To run routine Self Clean on a Samsung washer, empty the tub, select Self Clean, Pure Cycle or the model’s equivalent, and press Start. Do not add detergent, bleach or washing-machine cleaner for the ordinary cycle. Samsung describes the cycle as cleaning the washer itself, not laundry; the exact name, controls and duration depend on your model.
What Samsung’s Self-Clean cycle does
Self Clean (also called Pure Cycle or Self Clean+ on some models) flushes and cleans the washer’s tub and internal areas. It is not a clothes-washing program. Never put clothing or other items in the tub: Samsung warns that doing so can damage both the washer and its contents.
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How to run routine Self Clean
- Empty the washer. Remove every garment and loose item from the drum or tub.
- Choose the cleaning cycle. Select the panel label used by your washer: Self Clean, Pure Cycle or Self Clean+. If the control layout differs, use the manual for the exact model.
- Leave the tub untreated. For routine Self Clean, Samsung says no cleaner is needed. Its cycle guidance says not to add detergent or bleach to Pure Cycle.
- Start the cycle. Press Start or Start/Pause, depending on the model. The display should show the remaining time after the cycle begins.
- Let it finish. If you see suds or residue during the cycle, Samsung recommends running another Self Clean cycle.
- Air the washer. When it ends, leave a front-loader’s door or a top-loader’s lid open. Leave the detergent drawer open as well so moisture can evaporate.
How long does Samsung Self Clean take?
Samsung’s US support guidance gives approximate, model-dependent times rather than a universal duration:
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match| Washer type | Approximate Self-Clean time | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Top-load | About 1 hour | Samsung estimate; the actual model and options can change the time. |
| Front-load | About 4 hours | Samsung estimate; the actual model and options can change the time. |
Check the time shown on your washer after you start the program; that is the useful estimate for your particular machine.
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How often should you run Pure Cycle?
Samsung recommends running the washer-cleaning cycle about once a month, or as soon as the washer displays its cleaning reminder. In Samsung’s US guidance, reminders commonly appear after 20 washes on top-load models and 40 washes on front-load models. These intervals and reminder behavior are model-dependent, and a reminder does not have to be acted on immediately, although Samsung recommends doing so at the earliest opportunity.
Do you add bleach or cleaner?
Not for normal Self Clean or Pure Cycle. Samsung states that you do not need to add cleaner, and its cycle guidance says not to use detergent or bleach with Pure Cycle. Adding products unnecessarily can create residue or excess suds.
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- Built-in WaterJet faucet lets you pretreat stains inside the tub
- Self Clean keeps the tub fresh without harsh chemicals
If your washer does not have Self Clean or Pure Cycle, Samsung says you may use a washing-machine cleaner according to that product’s instructions. That is an alternative for models without the built-in program, not a requirement for models that have it.
What to do about a musty smell or visible mold
An existing mildew problem requires a separate treatment; do not turn the routine, additive-free procedure into a bleach treatment. Samsung’s troubleshooting sequence is:
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- Self Clean keeps the tub fresh without harsh chemicals
- Use Spin-only to remove any standing water.
- Put liquid chlorine bleach in the detergent compartment up to its maximum line—not the bleach compartment. Check your model manual first if the dispenser design differs.
- Start Self Clean immediately. Do not leave bleach sitting in the washer.
- After the cycle, wipe away visible residue.
- Run Rinse+Spin.
- If residue remains, repeat the rinse and cleaning steps as directed by Samsung.
- Leave the door or lid and detergent drawer open until the washer is dry.
Never run this or any Self Clean cycle with laundry in the tub. If the odor remains after several attempts, contact Samsung support. On front-load machines, clean the pump filter at least monthly or about every 40 washes, whichever is more frequent, as another important maintenance step.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When your panel does not match these steps
Samsung does not put the same cycles or controls on every washer. Before starting, identify the exact model number and consult its user manual for:
- the cycle name and where it appears on the dial or touchscreen;
- the correct Start or Start/Pause control;
- the displayed duration and reminder behavior;
- dispenser-compartment instructions; and
- any model-specific additive or maintenance requirements.
If the machine lacks a built-in cleaning cycle, follow the instructions for a washer cleaner approved for that model rather than improvising a bleach or detergent dose.
Routine-cleaning checklist
- Tub completely empty
- Self Clean, Pure Cycle or the model-equivalent selected
- No detergent, bleach or cleaner added for routine use
- Cycle allowed to complete
- Door or lid and detergent drawer left open afterward
- Front-load pump filter cleaned monthly or about every 40 washes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash clothes during Samsung Self Clean?
No. Self Clean is for the empty washer. Samsung warns that laundry in the tub can damage the washer and its contents.
Why is my Samsung Self Clean cycle taking several hours?
Front-load models commonly take about four hours according to Samsung’s US estimate, while many top-load models take about one hour. The exact time is model-dependent and appears on the display after starting.
Can I use washing-machine cleaner with Pure Cycle?
Samsung says routine Pure Cycle does not require cleaner and advises against detergent or bleach. Use a commercial cleaner only when your model lacks a built-in cleaning cycle, following that product’s instructions.
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