How to clean your Samsung washer

Last Update date : Feb 06. 2026
A person is wiping the door gasket of a Samsung front-load washer with a cloth.

Keeping your washer clean helps prevent odors, mold and detergent buildup. Regular maintenance also helps your washer perform its best while keeping clothes smelling fresh. This guide explains how to clean the most important areas of your Samsung front-load or top-load washer.

Note: This guide was written for washers sold in Canada. Some features, cycles, and settings may vary depending on your model or the country where it was purchased. For detailed instructions, refer to your user manual.

If you’re not sure how often to clean your Samsung washer, follow these recommended guidelines:

  • After every wash: Leave the door and detergent drawer open to dry.
  • Weekly: Wipe the door, gasket, and detergent area.
A Samsung front-load washer with its door open next to a Samsung dryer.
  • Monthly: Run a tub cleaning cycle (Self Clean or Pure Cycle).
  • Every 1–3 months: Clean the detergent drawer and filter (front-load models).

Tip: This routine helps prevent mildew, reduces odors and keeps your washer performing at its best.

To remove water spots, fingerprints and detergent residue:

1 Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and mild soap.
2 Wipe the washer door, control panel and exterior surfaces.
A person is wiping the exterior of a Samsung washer with a microfiber cloth.
3 Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Important: Avoid abrasive pads or harsh cleaners, which may damage the finish.

The rubber gasket around the door can trap moisture, lint and detergent buildup.

1 Pull back the gasket carefully.
2 Wipe inside the folds using a soft cloth.
A person is wiping the door gasket of a Samsung front-load washer with a cloth.
3 If buildup is present, use warm water with mild soap.
4 Dry the gasket completely after cleaning.

Tip: Make sure the gasket is dry before closing the door. Cleaning this area regularly helps prevent mold and musty odors.

Most Samsung washers include a tub-cleaning cycle designed to remove residue inside the drum.

Recommendation: Run this cycle about once a month.

1 Make sure the washer is empty.
2 Select Self Clean or Pure Cycle.
A Samsung washer control panel showing the Self Clean cycle selected.

Note:

  • Depending on your model, you may need to use the Cycle dial to select Self Clean or Pure Cycle. Other models may have a dedicated button on the washer panel.
  • If your washer does not include a Self Clean or Pure Cycle, refer to your user manual for the recommended cleaning cycle. On some models, this may be a Normal cycle.
3 Press Start or Hold to start.

Tip: No additional cleaner is usually required. However, if odors persist, a washing machine cleaner designed for washers may help.

Detergent and softener buildup in the detergent drawer can reduce cleaning performance and contribute to odors. Cleaning the detergent drawer about once a month helps prevent buildup and keeps detergent flowing properly.

General information

Detergent and softener buildup can reduce cleaning performance and contribute to odors.

1 Pull the detergent drawer out of the washer.
2 Remove the inserts, if possible.
3 Rinse all parts with warm water.
4 Use a soft brush to remove any residue.
5 Dry the drawer completely, then reinsert it fully.

How to remove the detergent drawer

Detergent drawer removal steps can vary depending on your Samsung washer model. For detailed instructions, refer to your user manual first. The examples below show two common removal methods used on many Samsung washers.

Top-load washer

Illustration showing how to remove the detergent drawer on a Samsung top-load washer. Illustration showing how to remove the detergent drawer on a Samsung top-load washer.

Pull the detergent drawer out until it stops. Then, tilt the drawer upward and remove it.

Front-load washer

Illustration showing how to remove the detergent drawer on a Samsung front-load washer. Illustration showing how to remove the detergent drawer on a Samsung front-load washer.

Pull the detergent drawer out until it stops. Then, hold down the release lever inside the drawer and pull it out to remove it.

Tip: After removing the detergent drawer, use a soft brush to clean the drawer recess as well.

Cleaning the pump filter helps prevent drainage issues and reduce odors. We recommend cleaning the pump filter at least once per month or approximately every 40 washes. If the washer recently ran a hot cycle, allow time for the water to cool before draining.

Quick overview steps

Front-load washers include a debris filter that should be cleaned regularly.

1 Open the pump filter access panel.
2 Drain any remaining water using the emergency hose.
3 Remove the filter by twisting it counterclockwise.
4 Use a soft brush to remove lint or debris.
5 Reinsert the filter and secure it tightly.

Detailed cleaning steps

The steps below apply to many Samsung front-load washer models. Depending on your washer, the pump filter location or removal method may vary. For model-specific instructions, refer to your user manual.

1 Locate the pump filter access panel near the bottom of the washer. Open the panel by pressing the top or center of the cover.
Illustration showing the pump filter access panel being opened on a Samsung front-load washer.
2 Locate the rubber drain hose and prepare to drain any remaining water. Have a towel and a shallow container ready to collect the water.
3 Remove the cap from the drain hose by holding the hose and twisting the cap. Because it forms an airtight seal, it may take some effort to loosen. Once removed, allow the water to drain completely.
Illustration showing water being drained from the emergency hose of a Samsung front-load washer.
4 After all the water has drained, remove the pump filter by twisting it counterclockwise.
Illustration showing the pump filter being removed by twisting it counterclockwise on a Samsung front-load washer.
5 Use a small toothbrush or another soft-bristle brush to remove dirt and debris from the filter. Check that the drain pump impeller inside the filter housing is clean as well.
Illustration showing the pump filter being rinsed and cleaned with a soft brush under running water.
6 Reinsert the pump filter and twist it clockwise until it is secured in the vertical position.
Illustration showing the pump filter being reinserted and secured by twisting it clockwise on a Samsung front-load washer.
7 Firmly replace the cap on the drain hose, then secure the hose in the mounted clip before closing the access panel.
Illustration showing the emergency drain hose being secured back in place before closing the pump filter access panel.

Note: If these steps do not match your Samsung front-load washer, refer to your user manual for model-specific instructions.

If odors remain after cleaning, mold or detergent residue may already be present.

Common causes include:

  • Leaving the door closed after washing.
  • Using too much detergent or softener.
  • Frequently washing with cold water only.
  • Buildup in the door gasket or detergent drawer.
A Samsung washer drum surrounded by splashing water.

Following these steps can help reduce odors, prevent mold buildup and keep your Samsung washer running efficiently:

1 Run a Spin-only cycle

Make sure the drum is empty, then run a Spin-only cycle to drain any remaining water.

2 Add chlorine bleach

Pour liquid chlorine bleach into the detergent compartment up to the max line.

Note: Do not pour bleach directly into the drum.

3 Run a Self Clean cycle

Close the washer door or lid, then start Self Clean, Self Clean+ or Pure Cycle immediately. Cycle time varies by model (about 1 hour for top-load washers and up to 4 hours for front-load washers).

4 Wipe down the tub

After the cycle ends, wipe away any remaining residue inside the drum using paper towels.

5 Run a Rinse+Spin cycle

Run a Rinse+Spin cycle to remove any remaining residue. Repeat if needed.

6 Allow the washer to dry

Leave the door or lid open, and keep the detergent drawer open to help the washer dry thoroughly.

7 Clean the pump filter (front-load washers only)

Front-load models include a pump filter near the bottom front of the washer. Cleaning it regularly can help prevent odors. Refer to the pump filter cleaning steps above for instructions.

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