Samsung’s Self Clean cycle cleans the washer’s tub with the drum empty; it is a maintenance cycle, not a cycle for washing clothes. On some models the feature is called Pure Cycle or Self Clean+, and the exact cycle behavior, timing, and reminder schedule depend on the washer. For routine cleaning, Samsung says you usually do not need to add detergent or a washer cleaner.
What does Samsung Self Clean do?
Samsung describes Self Clean as a special maintenance program for cleaning parts of the tub where moisture and detergent residue may collect—areas a normal laundry cycle may not reach. The cycle glossary distinguishes Self Clean, which cleans the tub, from Self Clean+, which also cleans internal areas around the tub. The exact water flow or agitation sequence is not documented as the same across every model, so the washer’s manual is the best guide to its specific operation.
Samsung’s cycle names vary by model and market. Look for Self Clean, Pure Cycle, or Self Clean+ on the controls or in the manual. Samsung’s Laundry Combo manual, for example, says Self Clean+ defaults to Extra Hot on that product family; that setting is not universal.
How to run the cycle
- Empty the washer. Do not put clothes in the drum. Samsung warns that running Self Clean with laundry inside can damage the washer and the load.
- Select the maintenance cycle. Choose Self Clean, Pure Cycle, Self Clean+, or the equivalent named in the model’s manual.
- Do not add a routine cleaner unless instructed. Samsung says additional cleaner is usually unnecessary. Follow the manual if it specifies an exception for your washer.
- Start the cycle and follow the display. Duration and settings vary; use the estimate and any prompts shown on your machine.
- Afterward, dry the washer. Leave the door or lid and detergent drawer open so moisture can evaporate.
Samsung’s US guidance estimates about one hour for top-load Self Clean and up to about four hours for front-load models. These are approximate figures, not fixed cycle times for every washer.
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How often should you run Self Clean?
Use the schedule in your manual and heed the washer’s reminder. Samsung US recommends running the cycle at least monthly. Its cycle guide describes reminders after 20 washes on top-load models and 40 washes on front-load models. A Samsung Laundry Combo manual gives family-specific guidance of monthly or every 40 cycles. These schedules differ because the feature and reminder behavior vary by product family.
Should you add detergent, vinegar, or washer cleaner?
For routine Self Clean, Samsung says no additional cleaner is usually needed. Do not pour in detergent, vinegar, or a cleaning product by default. If your model lacks a Self Clean-type cycle, consult its manual for the recommended cleaning method rather than assuming an additive is appropriate.
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Visible mold or a persistent mildew smell is a separate problem from routine maintenance. Samsung’s odor guidance may call for bleach in particular cases, but directions depend on washer type and model. A Laundry Combo manual, for example, limits bleach to its designated bleach compartment for specified residue cases and warns against mixing chemicals. Follow the instructions for your exact model and applicable Samsung support guidance; do not treat one model’s bleach procedure as a universal recipe.
What if the washer still smells after Self Clean?
A tub cycle may not address residue or maintenance issues elsewhere. Samsung’s odor troubleshooting includes these steps, as applicable to the model:
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- Wipe away residue after the cycle.
- Run Rinse+Spin if needed, following the washer’s instructions.
- Leave the door or lid and detergent drawer open to dry.
- On applicable front-load washers, clean the pump filter as a separate maintenance task.
If odor or visible mold remains after following the model-specific guidance, contact Samsung support.
What does Samsung’s 99% bacteria claim mean?
A Samsung product sheet for the WF45R6100AC says the washer keeps the drum fresh and clean “by eliminating 99% of bacteria.” Its footnote attributes that figure to Intertek testing of the Self Clean+ cycle on the WF6000R. It is a test claim for that cycle and product scope, not evidence that every Samsung washer removes 99% of bacteria under all household conditions.
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Which instructions should you follow?
Use the washer’s own manual and display for its cycle name, permitted settings, cleaning-agent directions, timing, and reminder schedule. Samsung support pages provide general guidance, but the instructions for a top-load washer, front-load washer, or Laundry Combo may differ. Samsung’s washer-cleaning guide, cycle and feature glossary, and mildew and visible-mold troubleshooting page are useful starting points; consult your model’s manual for the final word.
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- YOU WILL RECEIVE: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner powder packets, activating 20% faster than tablets, for 5 months of cleaning. Made by Nehemiah Manufacturing. Certain trademarks used under license from The P&G Company or its affiliates
- ODOR ELIMINATOR: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner lifts away & eliminates odor causing residues and deposits with its specially designed surface active ingredients and the cleaning power of Oxi plus TAED
- POWDER WORKS MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN TABLETS: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner is a powder that creates a cleaning action that gets to work faster than tablets. Deep cleaning and septic safe formula
- OXI + TAED FORMULA: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner has the cleaning power of Oxi + TAED, to boost the cleaning action on your washing machine by over 20% .TAED creates a cleaning superboost that works even in hard water which other cleaners can’t do
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