How to Deep Clean a Samsung Dishwasher: Filter, Spray Arms, and Tub

Samsung dishwashers use a combination coarse-and-fine mesh filter system located at the center of the tub floor. Unlike Bosch units that use a self-cleaning filter, Samsung models require manual cleaning every two to four weeks to prevent food buildup, bad odors, and drainage problems that trigger error code 3E. This guide covers the complete deep-clean process specific to Samsung DW80 and DW60 series dishwashers, including the Zone Booster nozzles that clog easily in hard-water areas.

Regular cleaning also prevents the Samsung leak sensor from triggering false alarms. The leak sensor sits in the base tray beneath the unit and uses a styrofoam float to detect water. Grease and food residue can cause condensation to drip into the base, lifting the float and shutting down the machine mid-cycle.

Before You Start

• Tools needed: Soft-bristle brush (old toothbrush works), microfiber cloth, white vinegar, baking soda, wooden toothpick or bamboo skewer
• Parts needed: None (maintenance procedure)
• Time required: 25 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Safety warning: No need to disconnect power for basic cleaning, but do not run a cycle while cleaning components. If you need to access the base tray, disconnect power at the breaker first.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Remove the Lower Dish Rack and Locate the Filter

Pull the lower dish rack straight out and set it aside. Look at the center of the tub floor. You will see a cylindrical filter assembly with a handle on top. Samsung uses a two-part filter system: an outer coarse mesh cylinder that catches large food particles, and an inner fine mesh filter that traps smaller debris. The handle has a small arrow indicating the unlock direction.

Step 2: Remove the Filter Assembly

Grip the filter handle and rotate it counterclockwise approximately one-quarter turn until it releases. Lift the entire assembly straight up and out of the sump. You may feel slight resistance as the rubber gasket at the base separates. On Samsung models, the coarse filter lifts away from the fine mesh filter separately, so handle them as two pieces once removed.

Step 3: Clean the Coarse Filter

Hold the coarse mesh cylinder under warm running water. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the outer and inner surfaces, working from top to bottom. Food particles tend to accumulate in the lower third where the mesh meets the plastic frame. For grease buildup, soak the filter in a bowl of warm water with two tablespoons of white vinegar for ten minutes, then scrub again. Never use a wire brush or abrasive pad on Samsung filters, as the mesh is thinner than on commercial-grade units and tears easily.

Step 4: Clean the Fine Mesh Filter

The fine mesh filter catches particles that pass through the coarse screen. Hold it under running water and use gentle circular motions with a soft brush. If you see mineral scale (white chalky deposits common in Bay Area hard water), soak in undiluted white vinegar for fifteen minutes. Inspect the filter against a light source after cleaning. If you see any tears or holes in the mesh, replace the filter. A damaged fine filter allows food particles into the drain pump (Samsung part DD31-00005A), which can burn out the pump motor.

Step 5: Clean the Sump Area

With the filter removed, look down into the sump cavity. You will see the drain pump intake and possibly accumulated debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe around the sump opening. Remove any food particles, broken glass, or debris with your fingers or needle-nose pliers. Check the rubber gasket that seals the filter to the sump for cracks or food buildup. Wipe the gasket with a damp cloth and ensure it sits flat in its groove.

Step 6: Clean the Spray Arms

Samsung dishwashers have two spray arms: the lower arm twists off (turn counterclockwise and lift), and the upper arm is held by a twist-lock nut. Remove both arms. Inspect each spray hole for mineral deposits or food particles. Use a wooden toothpick or bamboo skewer to clear each hole individually. Never use a metal pin, as it can enlarge the spray holes and reduce water pressure. Rinse the arms under running water and shake out any trapped debris from inside the hollow arms.

Step 7: Clean the Zone Booster Nozzles (If Equipped)

If your Samsung dishwasher has Zone Booster (a concentrated spray section in the lower rack area), these nozzles clog frequently in hard-water regions. The Zone Booster nozzles are smaller than standard spray arm holes and direct a focused stream at heavily soiled items. Locate the nozzle panel on the rear wall of the tub or integrated into the lower spray arm assembly. Use a toothpick to clear each nozzle individually. Soak the nozzle assembly in vinegar if scale buildup is heavy.

Step 8: Clean the Door Gasket and Edges

Open the door and inspect the rubber gasket that runs around the perimeter. On Samsung dishwashers, the gasket sits in a channel along the tub opening. Use a damp cloth with a small amount of dish soap to wipe the gasket, paying extra attention to the bottom corners where water pools and mold tends to grow. Pull the gasket slightly away from the frame to clean behind it. Also wipe the door edges and the bottom of the door where food splashes accumulate during cycles.

