If your Samsung washing machine smells musty, leaves laundry feeling less fresh, or shows residue around the door seal or detergent drawer, the washer itself may need a little care.
It is easy to think of a washing machine as something that cleans everything else. But over time, moisture, detergent residue, lint, and everyday laundry buildup can collect inside the drum, drawer, gasket, and filter area. When that happens, your washer may not feel as fresh as it should.
The good news: cleaning a Samsung washing machine does not have to be a big project. With a few simple steps and a regular routine, you can help keep your washer feeling fresher and easier to maintain.
Note: Samsung washer models can vary. Always check your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions, especially before cleaning the pump filter, using Self Clean, or adding any cleaning product. OrientLeaf is not affiliated with Samsung.
Quick Answer: How Do You Clean a Samsung Washing Machine?
To clean a Samsung washing machine, start with an empty washer. Run the Self Clean, Self Clean+, or Pure Cycle if your model has one. Then wipe the drum, door seal, and door glass with a soft cloth. Clean the detergent drawer, let it dry fully, and clean the pump filter if you have a front-load model with an accessible filter.
For an easier routine, you can also use a pre-measured washing machine cleaner tablet in an empty washer, following your washer’s care instructions and the cleaner’s label directions.
Why Your Samsung Washer Needs Cleaning
A washing machine handles water, detergent, fabric softener, lint, body oils, pet hair, towels, gym clothes, bedding, and everyday laundry mess. Even when the washer looks clean from the outside, some areas can hold moisture or residue after a cycle.
Common buildup areas include:
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The inside of the drum
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The rubber door gasket on front-load washers
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The detergent drawer
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The drawer opening
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The door glass
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The pump filter on some front-load models
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Small creases or edges where moisture can sit
When these areas are not cleaned regularly, you may notice a stale smell, visible residue, or laundry that does not feel as fresh after washing.
Signs It Is Time To Clean Your Samsung Washer
You may want to clean your washer if you notice:
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A musty smell when you open the washer door
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Laundry that smells less fresh after a cycle
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Detergent residue in the drawer
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Grayish film around the drum or gasket
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Water sitting in the gasket area
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Longer drying time because laundry comes out wetter than usual
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Small debris near the pump filter access panel
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The washer’s Self Clean reminder appears
A single sign does not mean something is wrong with your machine. In many cases, it simply means your washer needs routine care.
Before You Start: What You May Need
You do not need many tools to clean a Samsung washing machine. Keep it simple:
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Soft microfiber cloth
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Small soft brush or old toothbrush
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Warm water
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Mild detergent for exterior surfaces
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Small towel
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Shallow container for draining water if cleaning the pump filter
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Washing machine cleaner tablet, if using one
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Owner’s manual for your specific washer model
Avoid harsh scrubbing on the control panel or painted exterior. Also avoid mixing cleaning products. If your manual recommends a specific cleaning method, follow that first.
Step 1: Empty the Washer
Before running any washer cleaning cycle, remove all laundry from the drum.
This step sounds simple, but it matters. Cleaning cycles are designed for an empty washer. Running a tub cleaning cycle with clothing inside can affect the laundry and may not clean the washer properly.
Take a quick look inside the drum and remove any visible lint, hair, small socks, coins, or debris.
Step 2: Run Self Clean, Self Clean+, or Pure Cycle
Many Samsung washers include a Self Clean, Self Clean+, or Pure Cycle setting. This cycle is designed to help clean areas of the tub where moisture and detergent residue may collect.
General steps:
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Make sure the washer is empty.
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Close the door or lid.
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Select Self Clean, Self Clean+, or Pure Cycle.
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Press Start.
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When the cycle is finished, wipe away any loosened residue with a clean cloth.
Cycle time can vary by model. Some top-load washers may complete a cleaning cycle faster, while some front-load washers may take longer. Check your washer display and manual for the expected time.
If your model does not have a Self Clean or Pure Cycle, you can still run an empty hot water cycle according to your washer’s care instructions.
Step 3: Wipe the Drum, Door Glass, and Gasket
After the cleaning cycle, open the washer and wipe the inside surfaces.
Focus on:
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The inner drum
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The door glass
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The rubber gasket on front-load models
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Any visible water sitting in folds or edges
The rubber gasket is especially important on front-load washers because moisture can sit inside the folds. Gently pull back the gasket and wipe it with a soft cloth. Do not use sharp tools, and avoid rough scrubbing that could damage the seal.
If you see visible debris, remove it carefully. If you notice stubborn buildup or a lingering smell, check your Samsung manual or support guidance for the recommended next step for your model.
Step 4: Clean the Detergent Drawer
The detergent drawer is one of the easiest places to forget. It can collect detergent residue, softener buildup, and moisture.
General steps:
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Pull the detergent drawer open.
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Remove the inserts or compartments if your model allows it.
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Rinse them with warm water.
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Use a soft brush to loosen residue.
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Wipe the drawer opening with a soft cloth or non-metal brush.
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Dry the drawer parts before placing them back.
If your washer has an auto dispenser, check your manual before removing parts. Some auto dispenser models have special compartments and seals that should be cleaned carefully.
A simple habit helps between deeper cleanings: leave the drawer slightly open after laundry so it can air dry.
