Clean the filter and drain monthly to prevent odours and clogs
The filter and drain are where food particles collect, and they are the first place to check if your dishwasher smells or drains slowly. Most Samsung models have a removable filter basket at the bottom of the tub, usually under the lower spray arm. Pull it straight up and out, then rinse it under running water to clear trapped food.
Below the filter, you will find the drain area. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to wipe away any debris stuck in the drain opening. If water sits in the bottom of the tub after a cycle, the drain may be blocked — remove any visible food or film, and if the problem persists, check that the drain hose at the back of the unit is not kinked or pinched.
Do this once a month, or more often if you notice standing water or smell. It takes five minutes and prevents most common problems before they start.
Key Takeaways
- Empty and rinse the filter basket monthly, and wipe the drain opening below it to prevent odours and slow drainage.
- Run the cleaning cycle with a commercial dishwasher cleaner (not dish soap) every three months to dissolve mineral buildup inside the spray arms and walls.
- Wipe the door gasket and edges with a damp cloth monthly, because food and detergent residue collect there and can cause leaks.
- Check that the spray arms spin freely and that their holes are not blocked by food or mineral deposits.
- Leave the door open after each cycle for 15 minutes to let moisture escape and prevent mould growth.
Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner every three months
Samsung dishwashers accumulate mineral deposits and grease buildup inside the spray arms, walls, and heating element over time. This reduces cleaning power and can cause odours. The easiest fix is to run a cleaning cycle with a commercial dishwasher cleaner — products like Finish Dishwasher Cleaner or Affresh are designed for this purpose and work in most Samsung models.
Place the cleaner bottle or packet in the detergent dispenser (not in the tub), close the door, and run a hot wash cycle with no dishes inside. The cleaner dissolves buildup as it circulates. Do this every three months, or more often if you live in a hard-water area where mineral deposits build up faster.
Do not use vinegar or baking soda as a substitute — these are too weak to dissolve mineral scale and can damage seals over time. Stick to products made for dishwashers.
Wipe the door gasket and edges to stop leaks and mould
The rubber gasket around the door traps food, detergent residue, and moisture. Over time, this buildup prevents the door from sealing properly, which can cause water to leak onto your floor. It also creates an environment where mould and mildew grow.
Once a month, dampen a cloth with warm water and wipe the entire gasket, paying special attention to the folds and crevices where debris collects. Wipe the door edges and the frame where the gasket sits as well. If you see black spots or smell mould, use a cloth dampened with white vinegar instead — the acidity kills mould spores. Rinse with a clean damp cloth afterward.
If the gasket is cracked, torn, or no longer seals properly, it will need to be replaced. Contact Samsung support or a local repair service for the correct part number for your model.
Check and clear the spray arms
The spray arms have small holes that spray water during the wash cycle. Food particles and mineral deposits can block these holes, leaving dishes unwashed. Most Samsung models have two spray arms — one at the top and one at the bottom.
Remove the lower spray arm by twisting it counterclockwise (check your manual for the exact direction, as some models differ). Hold it up to a light and look through each hole — you should see light coming through. If holes are blocked, use a toothpick or small wire to clear them gently. Rinse the arm under running water, then reinstall it by twisting clockwise until it is snug.
The upper spray arm is usually fixed, but you can still wipe around it with a damp cloth to remove buildup. If water is not reaching the top rack, the upper arm may be blocked — use a toothpick to clear the holes from underneath if you can access them safely.
Leave the door open after each cycle to reduce moisture and odours
Closing the door when ready after a cycle traps steam and moisture inside, which creates the perfect environment for mould, mildew, and odours to develop. Instead, crack the door open or leave it fully open for 15 minutes after the cycle ends to let the interior dry.
This straightforward habit costs nothing and prevents most moisture-related problems. If your dishwasher has a heated dry setting, use it — the extra heat helps evaporate moisture faster. If odours persist even with the door open, the filter or drain may need cleaning, or you may need to run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner.
Wipe the exterior and control panel
The outside of your Samsung dishwasher collects fingerprints, dust, and spills. The type of cleaner you use depends on the material — stainless steel, painted metal, or plastic.
For stainless steel, use a microfiber cloth dampened with water, or a cleaner made for stainless steel. Wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid streaks. For painted or plastic surfaces, a damp cloth with a drop of dish soap works fine. Dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
The control panel can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth, but do not spray cleaner directly on the buttons or display — moisture can damage the electronics. If buttons are sticky, dampen a cloth with a tiny amount of white vinegar and wipe gently, then dry when ready.
Check the drain hose and inlet hose for kinks or blockages
The drain hose carries water out of the dishwasher, and the inlet hose brings water in. Both can become kinked, pinched, or blocked, which causes drainage problems or prevents the dishwasher from filling.
Look behind and underneath your dishwasher. The drain hose should not be bent sharply — straighten any kinks gently. If water is not draining, the hose may be blocked. You can disconnect it (have a bucket ready) and run water through it to clear any blockage, then reconnect it. The inlet hose has a small filter screen where it connects to the water supply — if water is not filling the tub, this screen may be clogged. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the hose, and rinse the screen under running water.
If you are not comfortable working with plumbing connections, contact a repair technician. Improper reconnection can cause leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vinegar to clean my Samsung dishwasher?
White vinegar can remove some odours and light mineral deposits, but it is not strong enough to dissolve heavy scale buildup. It can also damage rubber seals over time if used regularly. For monthly maintenance, stick to wiping the gasket with vinegar. For deep cleaning, use a commercial dishwasher cleaner every three months instead.
Why does my dishwasher smell bad even after I clean it?
Odours usually come from the filter, drain, or gasket where food and moisture collect. Clean all three thoroughly, then leave the door open after each cycle to let moisture escape. If the smell persists, run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner. If it still smells after that, the drain hose may be blocked or the gasket may be harbouring mould — check both.
How often should I run the cleaning cycle?
Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner every three months in normal water conditions. If you have hard water (mineral-heavy water), do it every two months. If you notice reduced cleaning power or odours before three months are up, run it sooner.
What should I do if water leaks from under the door?
First, check the gasket for food debris or mould — wipe it clean with a damp cloth. If it is cracked or no longer seals, it needs to be replaced. Also check that the dishwasher is level — if it tilts forward, water may leak out the front. If the gasket is clean and the unit is level but water still leaks, the inlet or drain hose may be loose or cracked — contact a repair technician.
Is it normal for water to sit at the bottom of the tub?
A small amount of water (less than a quarter inch) is normal and drains during the next cycle. If more than that sits there, the drain is blocked. Clean the filter and drain opening, check that the drain hose is not kinked, and make sure the hose is not clogged. If water still sits after cleaning, contact a repair service.