Step 9: Run a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle

Reinstall the filter assembly by placing the fine mesh filter first, then the coarse filter on top. Insert into the sump and rotate clockwise until it locks. Place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with two cups of white vinegar upright on the top rack. Run the hottest cycle available (usually Sanitize or Heavy) with no dishes and no detergent. The vinegar dissolves mineral deposits throughout the wash system, including inside the circulation pump and water lines that you cannot reach manually.

Step 10: Deodorize with Baking Soda

After the vinegar cycle completes, sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the tub. Run a short hot cycle (Express or Quick wash). This neutralizes any remaining vinegar odor and removes stains from the stainless steel tub interior. Samsung uses a thinner-gauge stainless tub than premium brands, so avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface and create spots where food residue collects.

Step 11: Clean the Exterior and Control Panel

Wipe the exterior with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water. For fingerprints on stainless steel exteriors, wipe in the direction of the grain. The Samsung touchpad control panel (often part DD97-00474A) is sensitive to moisture, so use a barely damp cloth and never spray cleaning products directly on the control area. Dry immediately after wiping.

Step 12: Check the Base Tray Leak Sensor

If your Samsung dishwasher has been throwing false leak errors or stopping mid-cycle, the base tray may need cleaning. Remove the two Phillips screws holding the lower kick plate (bottom access panel). Slide the panel forward. Look for the base tray beneath the unit. If you see standing water or heavy condensation, soak it up with towels. The styrofoam float in the tray rises with any water and triggers the leak sensor. Dry the tray completely and reinstall the kick plate.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Samsung dishwasher still smells bad or drains poorly after cleaning:

• Error code 3E after cleaning usually means a piece of debris fell into the drain pump during filter removal. Remove the filter again and check the sump area with a flashlight. You may need to tilt the machine slightly to retrieve the debris.
• White film on dishes after cleaning suggests hard water mineral buildup inside the spray system. Run a second vinegar cycle or use a commercial dishwasher cleaner designed for hard water (like Affresh or Finish Dishwasher Cleaner).
• Musty odor that returns quickly often indicates mold behind the door gasket or in the drain hose. Pull the gasket away from the frame and scrub with a baking soda paste. Check the drain hose connection under the sink for black mold buildup.
• If the Heavy/Normal indicator flashes after cleaning, this often indicates a thermistor issue on Samsung models rather than a cleaning problem. Run SmartThings diagnostics or the built-in self-test mode to confirm.

Recommended Cleaning Schedule for Samsung Dishwashers

When to Call a Professional

Deep cleaning cannot fix mechanical problems. Call a professional if:

• Error code 3E persists after cleaning, indicating the drain pump motor (DD31-00005A) may be failing
• You hear grinding from the circulation pump during cycles, suggesting debris has damaged the impeller
• The leak sensor triggers repeatedly despite a dry base tray, pointing to a cracked hose or failed pump seal
• Water pools on the floor in front of the dishwasher, which typically means the door gasket needs full replacement rather than just cleaning

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional

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FAQ

Q: How often should I clean my Samsung dishwasher filter? A: Samsung recommends every two to four weeks depending on usage. If you pre-rinse dishes, monthly is sufficient. If you load dishes with food residue (as Samsung recommends for best detergent activation), clean the filter every two weeks to prevent the 3E drain error.

Q: Can I run my Samsung dishwasher empty with bleach to clean it? A: Samsung explicitly warns against using bleach in their stainless steel tub dishwashers. Bleach can damage the stainless interior, corrode the pump seals, and void your warranty. Use white vinegar or a dishwasher-specific cleaner like Affresh instead.

Q: Why does my Samsung dishwasher smell bad even after cleaning? A: The most common hidden source of odor is the drain hose connection under the sink. Disconnect the hose from the garbage disposal or drain tailpiece and flush it with hot water and vinegar. Also check behind the door gasket at the bottom corners where black mold grows in the trapped moisture.

Q: What is the Samsung Self Clean mode and should I use it? A: Some Samsung models have a Self Clean or Machine Clean cycle that runs extra-hot water through the system. It is effective for light maintenance between deep cleans but does not replace manual filter cleaning. The Self Clean cycle cannot remove physical debris from the filter mesh or unclog spray arm holes.

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