PROBLEMS COVERED

1. Detergent Tablet Is Not Dissolving
2. What Is The Best Detergent To Use?
3. Detergent Not Working Well

PROBLEM 1: Detergent Tablet Is Not Dissolving

SOLUTION 1:

If you are using detergent tablets, and they aren't dissolving in the wash cycle, please perform the following:

• Make sure you don't have anything - like large plates or cutting boards - blocking the detergent door from being able to open during the wash cycle.
  
  
• Make sure that the wands are able to spin freely. Sometimes utensils or other items stick through the basket and prevent the spray-wands from rotating.
  
  
• Make sure the spray nozzles on the ends of the spray-wand (which spray water into the detergent compartment dissolving the detergent tablet) are not clogged with food particles.
  
  
  • If they are clogged, this will prevent water from spraying into the detergent compartment.
    
    
• Make sure your dishwasher is connected to a hot water line and the hot water heater is set to at least 120° F (49°C).

PROBLEM 2: What Is The Best Detergent To Use?

SOLUTION 2:

The type of detergent you should use depends on the type of stain.

• For baked-on particles, an enzyme detergent is the best choice to use.
  
  
• For tough stains such as tomato, coffee, or tea stains, a detergent with a higher phosphate content (chlorine) will work much better.
  
  
• In general, it's better to use liquid detergent because it is less likely to clog the detergent dispenser.

PROBLEM 3: Detergent Not Working Well

SOLUTION 3:

In recent years the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has increased regulations on environmental hazards such as phosphates. Although this is a good thing for the environment, it sets back the performance of detergents to some extent. Phosphates break down magnesium and calcium found in tap water that can cause lime deposits, spots, and/or film on dishes. Because of the new regulations, many detergents are now phosphate free, or have very low levels of phosphates present. This can cause dishes not to look as clean as they did before the regulations took effect. The dishes are clean, but the calcium and magnesium in the water has not been broken down as well as older detergents which contained higher levels of phosphates. This effect is greater in areas with hard water.

NOTE:
These EPA mandated changes are affecting all dishwasher manufacturers alike, and this issue is not specific to Samsung products.