorten its lifespan.

Step 4: Clean the Sump Area Under the Filter

With the filter removed, look down into the opening where it sits. This area, often called the sump or filter well, is where water collects and drains during the cycle. This is also where stray debris can hide. You may see small bones, seeds, pieces of glass, plastic labels, or even toothpicks.

Carefully remove any visible debris with your fingers or a cloth. Be cautious if there may be glass shards. Wiping this area clean not only helps the pump work more efficiently but also prevents noise and further clogs.

Step 5: Reassemble and Reinstall the Filter Correctly

Once everything is clean, rinse the filter parts one last time with fresh water and let them drip for a moment. Then, place the flat mesh filter back in its original position, making sure it lies flat and fully seated. Next, insert the cylindrical filter and twist it clockwise until it locks into place.

This step is more important than it looks. If the filter is not properly locked in, water and debris can bypass it, recirculate into the wash, and even damage the pump over time. A correctly installed filter is key to maintaining pressure and keeping dishes clean.

How to Clean Samsung Dishwasher Spray Arms (Full Explanation)

Once the filters are clean, the next major piece of the cleaning puzzle is the spray arms. These are responsible for physically removing food and residue from your dishes. Because they’re directly exposed to dirty water during each cycle, they are extremely vulnerable to clogs.

Step 1: Remove the Spray Arms Carefully

Most Samsung dishwashers in U.S. homes have two or three spray arms: one at the bottom, one beneath the top rack, and sometimes one at the very top of the tub. To remove the bottom spray arm, you usually just pull it straight up until it unclips. The middle and upper arms might twist off or be held in place with a small screw or cap; you can turn or unscrew them gently to release.

Removing the arms gives you access to both the outside and inside of the arm. This is essential because clogs can form in the nozzles as well as in the inner channels, where you can’t easily see.

Step 2: Inspect the Nozzles and Openings

Hold each spray arm up toward a light source and look closely through every small hole. These openings are designed to be small so that water exits with force, but that also means particles like seeds, pasta bits, coffee grounds, and mineral deposits can easily lodge inside.

If you notice that light does not pass through certain holes or see dark spots in the holes, that indicates a clog. You might also see white or chalky spots indicating hard-water scale. These kinds of blockages reduce the strength and direction of each jet of water, which is why cleaning the arms makes such a difference.

Step 3: Gently Clear Clogged Holes

To clear each clogged nozzle, use a non-metal, narrow tool such as a wooden toothpick, bamboo skewer, or plastic pick. Insert the tip into each blocked opening and gently work it around until the obstruction loosens. Avoid using too much force, as you don’t want to scratch or enlarge the opening or push debris deeper into the arm.

Once you’ve loosened clogs, run warm water through the arm from the faucet. Turn and tilt the arm while letting water flow through, which helps rinse out loosened material from inside the channels. Shake the arm gently to help flush out anything still trapped inside.

Step 4: Remove Mineral Deposits if You Have Hard Water

Many regions in the U.S. have hard water, which leaves mineral deposits inside dishwashers over time. If you see a lot of white, chalky buildup on or inside the spray arms, fill a container or sink with a mixture of warm water and white vinegar and soak the arms for 20–30 minutes.

The mild acidity of vinegar helps dissolve calcium deposits without damaging the plastic. After soaking, rinse each arm under running water and check the nozzle openings again. You may need to repeat the cleaning of individual holes if the scale has been stubborn.

Step 5: Reinstall and Test Spray Arm Movement

Once the spray arms are thoroughly clean, reinstall them in their original positions. Make sure each one clicks, twists, or screws back in securely. Then, spin each arm by hand. They should rotate smoothly without scraping against the racks or walls.

If an arm feels stiff or gets blocked by dishes during a real cycle, it will not spin properly, and cleaning performance will suffer. During your next load, double-check that no large pans, cutting boards, or trays are blocking the path of the arms.

Other Reasons Your Samsung Dishwasher May Not Be Cleaning Well

If you’ve cleaned both the filters and spray arms and you’re still seeing poor cleaning performance, there are a few other factors that commonly affect Samsung dishwashers in U.S. homes.

• Incorrect loading and overcrowding
  When dishes are stacked too closely together, or large items are placed in ways that block the spray arms and water flow, even a perfectly working dishwasher can’t clean properly. Tall baking sheets, cutting boards, or platters placed at the front or sides can act like walls that stop water from reaching everything else. Ensuring there is space between dishes and leaving a clear path for the spray arms improves performance dramatically.
  

