Samsung Dishwasher top rack not cleaning

Common reasons your Samsung Dishwasher top rack not cleaning

The most common reasons your Samsung dishwasher top rack is not cleaning are a faulty circulation pump, a clogged spray arm, or a rusted dishrack.

30% of the time it's the
Circulation Pump

26% of the time it's the
Spray Arm

12% of the time it's the
Dishrack

32% of the time it's the
Something else

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Thorough

James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.

Kirsten A, Oxford, PA

Service Call

Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!

James G, Hillsboro, MO

Daniel

Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.

Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO

Most common repairs needed to fix a Samsung dishwasher

Circulation Pump Replacement

A faulty circulation pump is often the cause when your dishwasher is not cleaning the dishes. The pump sends water up through the spray arms to clean dishes during the cycle. When a broken pump impeller or failed motor prevents the pump from working, dishes won't get sprayed clean. You may hear unusual noises from the pump and motor assembly such as buzzing or grinding when it isn't working and dishes don't get clean. Schedule in-home repair through Sears Home Services to have a technician visit your home and fix the dishwasher when a faulty pump is apparent.

How to replace a dishwasher pump and motor assembly

Spray Arm Replacement

A clogged spray arm can prevent water from reaching dishes when the dishwasher is not washing dishes properly. Hard water deposits or debris can build up around the spray arm holes so water won't spray out of the spray arm properly. The spray arm also won't spin properly if spray holes are clogged. When your dishwasher won't wash the dishes properly, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and examine the dishwasher. The technician will clear clogs in the spray arms to fix the cleaning problem.

How to replace a dishwasher lower spray arm

Dishrack Replacement

A rusted dishrack could be the reason your dishwasher's top rack is not cleaning effectively. Over time, the dishrack's protective coating can wear away, exposing the metal underneath to water and causing it to rust. Rust can cause the dishrack to deteriorate, leading to misalignment or improper positioning of the rack. This misalignment can prevent the upper spray arms from reaching the dishes properly, resulting in poor water circulation and inadequate cleaning. You might notice food particles remaining on the dishes or uneven cleaning performance. To address this issue, inspect the top dishrack for signs of rust or damage. If the dishes in the upper rack aren't getting clean, schedule an appointment with a Sears Home Services technician to inspect your dishwasher.

How to fix rust spots on a dishrack

What to expect when you experience a Samsung dishwasher top rack not cleaning issue

How is the dishwasher top rack not cleaning issue fixed?

Correcting most dishwasher top rack not cleaning issues involves replacing the circulation pump, spray arm, or dishrack. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher top rack not cleaning problem

When a dishwasher top rack is not cleaning, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.

What to look out for with a dishwasher top rack not cleaning diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

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Glossary Terms

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

What is a Furnace Switch?

A furnace switch, also known as a safety switch, is an essential component of your heating system, ensuring it operates safely under all conditions by serving as a power shutoff mechanism.

What is Wattage?

Wattage is the measure of electrical power expressed in watts (W), indicating the rate at which a device consumes energy.

What is Refrigerant?

Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.