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%

    30% of the time it's the
    Circulation Pump

  • 26%

    26% of the time it's the
    Spray Arm

  • 12%

    12% of the time it's the
    Dishrack

  • 32%

    32% of the time it's the
    Something else

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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.

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.

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.

Why is my Samsung dishwasher not cleaning the top rack?

ge-cafe-dishwasher-loading-guidelines

Load dishes correctly

Follow the guidelines in the owner’s manual to load the dishes in your Samsung dishwasher correctly.

Properly loading dishes will allow spray to reach all dish surfaces for thorough cleaning.

how-to-clean-filters-in-a-samsung-dishwasher

Clean the dishwasher filters

Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to clean the filters in your Samsung dishwasher.

Clogged filters can inhibit water flow going to the upper spray arm in the dishwasher.

checking-the-dishwasher-spray-arm-image

Check the spray arms

Check spray arms for damage and clean debris and deposits out of spray arm holes.

Clogged or damaged spray arms won’t clean dishes properly.

Additional tips for improving cleaning

View this video to find additional tips on improving cleaning in your dishwasher such as checking water temperature and using rinse aid:

Following these tips should help you resolve the problem with dishes in the top rack not getting clean.

If you still have cleaning issues after using these tactics to resolve the problem, schedule dishwasher repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix the dishwasher.

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.

When your Samsung dishwasher’s top rack remains grimy, weak spray pressure or a blocked upper arm might be at fault. That means you’re re-washing cups and bowls by hand. Rather than throwing in the towel, call dishwasher repair service near me. Restoring strong spray coverage ensures every level emerges spotless.

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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.


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


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Daniel

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


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the top rack of my Samsung dishwasher not cleaning?
Clogged spray arms, low water pressure, or a malfunctioning pump could prevent the top rack from getting clean.
How can I fix my Samsung dishwasher's top rack not cleaning?
Clean the spray arms, check the water pressure, and inspect the pump for issues.
Could clogged spray arms stop the top rack in my Samsung dishwasher from cleaning?
Yes, blocked or clogged spray arms can hinder water flow to the top rack, preventing proper cleaning.
What should I do if my Samsung dishwasher's top rack isn't cleaning?
Clean the spray arms, check the water pressure, and inspect the pump to ensure proper cleaning performance.

Repair Dishwasher Resources

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Glossary Terms

A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.

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.

An astragal is a molding or strip that covers or seals the gap between the edges of a pair of doors or windows. Its primary functions are to provide a weather seal, improve security, and improve the aesthetic appearance of door and window assemblies.

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.