The filter assembly in my LG dishwasher is always getting dirty.

https://www.manualslib.com/l/lds5540bb.html

Hello Karim;

My name is Peter. I am a retired field service appliance technician.

You have a expensive transmission drive dishwasher. Next time do not buy a transmission drive, then you may be able to access and replace parts yourself.

So, here are the parts and parts cost:

1.) Dishwasher Pump Assembly. Part cost: $170.00.
2.) Dishwasher Sump. Cost: $37.00.
3.) Dishwater filter. Cost: $65.00
4.) Dishwasher Mesh Filter. Cost: $27.00.
So, lets say I am not retired from Sears Home Services and I came to your home on this service call.
Standard charges are the cost of the part marked up to twice the part cost. Labor for this job, several hours would be about $300.00+.

Do not call a service company. You are looking at a repair cost of over $700.00.

Purchase a new unit. Not transmission drive. Search; "Sears Outlet Stores". These are scratch and dent stores. You can save several hundred dollars and receive a one year warrantee. Stay away from transmission drives, LG & Samsung units.

Peter,
Glen Burnie, MD

We had a Samsung dishwasher for 4 years which I finally replaced with a GE. Always had a problem with a smell. I believe it's because Samsung dw's do not drain properly. I took the filter assembly apart several times (at the bottom of the unit) and cleaned it (was always full of greasy black gunk). This would help temporarily. I will never again buy a Samsung dishwasher (or refrigerator).

it has a hot water element that can burn out
have it checked by an electrician or technician

if the soap/detergent isn't completely rinsing out of dispenser, it sounds like water isn't directed the top spray-arm. possible a defective vario motor; as it directs water to the water channel that supplies water to the middle and upper spray arms.

Try these things in order:

-Try to use a name brand powder, rather then a generic. Even a small box. I had similar problems with my LG dishwasher when I tried to save money by buying a generic powder. My dishes did not get clean and white marks were left behind on my stainless steel DW liner and the dishes. When you ad the powder, do not over fill the dispenser. Add less than the full dispenser cup and close it. Place some powder in that shallow square indent on the dispenser lid to help the pre-wash cycle. Also, run the water in the sink until hot water runs immediately before you start the DW.

-If, after using Electrosol or Cascade for 2 - 3 loads and your dishes do not come out clean, then I would run a load of dishes without adding the soap. Start the dishwasher and wait for it to fill and begin to wash. Open the door and add one cup of vinegar (white vinegar is fine.) Feel free to ad another cup after the first wash water drains and the second wash water enters and the DW begins the wash cycle again. Run a load of dirty dishes with the soap and check for good cleaning.

-If the problems continue, it is time to remove the filter assembly by removing the 9 silver phillips screws from the filter assembly. You will also need to remove the lower sprayer arm by pulling straight up and then out. With a flashlight, inspect the sump area that was hidden by the filter assembly, looking for any debris that has jammed into anywhere down there. Watch out for broken glass as you feel around. Reassemble and test with a load of dirty dishes.

The poor drying may be caused by not keeping the rinse aid re-filled. Check that first.

Also, these water and energy conserving dishwashers actually use the "dirt" from the dirty dishes to help clean the dishes during the first two wash cycles. Simply clear the big chunks off the dishes and put the dishes in the DW.

Please report back what you find or if you have more questions. OK?

this is caused by the enzymes in the dishwasher powder and the limescale in the water turn the salt switch to its highest this is normally just under the salt filler cap,and run the machine on a pans program with nothing in only a good dw cleaner

How do I take apart and clean the filter, I've gotten the screws out but to do now?

Please confirm that you own an LG LDF7811 dishwasher and it is not cleaning properly.
-Are you getting any error codes displayed? -Did you remove the mesh filter and clean any debris beneath it plus rinse out the filter itself?
-Are you using a name brand diswashing powder? Avoid ultra-cheap detergent, especially in water-conserving units like the LG 7811. Never use DW gel or tablets in any dishwasher.
-Do not over rinse the dishes before placing them in the DW. The food granules actually are used to clean all the dishes before being rinsed away.
Please try these suggestions and reply to this message with what worked best and if the problem continues. Good Luck!

there is a new product out called the dishwasher filtration system. it actually filters the water going into your dishes. the dishes look dirty because your water has a lot of calcium and magnesium in it making them appear cloudy or dirty. the dishwasher filter reduces those minerals and my dishes look perfect now. no more dirty and grimy looking dishes. i also dont waste time washing them by hand before and after the dishwasher. hahaha you can get it at www.dishwasherfilter.com. use code DFMTEN and you will get 10% off. it fits right under your sink and is very affordable. you will be glad you bought this product. thanks