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How to run Self Clean
- Confirm your model has the cycle. Check the control panel or the user manual for the Self Clean name and the correct selection procedure. Samsung notes that cycle availability and controls vary by model. Samsung’s US Self Clean guidance and Samsung Canada’s cycle guide explain why the model manual matters.
- Empty the dishwasher. Remove dishes and other items. Samsung says to run Self Clean with the appliance empty.
- Follow the model’s cleaner instructions. Do not assume detergent or a dishwasher cleaner is required. Samsung’s Canada cleaning guidance describes Self Clean without detergent, while its US odor troubleshooting method uses a cleaning agent in a particular sequence. Consult your model manual before adding anything.
If you are cleaning to address an odor
Samsung US provides a separate odor-troubleshooting procedure; it is not a universal Self Clean sequence. Its instructions say to start an empty cleaning cycle, let it run until it drains, pause the cycle, add a selected cleaning agent, and then resume. Follow your model’s manual and the product label before using this approach. Samsung’s odor troubleshooting instructions specify 8 ounces of vinegar in a dishwasher-safe glass on the bottom rack, or a cleaning tablet used according to its maker’s directions. Do not use vinegar and detergent at the same time.
If the odor remains after the cleaning cycle, Samsung advises checking whether it is coming from the connected sink drain.
Self Clean and filter maintenance are different
Self Clean addresses the tub; cleaning a removable filter is a separate maintenance task. Filter designs and removal instructions vary, so consult the manual for your model before taking any parts out. Samsung’s Australia filter instructions say to rinse the filter components and reinstall them correctly; do not operate the dishwasher without the filters in place. Samsung UK warns that incorrect reassembly can cause errors and problems such as drainage or overflow issues. Its dishwasher cleaning guidance also cautions against bleach in dishwashers with stainless-steel interiors, which it says describes most of its dishwashers. Do not treat bleach as a general cleaning recommendation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner helps eliminate odors and remove limescale buildup and grease to reveal a fresher, cleaner machine
- Simply toss it in your empty dishwasher and run a cycle—just like Cascade ActionPacs
- Use once a month to help keep your machine sparkling
- Recommended by Cascade Detergent
- For best results, use with Cascade Dishwasher Detergent and Cascade Power Dry Rinse Aid
Rank #4
- Powerful Deep Cleaning Descaler - Break down stubborn limescale, hard water stains, calcium deposits, grease, and odor-causing residue with a citric-acid powered formula that targets hidden buildup in spray arms, filters, pumps, and internal components.
- Lemon Citrus Deodorizer Freshness – Acts as a powerful dishwasher deodorizer that neutralizes trapped food particles and odor-causing residue, leaving behind a light lemon citrus scent and a fresh, clean interior.
- 12 Month Maintenance Solution - Includes 24 tablets for a full year of monthly dishwasher care. Regular use helps active cleaning performance, improve water flow, and support better wash results over time.
- Safe for All Dishwashers - Compatible with all major brands and models, including stainless steel interiors. Septic-safe, non-corrosive, and designed for residential and commercial machines.
- Easy One-Step Use – Simply place one tablet in the detergent dispenser and run a normal or hot cycle on an empty machine for best results. For heavy buildup, use two tablets in separate cycles.
Rank #3
- Designed for Dishwasher Cleaning & Maintenance: Helps clean the inside of the dishwasher, including the tub, filter, spray arms, and drain where buildup can collect over time
- Suitable for New and Older Dishwasher Models: Can be used for routine care of both newer and older household dishwashers
- Targets Grease, Limescale & Mineral Buildup: Helps break down grease residue, hard water limescale, and mineral deposits inside the dishwasher during a cleaning cycle
- Compatible with Major Dishwasher Brands: Works & Compatible with popular dishwasher brands including Bosch, Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, KitchenAid, Frigidaire, Maytag, and Kenmore
- Easy Drop-In Tablet with Fizzing Action: Simply place one tablet in an empty dishwasher and run a normal cycle-no scrubbing, no dismantling parts, no extra steps
Rank #2
- Wide Compatibility - ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner is suitable for Most Residential or Commercial Automatic Dishwashing Units. Compatible with GE, Bosch, Frigidaire, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana models, all styles including plastic & stainless steel. To ensure proper cleaning, we recommend to monitor your dishwasher during cycle. If you see any foam or water leaking from the machine, stop dishwasher and allow foam and water to drain before continuing
- Deep Descaling Formula - Make your dish washing appliance shine. Removes hardwater, lime, scale, grime, grease, stain and more with a simple citric acid powder diswasher cleaning agent. Removes gunk spot and can help prevent clog and clear out foam in jet, tubes, and filter area.
- Fresh Odor Eliminator - Dual action freshener booster tablet for smelly dishwashers. ACTIVE Dishwasher cleaner's Natural Lemon-citrus Scent leaves your dishwaser smelling and looking good.
- Monthly Maintenance Solution - Keep your dishmachine cleaned with ACTIVE kitchen cleaning supplies. Use single or 2 treatment tabs per month. Place pod inside empty disheasher, run a self clean or regular dishwash to restore your machine. If extra cleaning is needed, always perform two separate cleaning cycles with a single tablet each, adding more cleaner can result in excess foam that effects function.
- Bulk 24 Count Kit - Contains 24 ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets - You're set for a year or more. That's our Best Value Promise - Compare to product with less tablet or single-use liquids.
#1 Best Overall
- HELPS POWER AWAY SMELLS created by odor causing bacteria, foggy limescale and mineral deposits hiding deep inside the dishwasher’s pump, filter, tub, valve, drain, washer arms and recirculation hoses to help optimize appliance performance.
- USE WITH OR WITHOUT DISHES. Unlike other brands, affresh dishwasher cleaner is safe to use while running a full load.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. Backed by over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh is the dishwasher cleaner brand recommended by Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and JennAir.**
- SAFER FOR PEOPLE. SAFER FOR PLANET. Affresh dishwasher cleaner is EPA Safer Choice Certified and is septic safe.
- NO MESSY POWDERS OR LIQUIDS. Affresh tablets are clean, convenient and powerful.
What to check before you start
- Your exact model’s manual confirms Self Clean is available and explains how to select it.
- The dishwasher is empty before the cycle starts.
- You have checked the model-specific instructions before adding detergent, vinegar, or a cleaning tablet.
- If you remove a filter for separate maintenance, you reinstall it correctly before operating the dishwasher.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
