Samsung DW80R9950US (Linear Wash) – Not cleaning well Repair Guide

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Model: Samsung DW80R9950US (Linear Wash)
Brand: Samsung
Model Number: DW80R9950US

🔍 Problem Description

Clean spray arms and filters; check water pressure; verify detergent dispenser

📋 What You’ll Need

  • Spray arms
  • Cleaning tools

    • 🔧 Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

      🔧 Step 1: Remove and clean all spray arms

      1. Open the dishwasher door fully until it rests horizontally.
      2. Pull out the lower dish rack completely and set it aside on your counter.
      3. Locate the lower spray arm at the bottom center of the tub, mounted on a cylindrical hub approximately 3 inches in diameter.
      4. Grasp the spray arm with both hands on opposite sides.
      5. Rotate the spray arm counterclockwise 1/4 turn (90 degrees) until you feel it release from the locking tabs.
      6. Lift the spray arm straight up and off the water distribution hub.
      7. Pull out the upper dish rack to access the middle spray arm, which sits underneath the upper rack on the ceiling of the lower rack area.
      8. Locate the circular plastic nut in the center of the middle spray arm (approximately 1.5 inches in diameter).
      9. Turn this center nut counterclockwise by hand until it threads off completely (approximately 3-4 full rotations).
      10. Lower the middle spray arm assembly down and pull it out through the rack space.
      11. Locate the upper spray arm attached to the bottom of the top rack.
      12. Find the single threaded lock nut in the center (approximately 1 inch diameter, gray plastic).
      13. Unscrew this nut counterclockwise by hand (approximately 4-5 rotations) until it comes off completely.
      14. Pull the upper spray arm straight down off its mounting post.
      15. Hold each spray arm under warm running water from your sink faucet.
      16. Use a wooden toothpick or straightened paperclip to poke through each spray hole (you’ll find 12-16 holes per arm).
      17. Rinse again under running water—you should see water flowing freely through all holes when successful.
      18. Shake each arm vigorously to remove any remaining debris inside the hollow interior.

      🛠️ Step 2: Clean filter assembly thoroughly

      1. Lift the fine mesh filter (cylindrical piece, approximately 4 inches tall) straight up and out of the circular opening at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub.
      2. Grasp the coarse filter (flat circular piece with handle, approximately 6 inches in diameter) and turn it counterclockwise one-quarter turn until it unlocks.
      3. Lift the coarse filter straight up and remove it from the sump area.
      4. Remove the micro filter (rectangular stainless steel screen, approximately 8 inches by 4 inches) by lifting it from the left side of the sump basin.
      5. Hold the fine mesh filter under running tap water at moderate pressure and use a soft-bristled nylon brush to scrub inside the cylindrical mesh, working in circular motions for 30-45 seconds.
      6. Flip the fine filter and scrub the outside mesh surface, paying attention to the bottom rim where food particles accumulate.
      7. Rinse the coarse filter under running water while using the nylon brush to clean between each of the 12 raised ridges on the top surface.
      8. Scrub the underside of the coarse filter handle area where grease typically builds up.
      9. Hold the micro filter flat under running water and brush both sides, working the bristles through the fine mesh openings using back-and-forth strokes.
      10. Inspect all three filter pieces under direct light—you should see clear light passing through all mesh areas with no visible debris or discoloration blocking the openings.
      11. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe around the circular sump opening in the dishwasher tub, removing any visible debris or slime buildup.
      12. Check that all filter pieces are completely clean by running your finger across the mesh surfaces—they should feel smooth with no gritty texture remaining.

      ⚙️ Step 3: Check water pressure to dishwasher

      1. Turn off the dishwasher’s water supply valve, located under the sink where the supply line connects (typically on the right side of the cabinet).
      2. Place a bucket or shallow pan beneath the water supply connection point under the sink to catch residual water.
      3. Using an adjustable wrench, disconnect the dishwasher supply line from the shut-off valve by turning the compression nut counterclockwise 6-8 full rotations until the line separates.
      4. Point the disconnected supply line end into your bucket, then slowly open the shut-off valve one full turn counterclockwise.
      5. Use a pressure gauge with 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch female threading (matching your supply line size) by screwing it directly onto the shut-off valve outlet where you removed the dishwasher line.
      6. Open the shut-off valve completely by turning counterclockwise until it stops.
      7. Read the pressure gauge dial – it should display between 20-120 PSI. The Samsung DW80R9950US requires minimum 20 PSI and maximum 120 PSI for proper operation. Optimal pressure is 40-80 PSI.
      8. If pressure reads below 20 PSI, your water pressure is insufficient and requires a plumber to address the home’s water supply system.
      9. If pressure exceeds 120 PSI, install a pressure-reducing valve (3/4-inch inline water pressure regulator) on the main water line feeding the dishwasher circuit.
      10. Close the shut-off valve completely by turning clockwise until hand-tight.
      11. Remove the pressure gauge by unscrewing it counterclockwise from the valve outlet.
      12. Reconnect the dishwasher supply line to the shut-off valve by threading the compression nut clockwise, then tighten with the adjustable wrench until snug (approximately 1/4 turn past hand-tight – do not overtighten).
      13. Open the shut-off valve fully and inspect all connections for leaks, watching for water droplets for 30 seconds.

