Clean your Samsung top loader monthly to prevent mold, odors, and buildup

A Samsung top-load washer needs cleaning about once a month, depending on how often you use it and whether you use cold water. Detergent residue, fabric softener, and moisture create a film inside the drum and around the rubber gasket where mold and bacteria grow. The good news: Samsung built a cleaning cycle into most top loaders, and you can run it with nothing but hot water or a commercial washer cleaner.

This guide walks you through the two main cleaning methods—using Samsung's built-in cycle and manual cleaning—so you can choose what fits your machine and your schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Samsung top loaders have a Tub Clean or Self Clean cycle that runs automatically; check your model's control panel or manual to find the button.
  • Run the cleaning cycle with an empty drum and hot water, or add a commercial washer cleaner like Affresh or OxiClean for stubborn buildup.
  • Manual cleaning of the rubber gasket, agitator, and lid takes 15 to 20 minutes and catches mold the cycle alone may miss.
  • Clean the detergent dispenser drawer by sliding it out and rinsing under warm running water at least once a month.
  • If your machine smells like mold after running a cleaning cycle, the gasket or agitator likely needs manual scrubbing with a brush and vinegar solution.

Using Samsung's built-in cleaning cycle

Most Samsung top loaders have a dedicated cleaning cycle—usually called Tub Clean, Self Clean, or Drum Clean depending on the model year. Look for a button or option on the control panel labeled with one of these names. If you cannot find it, check the manual that came with your machine or search your model number on Samsung's website to read the full guide.

To run the cycle: press the cleaning button, close the lid, and press Start. The machine will fill with hot water, agitate, and drain on its own. The whole cycle takes 40 to 60 minutes. Do not add clothes or detergent. If your machine has a dispenser for washer cleaner, you can add a commercial product like Affresh or OxiClean at this point—follow the product instructions for how much to use. Many people run the cycle once a month as routine maintenance, or more often if they notice odors.

After the cycle finishes, leave the lid open for 30 minutes to let the drum air dry. This prevents moisture from sitting and feeding mold growth between cleanings.

Manual cleaning of the drum, gasket, and agitator

The built-in cycle cleans the drum walls, but mold often hides in the rubber gasket (the seal around the lid) and under the agitator (the center post). If you smell mold even after running the cleaning cycle, manual scrubbing will catch what the cycle missed.

Start by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the rubber gasket thoroughly, paying special attention to the folds where water sits. Use an old toothbrush or a small cleaning brush to scrub inside each fold. Wipe away the vinegar and any black or pink residue with a clean cloth. Repeat until the gasket looks clean and smells like vinegar, not mold.

Next, check under the agitator. On most Samsung top loaders, the agitator either lifts straight up or twists counterclockwise to remove. Consult your manual if you are unsure. Once it is out, spray the center post and the underside of the agitator with the vinegar solution and scrub with your brush. Rinse both parts under warm running water and replace the agitator, making sure it sits flush and locks into place.

Finally, wipe down the inside of the lid and the rim where the lid closes. Dry everything with a cloth and leave the lid open for at least 30 minutes before closing it.

Cleaning the detergent dispenser drawer

Detergent and fabric softener residue builds up in the dispenser drawer over time, creating a sticky film that can harbor mold. Most Samsung top loaders have a drawer that slides out from the side of the machine, usually on the left near the top.

Slide the drawer out fully. Rinse it under warm running water, using your fingers or a soft brush to loosen any buildup. If residue is stubborn, soak the drawer in warm water for 10 minutes, then scrub gently. Dry it with a cloth and slide it back in until it clicks. If your machine has a separate fabric softener compartment, clean that the same way.

Dealing with stubborn mold and odors

If vinegar and manual scrubbing do not eliminate the smell, the mold may be deeper in the gasket or in the drain pump filter. Run the cleaning cycle again, this time adding a commercial washer cleaner. Affresh tablets and OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner are both widely available and work well on Samsung machines. Follow the product instructions for dosage.

After the cycle, manually scrub the gasket again with vinegar and a brush. If the smell persists after two cleaning cycles and manual scrubbing, check the drain pump filter. On most Samsung top loaders, this is a small cylindrical filter located at the bottom front of the machine, behind a small access panel. Consult your manual for the exact location and removal steps. Empty any lint or debris from the filter, rinse it under warm water, and replace it. A clogged filter traps water and creates the perfect environment for mold.

Preventing mold between cleanings

The best defense against mold is air circulation. After every wash, leave the lid open for at least an hour so the drum dries completely. If you close the lid when ready, moisture stays trapped and mold grows fast.

Use the right amount of detergent. Excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mold and bacteria. High-efficiency (HE) detergents use less soap and rinse cleaner, so if your machine is HE-compatible, switch to HE detergent and use only the amount recommended on the bottle.

Wash at least one load per week in hot water if possible. Cold water is gentler on clothes, but hot water kills bacteria and prevents buildup. If you wash mostly in cold, run one hot-water load weekly, even if it is just towels or rags.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I run the cleaning cycle?

Once a month is standard for most households. If you use cold water for every load, wash frequently, or notice odors, run it every two weeks. If you wash less than once a week or always use hot water, once a month is usually enough.

Can I use bleach to clean the inside of my Samsung washer?

Bleach can damage rubber gaskets and seals over time, so avoid pouring it directly into the drum. If you want to use bleach, add it to the bleach dispenser (if your model has one) and run a normal wash cycle with hot water and no clothes. Vinegar and commercial washer cleaners are safer choices for routine cleaning.

What if the cleaning cycle does not remove the mold smell?

The gasket and agitator likely need manual scrubbing. Spray them with a vinegar solution, scrub with a brush, and rinse thoroughly. If the smell returns within a few days, check the drain pump filter for clogs. A blocked filter traps water and is often the real source of the odor.

Is it safe to use Affresh or OxiClean in my Samsung washer?

Yes, both are safe for Samsung machines and are designed for top loaders. Follow the product instructions for how much to use and add it to the drum before starting the cleaning cycle. Do not mix different cleaners.

Why does my washer still smell bad after I clean it?

Mold can hide in places the cleaning cycle does not reach—especially the rubber gasket folds and under the agitator. Manual scrubbing with vinegar and a brush is usually needed. If the smell returns quickly, the drain pump filter may be clogged and trapping water where mold grows.