If detergent remains in the dispenser of the Samsung DW80B7070, Samsung's troubleshooting table gives one cause and one fix: large items such as cookie sheets, cutting boards or containers are blocking the dispenser and preventing it from opening properly, so rearrange the dishes so they do not interfere with dispenser operation. A blocked spray nozzle can also stop the dispenser from being flushed, and a nozzle bumping dishes should be checked by hand. Samsung recommends powder or multi-function tablet detergent and notes that using automatic dishwasher detergent only is essential.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung dishwasher detergent door will not open or detergent remains”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A large item blocks the detergent dispenser
What separates it The cover is still shut with detergent inside after a cycle
How to confirm Move cookie sheets, cutting boards and containers away from the dispenser
- 2
A nozzle is blocked or a dish stops it rotating
What separates it Water does not reach the dispenser and dishes at the front stay dirty
How to confirm Rotate each nozzle by hand after loading and clean any clogged nozzle
- 3
Wrong detergent
What separates it There are suds or leftover detergent in the tub because the wrong detergent was used
How to confirm Use automatic dishwasher detergent, powder or multi-function tablets
- 4
Old or clumped detergent
What separates it There is a caked dispenser after a cycle because of old or clumped detergent
How to confirm Use fresh, high quality detergent, and clean the dispenser
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- What was placed near the dispenser
- Whether the nozzles rotate freely by hand
- The detergent type and its age
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedClear the dispenser
ReversibleMake sure large items such as cookie sheets, cutting boards or containers are not blocking the detergent dispenser and preventing it from opening properly.
Rotate the nozzles
ReversibleAfter placing the dishes into the racks, rotate the nozzles by hand to check whether any dish or pot interferes with them.
Load as recommended
ReversibleLoad an appropriate number of dishes as the loading section shows. Too many dishes cause poor washing and can block the dispenser and nozzles.
Use the right detergent
ReversibleUse automatic dishwasher detergent only. Samsung recommends a powder type or multi-function tablet detergent, and high-quality, fresh detergent with rinse aid for hard water.
Clean clogged nozzles
ReversibleIf a nozzle is clogged remove and clean it carefully, since nozzles can break. The manual gives steps for the upper, top and lower nozzles.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Storm Wash and loading
- Storm Wash is for pots, pans, durable serving bowls and other large, very dirty dishes placed face down in the marked area of the lower basket; if adding it, place dishes in the left side of the lower rack. Samsung says to scrape food but not pre-rinse, and that too many dishes or improperly loaded dishes cause poor washing.
- Sanitize option
- Choosing Sanitize raises the final rinse to 163 F (73 C) for high-temperature sanitization; the Sanitize lamp blinks once the water passes 155 F (68 C) and stays lit until the option ends, and turns off when you open the door or press POWER. Samsung says the Normal cycle with Sanitize is NSF certified. Hi-Temp or a similar option raises the main wash temperature to help with tough baked-on food.
- Parts for this problem on the DW80B7070 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- dispenser, part number DD59-01003B, at $249.73; spring etc door, part number DD61-00489A, at $36.13.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models DW80B6060, DW80R9950, DW80M9550, DW80N3030, DW50T6060.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the dispenser will not open with clear space and fresh detergent, contact Samsung service
- !If the detergent cover is cracked or the latch is damaged, it needs a service part
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Samsung's own support page listing this model's manuals.
Samsung's own short user manual for these dishwashers to confirm the control-panel and code names.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is detergent left in the dispenser?+
Large items such as cookie sheets and cutting boards may block it.
What detergent does Samsung recommend?+
A powder type or multi-function tablet automatic dishwasher detergent.
Can I use hand dish detergent?+
No. Use only automatic dishwasher detergent.
How do I check the nozzles?+
Rotate them by hand after loading to see if any dish interferes.
What if a nozzle is clogged?+
Remove and clean it carefully, then check it engages by rotating it.
Where does rinse aid go?+
In its own compartment. Do not put any detergent in it.
Does the door close automatically?+
The door opens itself at the end when Auto Release Dry is on and cannot be closed by hand for 2 minutes.
Can I use the Storm Wash area for pans?+
Yes, place heavily soiled items face down in the marked Storm Wash area of the lower basket.