Step 5: Clean the Pump Filter If Your Model Has One
Many Samsung front-load washers have a pump filter, also called a debris filter, near the bottom front of the machine. Top-load washers usually do not have this same pump filter.
Before cleaning the pump filter, check your manual. If you recently ran a hot cycle, let the water cool before opening the filter area.
General steps for front-load models with an accessible pump filter:
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Turn off the washer.
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Open the pump filter access panel near the lower front of the washer.
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Place a towel and shallow container under the drain hose.
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Remove the drain hose cap and let water drain fully.
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Twist the pump filter to remove it.
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Rinse the filter and use a soft brush to remove debris.
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Reinsert the filter securely.
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Replace the drain hose cap and close the access panel.
Make sure everything is reassembled correctly. A loose filter or drain hose cap may lead to leaking or draining issues.
Optional Image: pump-filter-cleaning-step.png
Alt Text: Cleaning the pump filter on a front-load washing machine
Step 6: Let the Washer Air Dry
After cleaning, leave the door or lid open for a while so the washer can dry.
For front-load washers, also leave the detergent drawer slightly open if possible. This helps moisture escape from the drawer and gasket area.
A dry washer is easier to keep fresh between cleaning cycles.
How Often Should You Clean a Samsung Washing Machine?
For many households, cleaning the washer about once a month is a simple starting point.
You may want to clean it more often if:
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You do laundry almost every day
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You wash towels frequently
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You wash pet blankets or pet bedding
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You use a lot of detergent or fabric softener
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You often wash in cold water
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You notice odor or visible residue
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The Self Clean reminder appears
A monthly routine is easier to remember than waiting until the washer smells. You can connect it to a simple household rhythm, such as the first weekend of the month or the first laundry day after changing bedding.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Mistake 1: Closing the door right after every wash
Leaving the washer closed traps moisture. After removing laundry, let the door or lid stay open for a while so the washer can dry.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the detergent drawer
The detergent drawer can hold residue even when the drum looks clean. Wipe it regularly and deep clean it when buildup appears.
Mistake 3: Using too much detergent
More detergent does not always mean cleaner laundry. Too much detergent can leave residue behind and contribute to buildup inside the washer.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the gasket
On front-load washers, the gasket can hold water, lint, and small debris. Wipe the folds gently and often.
Mistake 5: Skipping the pump filter
If your front-load model has a pump filter, it needs attention. A neglected filter can affect draining and may contribute to unpleasant smells.
Mistake 6: Mixing cleaning products
Do not mix bleach, vinegar, cleaning tablets, or other cleaning products. Follow one method at a time and always check your washer manual.
A Simpler Routine With OrientLeaf
[Insert Image 6: washing-machine-cleaner-tablet-empty-drum.png]
Alt Text: Using a washing machine cleaner tablet in an empty washer drum
Once the visible areas are wiped and the drawer is clean, a washer cleaning tablet can make routine care easier to keep up with.
OrientLeaf Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets are designed to make routine washer care easier to keep up with. Just place one tablet into an empty washer drum, run a cleaning cycle or hot water cycle according to your machine’s care instructions, and get back to your day.
No measuring. No pouring. No bulky bottle in the laundry room.
This does not replace basic habits like wiping the gasket, cleaning the drawer, or checking the pump filter on applicable models. Instead, it supports a simple, low-effort routine that helps make appliance care feel easier to manage.
Key Takeaways
Cleaning a Samsung washing machine is not complicated when you break it into small steps.
Start with an empty washer. Run Self Clean, Self Clean+, Pure Cycle, or an empty hot water cycle based on your model. Wipe the drum, door glass, and gasket. Clean the detergent drawer. If your front-load model has a pump filter, clean it carefully according to your manual. Then leave the door and drawer open so everything can dry.
For a simpler monthly routine, OrientLeaf Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets can help take the guesswork out of washer care with one easy drop-in step.
FAQ
How do I clean the smell out of my Samsung washer?
Start by running a Self Clean, Self Clean+, Pure Cycle, or empty hot water cycle, depending on your model. Then wipe the drum, gasket, and detergent drawer. Leave the door and drawer open to dry. If the smell continues, check your pump filter if your front-load model has one.
Can I use a washing machine cleaner tablet in a Samsung washer?
Many Samsung washers can be cleaned with a washing machine cleaner if you follow the cleaner’s directions and your washer’s care instructions. Place the tablet in an empty drum and run the recommended cleaning or hot water cycle.
How do I clean a Samsung front-load washer?
Run the washer’s cleaning cycle, wipe the drum and rubber gasket, clean the detergent drawer, and clean the pump filter if your model has one. Let the door and drawer air dry afterward.
How do I clean a Samsung top-load washer?
Remove all laundry, run the Self Clean, Pure Cycle, or empty hot water cycle according to your model, then wipe the tub and lid area. Top-load washers usually do not have the same front pump filter found on many front-load models.
How often should I run Self Clean on a Samsung washer?
A monthly routine is a good starting point for many households. Some washers also show a Self Clean reminder after a set number of cycles. Check your washer manual for model-specific guidance.
Should I leave the Samsung washer door open after use?
Yes, if your space allows it. Leaving the door or lid open after laundry helps moisture escape. For front-load washers, leaving the detergent drawer slightly open can also help it dry.