How to Clean a Samsung Dishwasher: Filter, Cleaning Cycle and Smells

Shop BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner, $24.95

How to clean a Samsung dishwasher, step by step

1. Turn the dishwasher off and open the door, as Samsung's steps begin.
2. Pull out the lower rack and wear gloves: the filter holds old food.
3. Hold the spray arm so it doesn't spin, then turn the filter handle counterclockwise and lift the assembly out.
4. Separate the fine filter on models that have one and rinse every part; no wire brushes or scouring pads.
5. Clear the spray arms: the lower arm pulls up; the middle arm comes off by holding the nut and turning the arm clockwise. Brush the jets clear.
6. Reassemble and run a cleaner in the empty dishwasher.

The Samsung dishwasher filter

Samsung's support pages list a clogged filter as a cause of poor cleaning, odours, drainage problems and noise. The fine (micro) filter keeps soil and food in the sump so it isn't put back on your dishes; when it's full, it can't. Samsung says to clean it whenever debris builds up, and to use gloves and no abrasive tools.

Filter designs vary by model: if yours looks different, the user manual shows the parts. Holding the spray arm while turning is the step people miss, and the one that makes the filter come out easily.

Samsung Self Clean: what it's for

On Samsung models with Self Clean, the indicator flickers for about 5 seconds when the tub needs cleaning. Samsung says Self Clean is for cleaning the tub: always run it with the dishwasher empty, and never use it as a wash cycle for dishes.

Samsung's own advice for a dishwasher that doesn't clean well starts with cleaning the machine. For grease and limescale on the walls, racks and spray arms, run a BLITZ tablet in the detergent compartment on a normal cycle, separate from Self Clean, with nothing else inside.

Cleaning the inside of a Samsung dishwasher with BLITZ

The filter stops new food from going around; the grease and scale already on the walls, racks and spray arms need a cleaning cycle. BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner removes grease, grime and limescale buildup and helps get rid of the smell at the source:

1. Clean the filter first.
2. Put one tablet in the detergent compartment of the empty dishwasher.
3. Run a normal cycle.

It works in every household dishwasher, stainless steel or plastic inside, and it's septic-safe, like every BLITZ product. A box of 24 is $24.95, about $1.04 a clean, a year at one tablet every two weeks.

24 tablets for $24.95

More help: Samsung dishwasher not draining, how to clean a dishwasher filter, every brand, dishwasher not cleaning dishes, dishwasher smells bad, how to clean a Bosch dishwasher, and the whole routine on our dishwasher care page.

Frequently asked questions

How do I remove the filter from my Samsung dishwasher?

Pull the lower rack, hold the lower spray arm still, turn the filter handle counterclockwise and lift. Some models also have a fine filter to separate and rinse.

What does the Self Clean light mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

It flickers for about 5 seconds when the tub needs cleaning. Run Self Clean with the dishwasher empty, never with dishes.

Can I put a cleaner tablet in Samsung Self Clean?

Samsung describes Self Clean as an empty tub-cleaning cycle. Run your BLITZ tablet in a separate normal cycle, following BLITZ directions.

Why is my Samsung dishwasher not cleaning well?

Samsung points to a clogged filter, blocked spray arm jets, loading that stops the arms, low water pressure and hard water. See our dishwasher not cleaning guide.

Sources

Samsung Canada, How to clean your Samsung dishwasher; Samsung, dishwasher cycles and Self Clean; Samsung, cleaning the dishwasher filters; Samsung, if the dishwasher doesn't clean well; BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner product page and directions. Checked October 2026.

Samsung is a trademark of its owner. BLITZ is not affiliated with Samsung.