How to Clean a Samsung Washer [2023 Guide]

Wondering how to clean a Samsung washer? You are in the right place.

Samsung washers are advanced washing machines with many functions. Some models have self-cleaning settings, while other models can be cleaned with household cleaners. While cleaning a Samsung washing machine is not challenging, it’s important to follow Samsung’s specific instructions. Not following Samsung’s cleaning guidelines can damage the washing machine, void the warranty, and lead to longevity problems in the future.

To make cleaning your Samsung washing machine a breeze, we’re here to help. We’re going to take you through everything you need to know about cleaning Samsung washing machines. We’ll cover when to clean them, how to clean them, and how to maintain them. Read on to learn more below.

What You Need To Know About Cleaning Samsung Washers

Samsung washers are advanced appliances that come with many quality-of-life features. That’s why most Samsung washing machines have self-cleaning programs that don’t require manual scrubbing or rinsing. While these self-cleaning settings are effective, some Samsung washers also have unique internal components that need to be cleaned internally. Depending on the type of Samsung washer you have, you might have to do more to clean it than simply activate the self-clean functions.

What Is Self-Cleaning for Samsung Washers?

Samsung washing machines typically come with a self-cleaning subroutine. Self-cleaning functions are designed to clean the inside of washing machines without the need for manual scrubbing or chemicals. On most Samsung washing machines the self-cleaning cycle is called Self Clean+ or Pure Cycle.

These features are effective and do a great job at cleaning the majority of Samsung washers. All you need to do to activate the self-cleaning feature is to select Self Clean+ or Pure Cycle without laundry being in the washing machine.

To get the best results with self-cleaning Samsung washers we recommend using a specific washer cleaner or small amounts of bleach. Self-cleaning Samsung washing machines also use less water and detergent to keep the machine clean, which can save you money on your utility bill.

Steps to Use the Self-Cleaning Option (Without Cleaner)

To use the self-cleaning option on your Samsung washer the steps are simple. Before jumping in, though, you need to determine if you have Pure Cycle or Self Clean+. The steps to use each self-cleaning method are the same but you have to locate the setting on the washer’s panel before getting started.

To use Samsung’s self-cleaning options follow the steps below.

Remove laundry from the washer and make sure it’s empty; check for loose items that fall out of clothing pockets.
Turn the Samsung washer on.
Locate the Self Clean+ or Pure Cycle setting.
Start the cycle.
Wait for 1 hour before opening the washing machine door for top load Samsung washers or 4 hours for front load Samsung washers.

After the self-cleaning cycle is complete you can jump right back into regular loads of laundry.

Steps to Use the Self-Cleaning Option With Bleach

Self-cleaning Samsung washers don’t require bleach or other cleaning supplies to function. However, adding bleach can make the cleaning cycle more effective if you’re dealing with built-up detergent deposits in the drum. To use the self-cleaning feature with bleach, follow the steps below.

Remove all clothing and loose items from the washer.
Turn the Samsung washer on.
Fill the washer’s detergent container to the maximum fill line for the best results.
Activate the self-clean cycle.
Wait 1 hour for top-load washers and 4 hours for front-load washers.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the tub and remove excess detergent or bleach.
After everything is removed, it’s time to run the rinse and spin cycle.
Open the Samsung washer door or lid to let the appliance air out and dry.

Bleach is a potent cleaning material, so make sure you use it carefully. We only recommend using bleach if you have thick deposits in the drum of the washing machine.

How Often Should You Use the Self-Cleaning Feature?

You don’t need to clean a Samsung washer after each use but we recommend running the self-cleaning cycle after about 20 loads of laundry.

Many Samsung washers can even notify you when it’s time to run a self-cleaning cycle. While running the self-cleaning cycle every 20 loads is perfect for top-load Samsung washers, you should run the self-cleaning setting less often on front load Samsung washers. For front-load Samsung washers, the self-cleaning cycle should be run every 40 loads.

How to Clean Specific Parts of a Samsung Washing Machine

Samsung washing machines come with unique components depending on the model. For example, a front-load Samsung washing machine has a pump filter that top-load Samsung washers don’t have.

Failing to clean these model-specific components can reduce cleaning performance, alter detergent distribution, and even lead to the growth of mold and mildew. We’re going to take you through the steps required to clean model-specific components on Samsung washers.

Cleaning the Surface of Samsung Washers

When cleaning a washing machine many people focus on the interior; after all, that’s where the clothes go, right? Yes, cleaning the interior of a Samsung washer is important, but you also need to clean the exterior surfaces.

Keeping the exterior surfaces of Samsung washing machines clean prevents dust and debris from entering the interior of the washing machine, which protects your clothing and internal components. Luckily, cleaning the surface of Samsung washers is simple; all you need is a microfiber cloth and detergent.

To clean the exterior surfaces of a Samsung washer follow the steps below.

Place a small amount of detergent onto a microfiber cloth.
Clean the surface of the washer by scrubbing the washer door and surrounding areas; make sure you scrub the surfaces in a circular motion for the best results.
Dampen a separate microfiber cloth and wipe down the walls, washer door, and other surfaces.
Open the washer door and clean the sides of the door to remove dust that accumulates in the space between the washer door and the rest of the washing machine.
Use a third microfiber towel that’s dry to remove water and remaining debris from the surfaces of the Samsung washing machine.

