For routine cleaning, empty the washer and run its Self Clean, Self Clean+ or Pure Cycle without laundry or added cleaner. Samsung recommends running the cycle about once a month. If the washer already smells mildewy or has visible mold, use the model-specific remediation instructions instead; those are different from routine cleaning.
How to run Self Clean on a Samsung washer
- Empty the washer. Remove all laundry. Samsung warns that running the cycle with clothes inside can damage the washer and its contents.
- Choose the cleaning cycle. Depending on the model, the control may be named Self Clean, Self Clean+ or Pure Cycle, and may appear as a dedicated button or in the cycle menu. If your panel differs, check the manual for your exact model.
- Start the cycle without cleaner. Samsung says routine Self Clean does not require an added cleaner. If suds or residue remain during or after the cycle, run Self Clean again.
- Air-dry the washer. When the cycle is finished, leave the door or lid and detergent drawer open so moisture can escape.
Samsung estimates about one hour for top-load washers and about four hours for front-load washers. These are estimates, not guaranteed cycle times; the duration varies by model.
How often should you run it?
Samsung recommends Self Clean or Pure Cycle about once a month. On many US models, the reminder is based on usage rather than the calendar: Samsung describes a reminder after 20 washes for top-load models and 40 washes for front-load models. Treat these as reminder thresholds, not measures of cleaning performance. Some product families have different instructions; for example, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo manual recommends Self Clean+ monthly or every 40 cycles. Follow the reminder and manual for your washer if they differ.
If the washer smells mildewy or has visible mold
Routine Self Clean and mold or odor remediation are not the same procedure. Do not add bleach as a routine part of Self Clean. For existing mildew odor or visible mold, Samsung’s US washer guidance gives this separate process:
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- Make sure the tub is empty. If water remains, run Spin-only first.
- Add liquid chlorine bleach to the detergent compartment, filling only to its max line. For this specific procedure, Samsung says not to use the bleach compartment.
- Start Self Clean immediately; do not leave bleach sitting in the washer.
- When the cycle ends, wipe away residue, then run Rinse+Spin. Repeat if visible residue remains.
- Leave the door or lid and detergent drawer open to dry.
Dispenser layouts and instructions vary. The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo manual gives a different instruction for persistent residue during Self Clean+: use the manual’s bleach compartment up to its MAX line, add no other chemicals, and run Rinse+Spin if needed. Do not combine that combo-specific direction with the general washer procedure; use the instructions for your own model.
If odor or visible mold remains after several attempts, Samsung advises contacting Samsung Support.
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Other maintenance that helps keep the washer clean
- Front-load models: Clean the pump/debris filter regularly. Samsung recommends at least monthly or approximately every 40 washes, whichever comes first. Top-load washers do not have this pump filter. Follow your model manual for draining and access instructions.
- Wipe away residue: Samsung recommends wiping the washer exterior with a damp microfiber cloth. The guidance does not require a special-purpose cloth.
- Let the interior dry: After use, leave the door or lid and detergent drawer open.
- Wait after hot cycles: After a hot Self Clean, Pure Cycle or Sanitize cycle, the water may be very hot. Samsung says to wait one hour for it to cool before handling it.
If your washer has no cleaning cycle
Samsung says to follow the instructions on a washing machine cleaner if your model does not have Self Clean or Pure Cycle. Do not assume an additive is needed for a washer that does have the cycle; for routine use, Samsung’s guidance is to run it without cleaner.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why instructions differ by Samsung model
Cycle names, controls, duration, reminders and dispenser directions vary across models and markets. The cited instructions are Samsung US guidance, not a model-by-model compatibility list for every Samsung washer worldwide. Check the model number and its manual whenever the controls or dispenser compartments do not match these steps.
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