For routine cleaning, run the empty Self Clean, Self Clean+ or Pure Cycle about once a month—or when your washer prompts you. Then clean and dry the detergent drawer, gasket and pump filter, and leave the door and drawer open between washes. Samsung says the built-in cycle generally needs no added cleaner. Visible mold or a persistent mildew smell calls for a separate, model-specific troubleshooting procedure.
How often should you clean a Samsung front-load washer?
Samsung recommends running the built-in tub-cleaning cycle about monthly if your washer has not prompted you to run it. Reminder timing varies by model. Samsung’s US guidance describes a reminder after 40 washes for the front-load models it covers; that interval is not universal. The same guidance estimates a front-load Self Clean cycle takes about four hours, though actual cycle length varies by model. Samsung’s washer-cleaning guidance gives model-specific context.
Clean the detergent drawer more thoroughly about monthly, wipe it dry after washes, and clean the front-load pump filter at least monthly or approximately every 40 washes, following the instructions for your model. Drying the washer after use is an ongoing habit, not a substitute for these periodic tasks.
Run the tub-cleaning cycle
- Empty the washer. Remove all laundry before starting Self Clean, Self Clean+ or Pure Cycle.
- Select the cycle on your washer. Choose the built-in cleaning cycle available on your model and start it. Samsung says routine Self Clean generally does not require added cleaner.
- Check the result. If the cycle leaves visible suds or residue, Samsung recommends running Self Clean again.
If your washer does not have Self Clean or Pure Cycle, check the manual for the correct tub-cleaning method. Samsung says a washer-cleaning product may be used on models without those built-in cycles; follow the product label. Do not add a cleaner to a built-in cycle unless the washer instructions or cleaner label direct you to do so. Samsung’s US cleaning instructions cover the built-in cycle and this exception.
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Clean the detergent drawer
After each wash, wipe the drawer dry. For a deeper clean, remove the drawer and any removable inserts, rinse them with warm water, and use a soft brush or cloth to loosen residue. Wipe the drawer opening with a soft cloth or non-metallic brush, then refit the inserts and slide the drawer fully back into place.
Samsung’s US guide describes pressing the ends on both sides of the drawer before pulling it out on the front-load models covered there. Drawer-release designs vary, so consult your model’s manual rather than forcing the drawer. Samsung’s drawer-cleaning guidance explains its covered design.
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Wipe and dry the door gasket
Pull back the rubber gasket folds carefully and wipe inside them with a soft cloth. If there is residue, Samsung Canada says warm water and mild soap can be used. Dry the gasket completely before closing the door. Follow your washer’s manual if it gives different instructions. Samsung Canada’s maintenance guidance notes that cleaning steps can vary by model.
Clean the front-load pump filter
The pump filter is a front-load washer maintenance point. Samsung recommends cleaning it at least monthly or about every 40 washes. Water can remain in the washer, so prepare a towel and shallow container before opening the filter access.
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- Check the manual for access instructions. Filter location and removal steps vary by model.
- Drain residual water through the emergency drain hose before removing the filter. If the washer has recently run a hot cycle, let the water cool first.
- Remove debris with a soft brush. Reinstall the filter and secure the drain-hose cap when finished.
Use your model’s manual for the exact procedure. Samsung’s US cleaning guidance provides the recommended interval, while its Canada guidance describes filter cleaning and model variation.
Prevent odor between washes
- Remove wet laundry promptly rather than leaving it in the washer.
- Wipe moisture or residue from the drawer, tub and gasket after use.
- Leave the washer door and detergent drawer open so they can air-dry.
- Use no more detergent than recommended for the load; excess detergent can contribute to residue buildup.
Moisture and leftover detergent or additives in dark areas can contribute to mold, mildew and odor. Samsung’s odor-prevention guidance recommends drying the washer and using detergent as directed.
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What to do about visible mold or a mildew smell
Samsung US distinguishes existing mold or mildew symptoms from routine cleaning. Its troubleshooting guidance describes a bleach procedure for that specific case; it is not the routine Self Clean method. Before using it, check the manual for your exact washer, since model and regional instructions may differ. Never combine bleach with other cleaners.
- Make sure the tub is empty, then run Spin-only to remove remaining water.
- For existing visible mold or mildew smell, add liquid chlorine bleach to the detergent compartment up to the max line—not the bleach compartment—and start Self Clean, Self Clean+ or Pure Cycle immediately. Never run Self Clean with laundry in the tub.
- After the cycle, wipe residue from the tub and run Rinse+Spin. Repeat if visible residue remains.
- Leave the door and drawer open to dry, and clean the front-load pump filter.
If mold or odor remains after several attempts, Samsung advises contacting support. These bleach directions come from Samsung’s US mold and mildew troubleshooting article; follow your manual if its instructions differ.
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What supplies do you need?
- Soft cloth: for the gasket, drawer and accessible surfaces.
- Soft brush: for drawer residue and filter debris.
- Towel and shallow container: to catch water while draining the pump filter.
- Washer-cleaning product: optional for a model without Self Clean or Pure Cycle, or when its instructions otherwise support its use. Samsung names Tide Washing Machine Cleaner in its US odor-prevention guidance; this is not an endorsement or a requirement for routine built-in cleaning.
Routine cleaning normally requires no replacement part. A defective drawer is a repair issue, not a standard cleaning need. Samsung’s US odor guidance discusses the optional cleaner.
Quick Recap
Choose the right cleaning response
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Your washer has Self Clean, Self Clean+ or Pure Cycle, and you are doing routine maintenance | Run the empty built-in cycle; Samsung says routine use generally needs no added cleaner. Samsung US |
| Your washer lacks a built-in cleaning cycle | Check the model manual for the tub-cleaning method; a washer-labeled cleaner may be an option if allowed by the instructions. Samsung US |
| Residue is on the drawer or gasket | Clean those parts directly and dry them; a tub cycle does not replace wiping them. Samsung US and Samsung Canada |
| There is visible mold or a persistent mildew smell | Use the troubleshooting procedure only after checking the exact model manual; Samsung’s US bleach instructions address this symptom, not routine cleaning. Samsung US |
| You need to clean the pump filter | Follow the model-specific access and draining steps; the filter-cleaning recommendation applies to front-load washers. Samsung Canada |
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