      🔩 Step 4: Verify detergent dispenser is opening

      1. Load the detergent dispenser cup (located on the inside of the door, 8 inches from the bottom and 4 inches from the right edge) with a tablespoon of flour or baking soda instead of detergent.
      2. Close the dishwasher door until it latches securely and you hear the magnetic door switch click.
      3. Press the “Normal” cycle button on the control panel at the top of the door.
      4. Press “Start” and allow the dishwasher to run for 4-5 minutes until you hear the first water fill complete.
      5. Wait an additional 2 minutes after the fill stops—this is when the dispenser door should release.
      6. Press and hold the “Start” button for 3 seconds to pause the cycle.
      7. Open the dishwasher door and immediately inspect the detergent dispenser cup—if functioning correctly, the hinged door will be open at a 90-degree angle and the flour/baking soda will be gone, washed into the tub.
      8. If the dispenser door remains closed with the test powder still inside, press “Cancel” twice to drain the unit, then locate the dispenser actuator (a white plastic arm 1 inch to the left of the dispenser cup).
      9. Manually push the actuator arm upward with your finger—it should move 1/4 inch and release the dispenser door with a distinct click.
      10. If the actuator moves freely but didn’t release during the cycle, the wax motor (part number DD97-00151A) mounted behind the dispenser has failed and requires replacement.
      11. If the actuator doesn’t move or feels obstructed, remove any dried detergent buildup around the dispenser cup edges using a plastic scraper and warm water on a cloth.
      12. Repeat the test cycle from step 1 if you cleared obstructions.

      đź“‹ Step 5: Replace spray arms or clean filters as needed

      1. Open the dishwasher door completely until it rests horizontally.
      2. Remove the lower dish rack by pulling it straight out toward you until it clears the door opening.
      3. Locate the cylindrical filter assembly in the center-bottom of the tub, approximately 12 inches from the front door edge.
      4. Grasp the circular filter cover (4 inches in diameter) and rotate it counterclockwise 90 degrees until it stops.
      5. Lift the entire filter assembly straight up—it consists of three pieces: the outer cylindrical mesh filter (3 inches tall), the fine mesh screen beneath it, and the flat microfilter plate at the bottom.
      6. Separate the cylindrical filter from the fine mesh screen by pulling them apart.
      7. Rinse all three filter components under running water at your sink, using a soft-bristled brush to remove debris from the mesh openings.
      8. Inspect the sump area (the circular opening where the filter sat) and remove any visible debris with your fingers or a damp cloth.
      9. Reassemble the filter by placing the fine mesh screen inside the cylindrical filter, then insert both pieces back into the flat microfilter base.
      10. Place the complete assembly back into the sump opening and rotate clockwise 90 degrees until it locks—you’ll feel resistance when fully seated.
      11. Grasp the lower spray arm (located directly above where the filter sits) and pull upward with firm pressure—it friction-fits onto a center hub and requires approximately 5-8 pounds of upward force to release.
      12. Hold the spray arm under running water and use a toothpick or straightened paperclip to clear any blocked spray holes (there are 16 holes total around the circumference).
      13. Press the cleaned or new spray arm (part number DD97-00196A if replacing) straight down onto the center hub until it stops—it should rotate freely when properly installed.
      14. Locate the middle spray arm attached to the underside of the upper rack.
      15. Find the gray plastic lock nut in the center of the spray arm (approximately 1 inch in diameter).
      16. Rotate the lock nut counterclockwise until it releases (typically 2-3 full rotations).
      17. Pull the spray arm straight down off the water feed tube.
      18. Clean all spray holes using the same method as step 12, or install new spray arm (part number DD97-00200A if replacing).
      19. Align the spray arm opening over the water feed tube and push upward until fully seated.
      20. Thread the lock nut clockwise by hand until finger-tight—do not overtighten as the plastic threads can strip.
      21. Pull the upper rack fully out and set it on a work surface.
      22. Flip the rack upside down to access the top-mounted spray arm.
      23. Press the two gray release tabs on opposite sides of the spray arm mount simultaneously while pulling the spray arm downward—this releases the snap-fit connection.
      24. Clean all holes or install replacement spray arm (part number DD97-00191A if replacing).
      25. Align the spray arm tabs with the mounting slots and push upward until both release tabs click audibly into locked position.
      26. Flip the rack right-side up and slide it back into the upper track rails until it stops at the rear of the tub.
      27. Replace the lower rack by sliding it onto the bottom rollers.
      28. Run a rinse cycle without dishes to verify all spray arms rotate freely without obstruction—watch through the door window to confirm rotation.

      đź›’ Recommended Products

      Here are the recommended products for this repair: