the third rack on top doesn't seem to get anything clean, glasses come out spotted or still dirty

Diagnosis

The Samsung Bespoke DW80B7070AP features a specialized third rack designed for cutlery and small espresso cups, but its position makes it highly susceptible to "spray shielding." Because the third rack sits directly above the middle rack, any oversized plate, tall mixing bowl, or large platter placed in the middle rack creates a physical barrier. This prevents the water jets from the middle spray arm from reaching the third rack and, more critically, can physically obstruct the rotation of the upper spray arm, leaving entire sections of the top rack untouched by water.

Furthermore, this model often suffers from "hard water spotting" specifically on the top rack because the detergent pods may not dissolve quickly enough to reach the upper cavity during the initial wash cycle, or the rinse aid dispenser is not calibrated for the increased height of the Bespoke tub. If you see a "film" or white spots on the glassware in the third rack while the bottom plates are clean, it is typically a chemical delivery issue rather than a mechanical failure. If the glasses are physically dirty (food residue), it is almost always a mechanical blockage or a clogged spray nozzle in the upper arm assembly.

How to Fix It

To resolve cleaning failures in the third rack, follow these precise steps to ensure mechanical clearance and hydraulic flow:

1. Clear the Middle Rack: Open the dishwasher and remove all items from the middle rack. Ensure no plates are protruding upward and no tall items are placed in the center-rear area. This is the "dead zone" where most spray arm collisions occur.
2. Inspect the Upper Spray Arm: Reach in and manually spin the spray arm located directly beneath the third rack. It should rotate 360 degrees without any resistance. If it catches, check for fallen silverware or plastic lids that have slipped through the rack gaps.
3. Deep Clean the Nozzles: Remove the upper spray arm by twisting the locking nut counter-clockwise. Inspect the small holes (nozzles) along the arm. Use a thin sewing needle or a 0.5mm toothpick to clear any calcium deposits or food debris from each individual hole.
4. Verify Water Distribution: Run a "Quick" cycle without dishes. Open the door mid-cycle (during the wash phase) and check if the upper arm is spinning and spraying. If the arm is stationary, the water manifold is likely clogged.
5. Optimize Loading: When reloading, place only low-profile items (espresso cups, flat cutlery) in the third rack. Ensure the third rack is pushed fully back until it clicks into the guide rails; if it is slightly skewed, it can block the spray arm's path.

If That Didn't Work

• Calibrate the Rinse Aid: The Bespoke series requires a higher rinse aid setting for the top rack to prevent spotting. Locate the rinse aid dispenser on the door; turn the dial to level 4 or 5. If you are using "All-in-One" pods, you still need liquid rinse aid to ensure water sheets off the glasses in the highest rack.
• Switch to High-Temp Wash: Select the "Sani-Wash" or "High Temp" option. The third rack is furthest from the heating element; increasing the water temperature helps the detergent penetrate the upper cavity more effectively.
• Check the Diverter Valve: If the upper arm has zero pressure, the diverter valve (which switches water between the bottom and top arms) may be stuck. Perform a hard reset by unplugging the unit for 10 minutes, then restart it using the "Heavy" cycle to force a full pressure flush.
• Address Hard Water Scaling: If you live in a hard water area, the small nozzles in the upper arm can scale over. Soak the removed spray arm in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water for two hours to dissolve mineral buildup.

Heads Up

• Avoid "Over-Stuffing": Never stack items in the third rack so high that they touch the ceiling of the tub; this disrupts the airflow and water circulation patterns.
• Pod Placement: Always use the dedicated detergent dispenser. Do not throw pods onto the bottom rack, as they may not dissolve fast enough to provide cleaning power to the top rack during the first 10 minutes of the cycle.
• Regular Arm Maintenance: Every 30 days, manually check the upper spray arm for debris. A single seed or piece of plastic can stop the arm from rotating, leaving your glasses dirty.
• Loading Geometry: Always place the largest plates on the outer edges of the middle rack to leave a clear "column" of space for the water to travel upward to the third rack.