A dishwasher cleans dishes by recirculating water, and the filter keeps food from recirculating with it. When the filter loads up, the water has less force and the smell comes next. A short routine each month keeps a Samsung dishwasher working as designed.
The filter
- Remove the lower rack.
- Twist and lift the filter out of the floor of the tub, following the arrows on the filter.
- Rinse under warm running water and scrub the mesh with a soft brush.
- Check the area under the filter for glass or a bone fragment, then reseat it fully so it clicks.
The spray arms
Take off the arms and look at the small holes. Mineral deposits and seeds block them, and a blocked arm leaves a patch of dishes dirty. Clear holes with a toothpick and rinse the arm before refitting.
The door seal and edges
Wipe the gasket and the lip of the tub where residue collects. A film here causes odor and, in time, can mark the seal.
Habits that help
- Scrape plates but do not rinse them thoroughly; sensors rely on soil to set the cycle.
- Let the kitchen tap run hot for a moment before you start a cycle.
- Use rinse aid in hard water, which is common around Houston.
- Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner when you see buildup.
What this will not fix
If the dishwasher does not drain, shows a code, or leaks, cleaning will not fix it. At that point we check the pump, hoses and sensors.
If cleaning does not bring back the results, we will check the pump, spray assembly and sensors. Request a visit on the dishwasher repair page; we serve the Houston area, quote before working, and warrant the labor for 30 days.