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Samsung’s Self Clean cycle is an empty-tub maintenance wash. Remove laundry, select the cycle name shown on your washer—Self Clean, Self Clean+, or Pure Cycle—and press Start. For routine cleaning, Samsung says not to add detergent or washer cleaner. Run the cycle about once a month or when your washer’s reminder appears; check your model’s manual for its exact instructions.
How do you use Self Clean on a Samsung washer?
- Empty the tub. Remove all clothing and other items before starting. Samsung warns that running Self Clean with laundry inside can damage the washer and its contents.
- Select the dedicated cycle. Choose Self Clean, Self Clean+, or Pure Cycle, depending on the label on your control panel, then press Start.
- Leave out detergent and cleaner. Routine Self Clean does not require added cleaner. If suds or residue remain during the cycle, Samsung recommends running Self Clean again afterward.
Cycle names and directions can vary by model and product family. The steps above reflect Samsung’s US washer guidance; use your washer’s manual if its instructions differ. Samsung: How to clean your Samsung washer
How long does Self Clean take?
Samsung estimates approximately one hour for a top-load Self Clean cycle and four hours for a front-load cycle. These are estimates, not guarantees: duration varies by model. Your washer displays an estimated time after you start the cycle.
How often should you run it?
Run Self Clean about monthly, or at the earliest opportunity after the washer displays its reminder. The reminder schedule is model-specific: Samsung’s US cleaning guide says a top-load model displays a reminder after 20 washes and a front-load model after 40 washes. Those counts are not universal rules for every Samsung washer.
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For its Laundry Combo, Samsung’s manual recommends Self Clean+ at least once a month or every 40 cycles. Follow the manual for your specific product rather than applying another washer family’s cycle count. Samsung washer cleaning guidance · Samsung Laundry Combo User Manual
Should you add bleach or cleaner?
Routine maintenance
Do not add bleach, detergent, or washer cleaner to a normal Self Clean cycle. Samsung says a routine run needs no added cleaner.
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Musty smell or visible mold
Samsung describes a separate bleach procedure for an existing mildew smell or visible mold; it is not the routine Self Clean method. First remove any standing water—Samsung advises running Spin-only if water remains. Then, for models covered by its US washer guide, add liquid chlorine bleach to the detergent compartment up to its maximum line and start Self Clean immediately. Do not put bleach in the bleach compartment for this procedure, and do not leave bleach sitting in the washer.
When the cycle finishes, wipe away residue, run Rinse+Spin, and repeat that rinse if needed until residue is gone. Leave the door or lid and detergent drawer open to dry. Samsung advises requesting service if odor or mold remains after several attempts. Check your model’s manual before using bleach: the Laundry Combo manual specifies a different compartment, the Manual bleach compartment, and says not to exceed the line or mix other chemicals. Samsung: mildew smell or visible mold · Laundry Combo manual
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- Self Clean keeps the tub fresh without harsh chemicals
What if your Samsung washer has no Self Clean cycle?
Some Samsung models do not have Self Clean or Pure Cycle. Samsung recommends using a washing-machine cleaner for those models and following the cleaner’s label directions. That is a fallback for washers without the dedicated cycle, not an additive required for Self Clean. Samsung washer cleaning guidance
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Allow the washer to cool before cleaning other areas
If the washer has recently completed a hot Self Clean, Pure Cycle, or Sanitize cycle, Samsung advises waiting an hour for the water to cool before cleaning other areas of the machine.
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