How to clean my Samsung dishwasher

An image of a Samsung dishwasher.

It's essential to regularly clean and maintain your dishwasher. This not only keeps it running efficiently but also helps prevent costly repairs over time. Read on for more guidance on everyday upkeep, routine wipe-downs and deep cleaning methods to keep your dishwasher in top shape.

Please note: Do not use bleach in a dishwasher with a stainless-steel interior (which most Samsung dishwashers have). This may damage or discolour the interior.

To clean the exterior, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe down the door and the control panel and remove any stains.

To clean the interior, remove all contents and place an 8oz cup of distilled white vinegar upright in the lower basket. Press the Sanitise button to run a Sanitise cycle (this feature is not available when running Delicate and Rinse Only cycles). Many dishwasher models also have a Self Clean cycle that you can use as well. To check if your model has this cycle and instructions on how to run it if it does, check your user manual.

For specific instructions for nozzles, filters and the drain pump, see the following sections.

Please note: Rinsing your dishes of the biggest food debris before putting them in the dishwasher can help prevent the filter and drain area from needing to be cleaned as frequently.

Before starting a deep clean, consider starting with a routine cleaning by following the steps outlined in the previous section.

  • For a thorough deep clean, remove the nozzles and filter and soak them overnight in distilled white vinegar.
  • This helps break down built-up mineral deposits and grime and can also eliminate unpleasant odours.

It is important to regularly clean nozzles to ensure they can rotate smoothly and spray water through each of their holes. If any of the nozzles’ holes are blocked, this negatively affects cleaning performance and food particles may remain stuck to dishes.

1.      Remove any racks that are blocking access to the nozzle.

2.      Turn the nozzle cap anticlockwise to unfasten it, then remove the upper nozzle.

3.      Thoroughly clean the nozzle with a small brush (like a dishwashing brush or an old toothbrush). Allow the nozzle to soak overnight in distilled white vinegar and rinse it by running water through the nozzle, making sure water can easily pass through the nozzle’s holes.

4.      Insert the nozzle and then fasten the nozzle cap by turning it clockwise. Check if the nozzle is correctly attached by rotating it.

Please note: The steps here are the most common and apply to many models, but if they don't match yours, then refer to your user manual for instructions specific to your model. 

It is important to keep the filter and drain area clean and clean it whenever debris accumulates. This will correct clogged filter errors like 1E (often mistaken for IE) and can also help prevent other issues before they happen, like drain errors or odour.

The following steps cover multiple filter variants. If none of the variants listed here match your model, refer to your user manual for the correct steps.

Please note: After cleaning, the filter must be reassembled correctly, or it may cause errors and other issues on the dishwasher, like drain or overflow issues.

Models with a fine filter

Some dishwasher models have a fine filter which provides extra protection. You will have to remove the filter insert and the fine filter and clean them both.

1 Turn off the dishwasher and open the door.
2 Unfasten the filter by rotating it anticlockwise.
Image showing how to unfasten the fine filter.
3 Remove the filter by lifting it upward.
Image showing how to remove the fine filter.
4 Remove dirt and other debris from the filter and rinse it in running water. Use a small brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub off any debris.
5 Reassemble the filter in reverse order, starting with the filter insert. Rotate it clockwise until it is secure.
Image showing how to reassemble the filter.

Models with a micro filter

1 Turn off the dishwasher and open the door. Remove the lower rack.
2 Turn the filter handle anticlockwise to unlock and remove the filter cover. Remove the micro filter from underneath.
Image showing how to remove the filter cover.
3 Remove dirt and debris from the micro filter and filter cover, rinsing both in running water. Use a small brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub off any debris.
4 Thoroughly dry both items.
5 Reinsert the filter and filter cover. Turn the filter handle clockwise to lock it.
Image showing how to lock the filter handle in place.

Models with no removable filter

1 Wipe down the entire interior of the dishwasher, including the drain area. With a wet dishcloth, wipe away food particles or debris.
2 Fill the soap dispenser with dish soap. Run the dishwasher while it is empty using a Normal cycle.
3 If the dishwasher is able to drain, this process will help clear away any remaining debris.

On certain dishwasher models, the drain pump can be reached when the drain filter is removed. If debris accumulates in the drain pump, the dishwasher may not drain properly or make unusual noises. If this is the case, the drain pump should be removed and cleaned.

Not every model has a removable drain pump. If your dishwasher has one, then steps for cleaning it can be found in your user manual. 

Thank you for your feedback!