Where the filter is and why it needs cleaning

Samsung washers have a drain filter that traps lint, coins, buttons, and other debris before water leaves the machine. Over time this filter clogs, which slows drainage, causes water to back up into the drum, and can produce a musty smell. Cleaning it takes about ten minutes and requires no tools.

The filter sits behind a small panel at the bottom front of your washer. On most Samsung models, you'll see a rectangular or circular access door near the floor on the right side. Some models have the filter accessed from inside the drum itself — check your manual if you're unsure which type you have.

Key Takeaways

  • The drain filter is located behind a panel at the bottom front of your Samsung washer and should be cleaned every one to three months depending on use.
  • You must drain the washer completely before opening the filter panel, or water will spill onto your floor.
  • The filter twists counterclockwise to remove and can be rinsed under running water to clear lint and debris.
  • A clogged filter causes slow drainage, standing water in the drum, and odors that won't go away with regular washing.

How to drain the washer before opening the filter

Before you touch the filter panel, you must empty all water from the machine. Unplug the washer or turn off the circuit breaker. Look for a small drain hose or emergency drain plug near the filter panel — most Samsung models have one coiled up or tucked behind a cover.

If your model has a drain hose, uncoil it and place the end into a bucket or shallow pan on the floor. Open the hose clamp or unscrew the cap and let water drain completely. This usually takes two to five minutes. If water stops flowing but the drum still feels wet, tilt the washer slightly backward to help the last water run out.

Once no more water comes out, you're ready to open the filter panel. If you skip this step, opening the panel will flood your floor.

Removing and cleaning the filter

Open the access panel by pulling the edge toward you or unlatching the clips, depending on your model. You'll see the filter housing — usually a cylindrical or oval-shaped piece with a handle or knob on the front.

Grip the filter handle and turn it counterclockwise (to the left) until it stops. Pull it straight out toward you. Water may still drip, so have a towel ready. The filter itself is a mesh or perforated plastic cylinder that catches debris.

Hold the filter under warm running water and rinse it thoroughly. Use your fingers or a soft brush to loosen lint and buildup. Do not use a pressure washer or scrub it hard — the mesh can tear. If debris is stuck in the mesh holes, soak the filter in warm water for five minutes, then rinse again. Once it looks clean and water runs through freely, it's ready to go back in.

Reinstalling the filter and checking the housing

Before you put the filter back, look inside the filter housing for any debris or lint that didn't come out with the filter. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe the inside of the housing clean. This step prevents new clogs from forming when ready.

Insert the clean filter back into the housing, pushing it straight in until it seats fully. Turn the handle clockwise (to the right) until it stops. Do not over-tighten — it should stop naturally when fully seated. Close the access panel and make sure it latches securely.

Testing the washer after cleaning

Plug the washer back in or turn the circuit breaker back on. Run a short cycle with no clothes to check that water drains properly. Listen for the drain pump to run and watch that water exits the machine without backing up into the drum. If water still drains slowly, the filter may not be seated correctly — remove it and reinstall it, making sure it turns all the way clockwise.

If drainage is still slow after reinstalling the filter, the drain hose itself may be kinked or clogged. Check that the hose behind the washer is not bent sharply and that the connection at the wall drain is not blocked.

How often to clean the filter

If you wash clothes regularly, clean the filter every one to three months. If you notice water draining slowly, standing water in the drum after a cycle, or a sour smell even after washing, clean it when ready — these are signs the filter is clogged. Households with young children or pets that shed heavily may need to clean the filter monthly.

Some Samsung models have a filter-cleaning alert that appears on the display panel. If yours has one, follow the alert — it's timed to your actual usage and is more accurate than a fixed schedule.

What to do if the filter is damaged

If the mesh is torn, cracked, or has holes, the filter cannot trap debris and must be replaced. A damaged filter allows lint to reach the drain pump, which can cause the pump to fail. Replacement filters are available from Samsung directly or from appliance parts retailers — search for your specific model number to find the correct part.

Installation of a new filter is identical to cleaning: drain the washer, remove the old filter by turning counterclockwise, and install the new one by pushing it in and turning clockwise. No tools are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean the filter while the washer is full of water?

No. You must drain the washer completely first, or water will spill onto your floor when you open the panel. Use the emergency drain hose or plug to empty the machine before touching the filter.

What if the filter won't turn counterclockwise?

It may be stuck from lint buildup. Let warm water soak around the filter handle for five minutes to soften the debris, then try again. Turn slowly and steadily — do not force it or you may crack the housing. If it still won't budge, the filter may be cross-threaded; close the panel and contact Samsung support.

Is there a filter inside the drum I also need to clean?

Some Samsung models have both a drain filter and a lint filter inside the drum. Check your manual to see if yours does. If it does, the drum filter usually pulls straight out and can be rinsed under running water. Clean both filters at the same time for best results.

Why does my washer still smell bad after cleaning the filter?

Odor can come from mold or bacteria in the drum itself, not just the filter. After cleaning the filter, run a hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar and no clothes to sanitize the drum. If the smell persists, the drain hose may need cleaning — disconnect it from the wall drain and flush it with hot water.