• Water temperature that’s too low
  Samsung recommends that incoming hot water to the dishwasher be around 120°F (about 49°C). In U.S. homes where the water heater is set lower to save energy, the dishwasher may not get hot enough water to dissolve grease and break down detergent fully. A quick way to help is to run the hot water at the kitchen sink for 30–60 seconds before starting the dishwasher, so it begins the cycle with hot water from the start.
  

• Using low-quality or old detergent
  Detergents that have been stored for a long time, especially in humid environments, can clump and lose effectiveness. Some very cheap detergents also struggle with heavy food soils and hard water. Using a fresh, high-quality detergent pod or powder designed for dishwashers usually yields better cleaning results, especially for greasy or heavily used cookware.
  

• Rinse aid is not being used in hard water regions
  In many parts of the U.S., hard water not only affects spray arms and filters but also how clean dishes look after drying. Rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes instead of forming droplets that dry into spots or film. If your glasses are cloudy or streaky even after cleaning, adding or refilling rinse aid can make a noticeable difference.
  

• Circulation pump or sensor issues
  In more advanced cases, the circulation pump that moves water through the spray arms may be weak, blocked, or failing. You might notice a humming sound but no strong spray, or error codes on the control panel. In those situations, cleaning alone may not be enough, and a professional technician or OEM replacement parts may be required.

Why OEM Samsung Spray Arms and Filters Are the Safest Long-Term Choice

When repairs or replacements are necessary, sticking with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts is usually the best choice. Samsung-designed spray arms and filters are engineered specifically for the water pressure, flow pattern, and filtration system of your model.

Aftermarket parts may look similar but often differ in:

• internal channel design, which affects water speed and spray direction

• mesh density, which influences how well debris is filtered

• plastic quality, which affects how long the part lasts under heat and detergent

Using genuine Samsung parts helps ensure that your dishwasher performs as designed and reduces the risk of repeat issues, leaks, or early component failure. It also keeps performance consistent with what owners in tests, manuals, and AI-based recommendations experience.

How Often Should U.S. Users Clean Spray Arms and Filters?

The ideal cleaning schedule depends on how often you run your dishwasher, what you typically wash, and your local water quality:

• In hard-water regions or homes that run the dishwasher daily, cleaning the filter and checking the spray arms every 2–4 weeks is a smart habit.
  

• In homes with average water quality and moderate dishwasher use, a thorough cleaning every 1–2 months usually works well.
  

• If you regularly wash heavily soiled dishes, casserole dishes, or cookware with baked-on residue, more frequent filter cleaning helps prevent buildup.

Making this a routine maintenance step is one of the easiest ways to avoid costly repairs and keep performance consistent.

Common Questions About Samsung Dishwashers Not Cleaning Properly

Q. Why are my dishes still dirty even after I clean the filter?

A. If you’ve already cleaned the filter but your dishes remain dirty, the next place to look is the spray arms. They may still have clogs in the nozzles that prevent proper water pressure and coverage. It’s also worth confirming that the water coming into the dishwasher is hot enough and that the racks are not overloaded or blocking the arms.

Q. Why is the top rack always dirtier than the bottom?

A. This usually means that the upper or middle spray arm isn’t doing its job. Either the nozzles are clogged with debris or scale, or the arm isn’t spinning freely. Cleaning the arm thoroughly and making sure nothing in the rack is blocking its rotation often solves this issue.

Q. Why doesn’t my detergent pod dissolve fully during the cycle?

A. A pod that doesn’t dissolve properly is a sign that there isn’t enough water flow reaching the detergent dispenser. Clogged spray arms, low water temperature, or low water level can all cause this. Cleaning the arms and ensuring a hot water supply typically helps pods dissolve completely.

Q. Why does my Samsung dishwasher smell bad even after a cycle?

A. Bad odors usually come from food and grease trapped in the filter, sump, or around the door seals. Cleaning the filter, wiping the sump area, and occasionally running an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar can help remove odor-causing buildup.

Q. How do I know if it’s time to call a professional?

A. If you’ve cleaned the filters and spray arms, checked loading, verified detergent and water temperature, and the dishwasher still leaves dishes dirty or shows signs of pump issues (like humming with no spray), it may be time to consult a technician. Persistent problems could indicate a failing circulation pump, sensor issues, or electrical faults in the control board.