Samsung washing machine has a mildew smell or visible mold

When moisture or other residue (such as leftover detergent or other additives) is trapped in a dark place, it may promote the growth of mold and mildew and may cause unpleasant odors. If your Samsung washing machine has visible mold or a mildew smell, let us show you how to take care of it.

Close-up of mold and mildew on the rubber seal of a Samsung washing machine

Samsung washing machine has a mildew smell or visible mold

Run a Spin-only cycle.

Make sure there is no laundry in the tub, and remove any remaining water in the tub by running a Spin-only cycle.

Note

Normally, you would not add bleach to a Self Clean cycle that you are running as part of routine maintenance. This procedure is only for if there is a mildew smell or visible mold.

Add chlorine bleach.

Pour liquid chlorine bleach into the detergent compartment and fill it to the max line. Do NOT use the bleach compartment.

Caution

Never run a Self Clean cycle with laundry in the tub because this can damage the washer and the contents of the tub.

Choose a Self Clean cycle.

After pouring the liquid chlorine bleach, start the Self Clean process immediately. Do not leave liquid chlorine bleach in your washer.

Close the washer's lid or door, and press the Power button. Select Self Clean, Self Clean+, or Pure Cycle, and then press the Start/Pause button to start. Self Clean time varies from model to model, but is approximately 1 hour for top load washers and 4 hours for front load washers.

Wipe down the tub.

When the Self Clean cycle completes, wipe clean any residue in the tub using paper towels.

Run a Rinse+Spin cycle.

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

If necessary, continue running additional cycles until there is no more visible mold residue.

Allow the washing machine to dry.

Leave the lid or door open to let the washing machine dry. Also leave the detergent drawer open to help it dry as well.

Clean the pump filter (front load models only).

Most front loaders have a pump filter on the front, near the bottom, behind a panel.

If the pump filter is not cleaned regularly, it will cause odors. See our guide for cleaning a washer for instructions cleaning the pump filter.

Request service.

If the odor or mold remains after several attempts, visit the Support Center for more information.

Contact Samsung Support

Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.

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