As dishwashers clean, people tend to forget about their cleaning needs. But dishwashers are not a miracle and cannot deliver clean dishes if one does not clean them.
Maybe you have food particles stuck on the dishes even after passing through a complete dishwasher cycle. Perhaps you have rinsed them before loading them into the dishwasher.
Even then, they have some greasy stains. Such a situation is not uncommon and might not be the fault of your dishwasher.
Then how it happens? The answer is simple. Ask yourself when you last cleaned the dishwasher filter.
The job of a dishwasher filter is to trap all loose particles so that no re-deposition occurs on the dishes. As there is a limit to it, filters get clogged after some time.
And, un-cleaned dishwasher filters can’t do their job resulting in the mess.
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How To Clean Samsung Dishwasher Filter
So, one needs to clean the dishwasher filters regularly on a routine.
Cleaning the dishwasher filter is easier than one thinks! It takes only a few minutes and improves the performance of the appliance. Moreover, it avoids unnecessary repairs.
Here is all you need to know about cleaning a Samsung dishwasher filter.
Cleaning The Dishwasher Filter
The design of the Samsung dishwasher is such that one can easily access the drain pump and the filtering system. The job of the drain pump is to drain out the dirty water.
When the filter assembly is clogged it may cause abnormal noise and stinking odors. One must, therefore, clean the filters.
Many dishwasher models come with removable filters. It makes filter cleaning easy. Samsung dishwashers with removable filters can be cleaned through the following steps.
Step 1: Removal of the lower rack.
As the interior floor of the dishwasher holds the filter, the bottom rack has to be removed first.
Step 2: Unfastening of the filter compartment door.
Rotate the filter handle anti-clockwise. It will unfasten the door.
Step 3: Filter removal.
Remove the door first and then the filter from underneath by turning the assembly in anti-clockwise.
Step 4: Cleaning.
Remove any dirt, grease, or any other build-up from the filter by wiping. Also, clean the filter door. Soak the filter and the filter door in distilled white vinegar and let it stay overnight.
Then rinse those thoroughly under running water.
Step 5: Reinstallation.
Reverse what you have done in Step 3. First, place the filter back into its place and then the door. Clockwise rotation of the door handle will secure the lock.
If you cannot follow these steps for your Samsung dishwasher model check the user manual for the correct steps.
If you do not find any steps in the user manual, no removable filter is there. In such cases, you must clean every accessible corner of the dishwasher tub bottom.
Failure to clean the filter regularly will show clogged filter errors.
Clearing clogged filter 1E display
Maybe the Samsung dishwasher is displaying clogged filter error 1E. It means the fine filter at the bottom is dirty. In such cases, one needs to clean the filter to clear up this notification.
Ideally, one should not wait for such displays but clean the filter at least once a month. It will ensure the smooth performance of the dishwasher.
Warning
Items inside a running dishwasher may be very hot. One must open the door of the dishwasher and allow it to cool before starting the cleaning procedure.
Step 1: Open the door and remove the bottom rack.
It will give you access to the door of the filter compartment that is located at the center.
Step 2: Removal of the micro-filter.
Rotate the door handle in the opposite direction of the clock movement. It will unfasten the door of the filter compartment. Now, remove the door and the micro (fine) filter located underneath.
Step 3: Cleaning the micro-filter.
Remove the dirt and debris found on the micro-filter and the filter door. Rinse them under clean running water. Always be careful about the sharp debris trapped in the filter.
Step 4: Reinstallation of the filter and the door.
Put the micro-filter back into where it was in the filter compartment. Replace the filter door and turn the filter door in the direction of the clock to lock. Make sure that the door is locked properly. Else, it will decrease the cleaning performance.
Step 5: In case the error code shows up again, visit the support center and request service.
Samsung Dishwasher Filtering System
The purpose of a dishwasher filter is to prevent residual food bits from sticking to dishes. A well-maintained dishwasher filter delivers perfectly clean dishes that sparkle.
Samsung dishwasher filtering system has three components:
- The main filter: It taps the food and soil particles. There is a special jet on the lower spray arm. It pulverizes the dirt and washes them down the drain.
- The coarse filter: Arrests larger particles like pieces of bones or glass. They are likely to clog the drainage system. One can lift out the filter by gently squeezing the tabs on the top. It is possible to remove the items caught in the filter then.
- The fine filter: Its job is to hold the soil and residual food particles in the sump area. It also prevents those from re-depositing the dishes while going through a cycle.
The filters are for removing food particles from the wash water for recirculation. Cleaning the filter assembly is essential to get the best washing performance.
It is ideal for removing larger food particles trapped after each dishwashing cycle. Just turn the filter assembly in the opposite direction of the clock’s movement, and it will come out.
Pushing down and rotating clockwise helps to position the filter assembly back in place.
Other necessary cleanings
1. Routine cleaning
One should clean the dishwasher whenever one notices an accumulation of debris, stains, or other marks.
For routine cleaning, one must gently wipe the outside along with the control panel with a soft, damp cloth. It will remove stains.
If the dishwasher comes with a cutlery pad, then turn the self-cleaning cycle with the empty dishwasher. Never use any detergent for this.
Place an 8-ounce cup of distilled vinegar, in an upright position, in the lower basket. Now run the sanitize cycle.
One can do it easily with the help of the sanitize button of optimum sanitization. Check cycle options and settings for details.
2. Deep cleaning
Because of their daily uses, dishwashers are always in contact with food, grease, etc.
These turn into mildews, hard-water stains, and scum, and the appliance starts to stink.
That is why a dishwasher needs a deep cleaning. One should go for a routine cleaning procedure before the deep cleaning.
Remove the nozzles and filters and soak them overnight in distilled white vinegar for deep cleaning. It will clear the mineral deposits and grime that causes odor.
3. Cleaning nozzles
The nozzles have to rotate and spray water through holes for perfect cleaning. When the nozzles are clogged, it hampers the cleaning process.
That is why one finds food particles on the dishes. Clean them through the following steps.
- Remove racks for easy access to the nozzle.
- Turn the nozzle cap anti-clockwise and remove the upper nozzle. Some models do not have any nozzle caps. You can pull them off straight away.
- Clean the nozzle thoroughly using a toothbrush or a dishwashing brush.
- Soak the nozzle overnight in distilled white vinegar and rinse well by passing water through the nozzle. Make sure that all nozzle holes are clear.
- Reinsert the nozzle and fix the nozzle cap by turning it clockwise. Also, check if it is fixed correctly.
If you cannot follow the above steps, then check the user manual for the correct process.
4. Cleaning the drain pump
Low humming or buzzing sounds are normal for a dishwasher. But if that emits a loud noise, it means sticking debris in the drain pump.
It is generally associated with improper drainage and needing to clean the drain pump. But this is a rare happening.
Some models allow accessing the drain pump to remove the drain filter. In case you can access the drain pump, the user manual of the model will include cleaning instructions.
Why does the dishwasher stink?
Dishwashers are in daily use in every kitchen. They provide a warm and moist environment.
This is an ideal condition for the growth and multiplication of bacteria. Some food particles are always left behind in almost every wash cycle.
They grew in molds in the warm interior, and the dishwasher stinks. Smelling bad odor is a telltale sign that the dishwasher needs a thorough cleaning.
Home warranty for dishwasher protection
Sometimes, regular filter cleaning might not be able to prevent the malfunctioning of a dishwasher.
Availing of home warranty coverage helps when there is a sudden breakdown or leakage of the dishwasher on the kitchen floor.
Passing words
The above is a general guideline. One must follow the user manual for specific requirements.
