How to clean your Samsung washer

Last Update date : Jan 11. 2024
Someone is cleaning a Samsung washer

Cleaning your Samsung washer is essential to prevent odors, mold buildup, and maintain optimal performance. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to clean your Samsung front and top load washers, including addressing surface spots, cleaning the pump filter (for front load washers), and running a Self Clean or Pure Cycle.

Note: The information provided applies to washers sold in Canada. Screens and settings may vary for washing machines sold in other countries.

While we'll cover various cleaning methods below, here are a couple of tips to keep your washer fresh between routine and monthly cleanings:

If you typically use cold water for washing, occasionally run a cycle with warm or hot water to reduce soil and detergent buildup.

A Samsung washer with its door open is next to a Samsung dryer

Leave the washer's door and detergent drawer open to allow them to air out and prevent moisture from lingering, which can lead to mold and mildew. If mold or mildew has already formed, read our guide for troubleshooting.

Regularly cleaning and drying your washer's surface is crucial to prevent residual cleaner or water from causing blemishes on the washer's door.

1 Dispense a small amount of mild detergent onto a clean, damp, microfiber cloth.
2 Gently scrub the affected area in a repeating circular motion.
Someone is cleaning a Samsung washer
3 After scrubbing, use a clean, damp, microfiber cloth to wipe off the area.
4 Finish by using a clean, dry, microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the area.

The Self Clean (also known as Pure Cycle or Self Clean+) cycle is designed to prevent mold by cleaning areas of the tub where moisture and detergent residue may accumulate. It takes approximately 1 hour for a top load washer and 4 hours for a front load washer. Keep in mind that once the cycle starts, the washer's control panel will show the estimated remaining time.

1 Ensure the washer is empty.
2 Press or select Self Clean, and then press Start.
A close-up of the control panel of a Samsung washer

Note: No additional cleaner is required when running Self Clean. However, if you already have an existing mold smell, consider using bleach (pour it into the detergent compartment) as recommended in our guide.

If you notice suds or residue during the Self Clean cycle, run another Self Clean cycle. The Self Clean reminder LED will appear after a certain number of washes (20 for top load, 40 for front load). While immediate cleaning isn't necessary, it's advisable to run it as soon as possible. It's also a good practice to run Self Clean at least once a month if you don't use your washer frequently.

While Self Clean is the preferred method for cleaning your washer's interior, some models may not have this feature. In such cases, you can use any washing machine cleaner. Follow the specific instructions provided with the cleaner you choose, as they may vary between products.

Different washing machine cleaners Different washing machine cleaners

Note: Product images are for illustrative purposes only, and Samsung does not endorse any particular product.

Routine maintenance helps prevent odors from happening in the first place, but if you already have odors in your washer, you may need a little extra oomph. Our guide for dealing with a washer that smells bad provides steps tailored to this issue.

Using too much detergent can gunk up the detergent drawer, causing less to reach your clothes. It can even contribute to odors and other issues with your washer. You can easily keep the detergent drawer clean by wiping it dry after every wash session. You can also deep clean it at least once per month just to be thorough.

1 Pull and open the washer detergent drawer until it stops.
The detergent drawer of a Samsung washer is being pulled out
2 Lift out the detergent dispensers and rinse them with warm water to remove detergent residue. A soft brush can be used for thorough cleaning.
3 Completely remove the drawer to clean the drawer opening.

 • On a front load washer, push in on both ends of the drawer simultaneously and then pull it out.

Arrows are pointing where you should push the detergent drawer to get it out.

 • On a top load washer, pull out the drawer and tip it up to remove it.

4 Clean the detergent drawer opening with a soft cloth or non-metallic brush. Regular cleaning helps prevent detergent buildup.
A brush is used to clean the detergent drawer of a Samsung washer
5 After cleaning, reinsert the inserts back into the drawer and align the drawer with the compartment rails. Push the drawer back to close it fully.
The detergent drawer of a Samsung washer is being inserted back

This model comes with an auto dispenser detergent drawer, which should be wiped clean after every wash, and deep cleaned once per month. Doing so will prevent detergent build up, odors, and other issues with your washer.

1 Hold down the release lever on the inner part of the detergent drawer and pull it out to remove it.
Illustration of auto detergent and softener drawer being pulled out
2 Remove the tops of both compartments using the pull tabs located near the back of the lid.
Illustration of auto detergent and softener being pulled out
3 Clean inside the compartments using a soft brush and warm water.
Illustration of Auto detergent and Auto softener drawer being cleaned
4 Wipe down the compartments with a dry towel.
5 If detergent residue is present, pour lukewarm water into the compartments to dissolve the residue. Then, use a soft brush and warm water to thoroughly clean the compartment interior and rear valve to remove the residue.
6 Use a soft brush to clean the drawer recess.
7 After cleaning, replace the tops of both compartments, ensuring they form a snug seal around the lip. Reinsert the drawer back into the washer.

Note: Ensure the drawer recess is completely dry before reinserting the drawer.

The pump filter on your front load washer, also called the debris filter, helps filter lint and other debris from entering the washer's drain system (but Top load washers do not have a pump filter). We recommend cleaning the pump filter at least once a month or approximately 40 washes, whichever is more frequent. Keeping the pump filter clean will help prevent odors, reduce the likelihood of mold and mildew, and ensure your washer drains properly.

Caution: If you recently ran a hot cycle (Self Clean, Pure Cycle, or Sanitize), the water in the washer will be very hot. Allow one hour for it to cool to avoid injury.

1 Open the pump filter access panel by pressing on the cover.
Location of the pump filter on Samsung washing machine
2 Locate the rubber drain hose and prepare to drain the water. You'll need a towel and a container large enough to hold the water.
3 Remove the cap from the drain hose by holding the hose and twisting the cap. It may require some effort to remove it since it forms an airtight seal. Once removed, drain the water.
Illustration of drain hose cap being removed
4 After draining all the water, twist the washer pump filter counterclockwise to remove it.
Someone is removing the washer pump filter of a Samsung washer

Note: On some Samsung washers, the washer pump filter (A) is similar to the cap on a medicine bottle. Push in and twist to remove.

5 Use a small toothbrush or a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and debris from the pump filter. Ensure the drain pump impeller inside the pump filter housing is clean.
6 After cleaning, reinsert the pump filter and twist it clockwise to secure it in the vertical position.
7 Firmly place the cap back onto the drain hose and secure the hose in the mounted clip before closing the access panel.

Note: If these steps don't match with your front load washing machine, please refer to your user manual.

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