Clean Your Samsung Top Load Washer in Four Steps

A Samsung top load washer needs cleaning every month or two to remove detergent buildup, fabric softener residue, and mineral deposits that can trap bacteria and cause odors. The fastest way is to run the Tub Clean cycle with a commercial washer cleaner or white vinegar, then wipe the rubber gasket and spray holes by hand. Most of the work takes 10 to 15 minutes of hands-on time, spread across a 2-hour cycle.

You do not need special tools or expensive products. White vinegar works as well as branded cleaners and costs less. The steps below work for most Samsung top load models made in the last decade, though your specific model may have slightly different cycle names — check your manual or the Samsung website for your exact model number if a cycle name does not match.

Key Takeaways

  • Run the Tub Clean cycle once a month with either white vinegar or a commercial washer cleaner to dissolve buildup inside the drum.
  • Wipe the rubber gasket and the spray holes under the agitator by hand after each cleaning cycle, because this is where mold and odors start.
  • If your washer smells between cleanings, leave the lid open after each wash to let moisture evaporate instead of pooling.
  • Do not use bleach in the Tub Clean cycle on Samsung washers, because it can damage internal parts — vinegar or washer cleaner only.

Running the Tub Clean Cycle with Vinegar

The Tub Clean cycle is a built-in program on Samsung top load washers that runs hot water and agitation for about 40 minutes to break up deposits. Start with an empty drum — no clothes inside. Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser or directly into the empty tub, then close the lid.

Press the power button, then scroll to find Tub Clean on the display. The exact location varies by model: on some it is under a "Maintenance" or "Special" menu, on others it appears as its own button. If you cannot find it, check the manual or search "Tub Clean [your model number]" on the Samsung website. Select the cycle and press Start. The machine will fill with hot water, agitate, and drain — the whole cycle takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. Do not open the lid during the cycle.

When the cycle finishes, leave the lid open for 10 minutes so the tub can air-dry. This prevents mold from growing in the damp environment right after cleaning.

Using Commercial Washer Cleaner Instead of Vinegar

If you prefer a commercial product, brands like Affresh, OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner, or Tide Washing Machine Cleaner work the same way. These products are designed to dissolve mineral buildup and kill odor-causing bacteria more aggressively than vinegar. Follow the instructions on the package — most require you to place a tablet or pour liquid into the tub, then run the Tub Clean cycle the same way you would with vinegar.

Commercial cleaners cost between $5 and $12 per use, while white vinegar costs less than $1. Both work well. Vinegar has a strong smell while the cycle runs, but the odor fades once the tub dries. Commercial cleaners often smell better during the cycle but leave no residue either way.

Cleaning the Rubber Gasket and Spray Holes

The rubber gasket (the seal around the lid opening) and the spray holes under the agitator are where mold and mildew grow fastest, because water and detergent residue collect there. After the Tub Clean cycle finishes and the tub is dry, pull the gasket away from the tub wall and wipe inside with a damp cloth or old toothbrush. You will likely find a black or gray film — that is mold. Wipe it away thoroughly.

Next, locate the spray holes. On most Samsung top load models, these are small openings under the agitator (the center post in the tub). Lift or unscrew the agitator if your model allows it — check your manual for instructions, as some agitators are removable and some are not. If removable, you can see the holes clearly and wipe them with a cloth or use a toothpick to clear any blockage. If the agitator is fixed, spray water from a spray bottle into the holes and wipe around them as best you can.

Do this cleaning step every time you run the Tub Clean cycle. It takes 5 to 10 minutes and prevents odors from returning between cycles.

Preventing Odors Between Cleaning Cycles

The single most important habit is leaving the lid open after every wash. Moisture trapped inside the tub creates the damp environment where mold thrives. Open the lid when ready after the cycle ends and leave it open for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This lets the tub air-dry completely.

Do not use fabric softener in a top load washer if odors are a problem. Fabric softener leaves a waxy coating that traps moisture and bacteria. Switch to dryer sheets instead, or skip it entirely. Use the correct amount of detergent — too much detergent leaves residue that feeds mold growth. If your water is hard (mineral-heavy), consider using a water softener or adding a commercial water softening agent to your wash.

If your washer still smells between monthly cleanings, run the Tub Clean cycle every two weeks instead of monthly. Some water conditions and usage patterns require more frequent cleaning.

What to Do If the Tub Clean Cycle Is Not Working

If you have run the Tub Clean cycle but odors persist or the tub still looks dirty, the problem may be a clogged drain filter or pump. Samsung top load washers have a small filter at the bottom front of the machine that catches lint and debris. If this filter is blocked, water cannot drain fully and mold grows in standing water.

Locate the filter access panel on the front of your washer — it is usually a small door or panel near the bottom. Open it and unscrew the filter by hand (have a towel ready, as water may spill). Rinse the filter under running water and use an old toothbrush to scrub away lint and buildup. Screw it back in and close the panel. This takes 10 minutes and solves odor problems in many cases.

If the filter is clean but the smell returns within days, contact Samsung support or a repair technician. The drain pump itself may be failing, or the tub seal may be leaking, allowing water to pool in spaces you cannot reach.

Cleaning Schedule and Timing

Run the Tub Clean cycle once a month as routine maintenance. If you use your washer more than once a day, or if you live in a humid climate, clean it every two weeks. If you notice an odor between cycles, do not wait for the next scheduled cleaning — run the cycle when ready.

Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder for the first of each month. The whole process, including the cycle and hand-wiping, takes about 2 hours from start to finish, but only 15 minutes of that is active work. You can start the cycle and do other tasks while it runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bleach in the Tub Clean cycle?

No. Do not use bleach in the Tub Clean cycle on Samsung washers. Bleach can damage the rubber gasket and internal plastic parts. Use white vinegar or a commercial washer cleaner instead. Both kill mold and bacteria without harming the machine.

Why does my washer smell even after I clean it?

The most common cause is leaving the lid closed after washing. Moisture trapped in the tub creates mold between cycles. Open the lid when ready after each wash and leave it open for at least 2 hours. If you do this and still smell odors, the drain filter may be clogged — remove and rinse it under running water.

How long does the Tub Clean cycle take?

The Tub Clean cycle takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes from start to finish. The machine fills with hot water, agitates for about 40 minutes, then drains. After the cycle ends, leave the lid open for 10 minutes to let the tub air-dry before you use the washer again.

Do I need to remove clothes before running Tub Clean?

Yes. Always run the Tub Clean cycle with an empty tub. Clothes will get damaged by the hot water and cleaning solution, and they will block the agitation and spray action that cleans the tub.

What if my model does not have a Tub Clean button?

Older Samsung models may call it "Drum Clean" or "Self Clean" instead. Check your manual or search your exact model number on the Samsung website. If your washer has no cleaning cycle at all, fill the tub with hot water, add two cups of vinegar, and run a normal heavy-duty cycle with no clothes inside.