If the detergent you’re using isn’t strong enough to remove tough stains and grime, we recommend using a small amount of Cerama Bryte and following the same steps.

Cleaning Front-Load Samsung Washers

Front-load Samsung washers have additional components that need to be cleaned because of the front-load design. Samsung washers with the front-load design have pump filters that prevent lint and other types of debris from entering the drain. An unclean pump filter won’t function as well and can result in foul odors, less clean clothes, and increase the risk of mold growing in the Samsung washer. To clean a pump filter on Samsung front-load washers follow the steps listed below.

Wait for at least one hour after a wash cycle to avoid coming into contact with hot water.
Locate the pump filter panel, which is located on the bottom left corner of most front-load Samsung washers.
Push the pump filter panel in to assess the filter.
Look for the rubber drain hose and twist the cap to remove it from the hose.
Drain the water into a bucket or another type of container that can hold the water from inside a washing machine.
After the water is drained, twist the pump filter counterclockwise to remove it from the washing machine.
Use a small non-abrasive brush to remove lint and other debris from the pump filter.
Remove dirt and debris from the drain pump impeller.
Place the pump filter back into the washing machine by twisting it clockwise; make sure the seal is tight.
Place the drain hose cap back on the drain hose and make sure it’s secured to any mounts present within the panel.

Every front-load Samsung washing machine has a pump filter, so there are some variations. That said, these steps apply to the majority of front-load Samsung washing machines.

Cleaning Samsung Washer Detergent Drawers

Samsung washers use detergent drawers to dispense detergent into the washing machine. Washer drawers are reliable components but they should be dried after each use and deep-cleaned once per month. Failing to clean detergent drawers can lead to detergent blockages, which reduces the amount of detergent that reaches your clothes.

To clean Samsung washer detergent draws you can follow the steps we provide below.

Open the washer detergent drawer and pull on it until it stops. Pulling too far can damage the door and the components that hold it in place. So, be gentle with it.
Remove the detergent dispensers by gently lifting them out of their holders.
Rinse the detergent dispensers with warm water to remove build-ups of detergent residue. You can also sponge or soft brush to brush the detergent dispensers.
Remove the washer detergent drawer to clean the opening. Detergent drawers on front-load washers need to be removed by pushing on both ends at the same time and pulling it straight out. For top-load washers, you can pull the drawer out and tip it up to remove it.
Use a small brush (like a toothbrush) to clean and scrub the opening. You can apply warm water to the brush for thick detergent deposits.
Place the detergent drawer inserts back into place.
Line up the detergent drawer with the inserts and place the drawer on the rails.
While the detergent drawer is still open, place the detergent dispensers back in the drawer.
Run a wash cycle with a light load of laundry to test detergent distribution.
Repeat steps 1-9 if the detergent distribution is still suboptimal.

Detergent drawers can be tricky to clean but these steps will get you through the job for most Samsung washers.

Cleaning the Auto Dispenser Detergent Drawer on Samsung Washers

Samsung washers can also come with auto dispenser detergent drawers. These detergent drawers are only found on the WF50A8800AV model of Samsung washing machines. There are a few visual signs to help you identify if you have an auto dispensers drawer but you can also check the owner’s manual to identify what type of detergent drawer you have. For WF50A8800AV model Samsung washers, follow the steps below to clean the detergent drawer.

Hold the release lever on the inside of the detergent drawer and pull the detergent drawer out of the washing machine.
Use the pull tabs to remove the tops on both compartments of the auto dispensers. These can be found close to the back of the lid.
Clean each compartment from the auto dispenser with warm water and a non-abrasive brush.
Make sure you also clean the rear valve with a brush.
To remove excess detergent build-ups you can soak the compartments with warm water.
Wipe down both compartments with a dry towel; we recommend microfiber to avoid scratching the dispensers.
Place the tops of the compartments back on the compartments.
Check the seals and make sure they’re tight.
Place the drawer back into the washer.
With a small load of laundry, run a washing cycle and make sure the detergent distribution is adequate.

While it’s only found in one Samsung washer, if you have the auto dispenser detergent drawer it’s important to clean them. Forgetting about this component because you don’t interact with it as often can lead to damaged internal components, inadequate detergent distribution, and dirtier clothes.

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Keep Your Samsung Washer Clean

Washing machines are designed to clean clothing and Samsung washing machines do an exceptional job. Some Samsung washing machines also come with advanced features and settings to make the cleaning process easier; a great example is washers that come with Self Clean+ or Pure Cycle.

Depending on the type of Samsung washer you have cleaning it can be as simple as pressing a button every 40 loads, or as complicated as deep-cleaning several internal components like pump filters.

So, make sure you read your Samsung washer’s owner’s manual to learn about what components your washer has and what needs to be cleaned without self-cleaning cycles. You can always locate the model number on the back of the washing machine or the LCD screen and learn more about your appliance on Samsung’s website.