Load Your Dishes and Add Detergent

Start by opening the door and pulling out the lower rack. Place plates, bowls, and cookware with the soiled side facing the spray arms in the center — avoid blocking the rotating arms with large items. Load glasses and cups upside down on the upper rack, spacing them so water can reach all surfaces. Avoid nesting dishes, which traps food and prevents cleaning.

Once loaded, locate the detergent dispenser on the inside of the door. Most Samsung models have a main wash compartment and a pre-wash compartment. Fill the main compartment with powder, liquid, or tablet detergent according to your water hardness and soil level — the dispenser usually holds 25 to 30 grams of powder. If using a tablet, place it directly in the main compartment instead. Close the dispenser lid until you hear it click.

Key Takeaways

  • Load the lower rack with plates facing inward and the upper rack with glasses upside down, leaving space between items for water to circulate.
  • Fill the detergent dispenser on the door with the amount recommended for your water hardness, or use one tablet in the main compartment.
  • Select a cycle that matches your load — Normal for everyday dishes, Intensive for baked-on food, and Eco for lightly soiled items to save water and energy.
  • Press Start and the dishwasher will run for 2 to 4 hours depending on the cycle; most models pause mid-cycle to allow the detergent dispenser to open.
  • Unload from the bottom rack first to avoid water dripping from the upper rack onto dishes below.

Select a Wash Cycle

Close the door and locate the control panel, which may be on the front edge of the door or on the top of the unit depending on your model. Samsung dishwashers typically offer several preset cycles. Normal is the standard choice for everyday dishes with moderate soil. Intensive uses higher water temperature and longer spray time for heavily soiled pots and pans. Eco reduces water and energy use for lightly soiled loads and takes longer because it uses lower temperatures.

Other common cycles include Quick Wash (30 to 45 minutes for rinsed dishes), Delicate (lower temperature and gentler spray for glassware), and Auto (the machine senses soil level and adjusts time and water automatically). Some models also include Sanitize, which heats water above 140°F to kill bacteria — useful for items like cutting boards and baby bottles. Check your model's control panel or the manual for the exact cycles available.

Adjust Settings and Start the Cycle

After selecting your cycle, you can adjust additional settings if your model offers them. Temperature boost raises water heat for better cleaning on heavily soiled loads. Extra dry runs a heated drying phase at the end, which takes 15 to 20 extra minutes but leaves dishes completely dry. Delay start lets you set the dishwasher to begin at a later time — useful if you want it to run during off-peak electricity hours or overnight.

Once you have chosen your settings, press the Start button. The door will lock automatically, and the cycle will begin. The display will show the remaining time, which typically ranges from 2 hours for Quick Wash to 4 hours for Eco or Intensive cycles. During the cycle, the dishwasher will pause briefly — this is normal and allows the detergent dispenser to open and release detergent into the main wash phase.

Understand What Happens During the Cycle

A typical Samsung dishwasher cycle runs through several stages. First, a pre-wash phase sprays water to loosen food debris. The detergent dispenser then opens, and the main wash begins with hot water and detergent circulating through the spray arms. After 30 to 60 minutes, the water drains and the rinse phase starts, usually with two or three rinses using fresh water to remove soap residue. Finally, the drying phase either uses residual heat from the wash or, if you selected Extra Dry, runs a heated drying cycle.

The entire process is automatic — you do not need to add water, drain it, or intervene. If your model has a soil sensor, it monitors how dirty the water is and may extend the cycle if needed. When the cycle finishes, the door will unlock and a beep or light will alert you. Do not open the door when ready; wait 5 to 10 minutes to allow dishes to cool slightly and drying to complete.

Unload and Maintain Your Dishwasher

When the cycle is complete, open the door and pull out the lower rack first. This prevents water that may have pooled on the upper rack from dripping onto clean dishes below. Remove items and place them in cabinets or on the counter. Then pull out the upper rack and unload it the same way. Check the spray arms and filter basket at the bottom of the tub for food debris — if you see buildup, rinse them under running water or use a soft brush to clear any blockages.

To keep your dishwasher running well, run the empty dishwasher with a commercial dishwasher cleaner (not regular detergent) once a month to remove mineral deposits and grease buildup. Check the rubber door seal monthly for cracks or mold, and wipe it with a damp cloth. If water is not draining fully or dishes are not coming clean, the filter may be clogged — remove it and rinse it thoroughly under the sink. Most Samsung models have a removable filter basket that twists out from the bottom of the tub.

Troubleshoot Common Issues

If dishes are not clean, the most common cause is improper loading — items blocking the spray arms or nesting together. Reload with more space between dishes and may support nothing is touching the rotating arms. If the problem persists, you may be using too little detergent for your water hardness. Check your local water hardness (your water utility can tell you) and adjust the detergent amount accordingly. Hard water requires more detergent; soft water requires less.

If water is pooling at the bottom of the tub after the cycle, the drain may be blocked. Check the filter basket and spray arm holes for food debris and clear them. If the door will not lock or the cycle will not start, make sure the door is fully closed — it should click into place. If you see error codes on the display, consult your manual or Samsung's support website for the specific code. Most error codes relate to water supply, drainage, or sensor issues that may require service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open the door during a cycle?

Yes, you can pause the cycle by opening the door, but the dishwasher will not resume automatically. Close the door and press Start again to continue. Avoid opening the door during the drying phase, as this releases heat and may leave dishes wet.

Should I rinse dishes before loading?

Modern dishwashers, including Samsung models, are designed to handle food debris, so rinsing is not necessary. In fact, rinsing can waste water. straightforward scrape off large food pieces and load the dishes as they are. The pre-wash phase will loosen remaining debris.

What detergent works best in a Samsung dishwasher?

Powder, liquid, and tablet detergents all work in Samsung dishwashers. Tablets are convenient because you do not measure, but powder and liquid allow you to adjust the amount based on water hardness and soil level. Avoid using hand soap or laundry detergent, which will create excessive suds and may damage the machine.

How long does a normal cycle take?

A Normal cycle typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Eco cycles take 3 to 4 hours because they use lower temperatures. Quick Wash cycles run 30 to 45 minutes. The exact time depends on your model and whether soil sensors extend the cycle.

Why are my dishes still wet after the cycle?

If you did not select Extra Dry, dishes will air-dry naturally and may feel slightly damp when the cycle ends. This is normal. If you want completely dry dishes, select the Extra Dry option on your next load. Alternatively, open the door slightly after the cycle finishes to allow air circulation and speed up drying.