Clean your Samsung washer monthly to prevent mold, odor, and buildup
A Samsung washer needs cleaning inside the drum, around the rubber seal, and in the detergent dispenser to stay fresh and work properly. Mold and detergent residue build up naturally over time, especially in high-efficiency (HE) models that use less water. You can do this yourself in about 30 minutes using items you likely have at home—vinegar, baking soda, and a cloth. Most of the work is wiping and running a hot cycle; no tools or special products required.
The good news is that Samsung washers don't need expensive cleaning tablets or service calls for routine maintenance. The bad news is that skipping this step leads to musty smells, visible mold on the seal, and reduced cleaning power on your clothes. A monthly clean keeps everything running smoothly and extends the life of the machine.
Key Takeaways
- Run a hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar once a month to dissolve buildup inside the drum and pipes.
- Wipe the rubber door seal with a damp cloth and baking soda paste, paying special attention to the creases where mold hides.
- Clean the detergent dispenser by removing it, rinsing it under running water, and scrubbing with an old toothbrush.
- Leave the door open between washes to let moisture evaporate and prevent mold from returning.
- If your Samsung washer has a self-clean cycle, use it every month as an alternative to the vinegar method.
Run a hot water cycle with vinegar to clean the drum and pipes
Pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum of an empty washer. Do not put vinegar in the detergent dispenser—it needs to sit in the drum itself. Select the hottest water temperature available and the longest or heaviest-duty cycle your model offers. Start the cycle and let it run all the way through without stopping.
The hot water and vinegar dissolve mineral deposits, detergent residue, and the beginning stages of mold growth inside the drum and in the hidden pipes. This is the most important step and takes care of most of the work. If your washer has a Self Clean or Tub Clean cycle (common on Samsung models), you can use that instead—it runs a similar hot water cycle automatically. Check your manual or the control panel to see if your model has this button.
After the cycle finishes, leave the door open for at least an hour so the drum dries completely. Moisture left inside creates the conditions for mold to return quickly.
Wipe the rubber door seal where mold grows
The rubber gasket around the door is the most visible place mold appears. Pull the seal gently outward and look inside the creases—this is where water and detergent get trapped. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to make a thick paste, about the consistency of peanut butter.
Dip an old cloth or soft brush into the paste and scrub all the creases and folds of the seal. Pay special attention to the bottom of the seal, where water pools. Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth, then dry the seal completely with a dry cloth. If you see black or pink spots that don't come off with baking soda, they may be permanent staining on the rubber itself—this is cosmetic and doesn't affect how the washer works, but it means you need to wipe the seal more often going forward.
Clean the detergent and fabric softener dispensers
Most Samsung washers have a removable detergent dispenser drawer on the front or top of the machine. Pull it straight out—it usually slides out without tools. Rinse it under hot running water to loosen dried detergent and fabric softener buildup.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub the small compartments and the underside of the drawer where residue collects. Pay attention to the corners and any small holes or channels. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear, then dry it with a cloth. Slide the drawer back in until it clicks into place.
If your dispenser doesn't come out, or if you can't reach the back compartments, soak a cloth in vinegar and wipe what you can reach. Some buildup in the dispenser is normal and won't hurt the washer, but removing it helps detergent dissolve better in future loads.
Check and clean the drain filter if your model has one
Some Samsung washers have a small drain filter at the bottom front of the machine that catches lint, coins, and debris. Check your manual to see if your model includes one. If it does, locate the small door or panel at the bottom of the washer—it's usually behind a removable cover.
Place a shallow pan or towel underneath before opening the filter, because water will spill out. Unscrew the filter by turning it counterclockwise and let any water drain into the pan. Rinse the filter under running water and use an old toothbrush to remove lint and buildup. Screw it back in clockwise until snug—don't over-tighten. Wipe up any spilled water and close the access panel.
If your model doesn't have a drain filter, the machine uses a self-draining system and you can skip this step.
Leave the door open between washes to prevent mold
After every load, prop the door open so air can circulate inside the drum. Leave it open for at least a few hours, or overnight if possible. This is the single easiest way to prevent mold and odor from coming back between cleanings.
If you have young children or pets, you may not feel safe leaving the door open. In that case, wipe the inside of the drum and seal with a dry cloth after each load, or run a short hot water cycle once a week instead of waiting a month. The goal is to remove standing moisture before mold has a chance to grow.
Use the Self Clean cycle if your Samsung washer has one
Many newer Samsung washers have a dedicated Self Clean or Tub Clean cycle that automates the vinegar step. Look for a button labeled with one of these names on your control panel, or check your manual to confirm your model has it. Press the button, start the cycle, and let it run—it usually takes 40 minutes to an hour.
This cycle uses hot water and sometimes a small amount of bleach to clean the drum without you having to add anything. It's convenient if you prefer not to handle vinegar, though the vinegar method works just as well and costs less. Use whichever method fits your routine—the important thing is doing it once a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach instead of vinegar to clean my Samsung washer?
Yes, but vinegar is safer and works just as well. If you prefer bleach, use one cup of bleach in an empty drum on a hot cycle. Never mix bleach and vinegar—the combination creates toxic fumes. Bleach is harsher on rubber seals over time, so vinegar is the gentler choice for monthly cleaning.
Why does my washer smell bad even after I clean it?
Smell usually means mold is growing in places you haven't reached yet—often deep in the pipes or under the seal. Run the vinegar cycle again, and this time spend extra time scrubbing the rubber seal with baking soda paste, especially the bottom creases. Leave the door open between every load. If the smell persists after two cleanings, the drain hose or pump may need professional inspection.
How often should I clean my Samsung washer?
Once a month is standard for most households. If you use the washer heavily (more than once a day), clean it every two weeks. If you live in a humid climate or have hard water, monthly cleaning may not be enough—try every three weeks. If you leave the door open between loads and the washer doesn't smell, you can stretch it to every six weeks.
Is it safe to use vinegar in my Samsung washer?
Yes, vinegar is safe for all Samsung washer models. It won't damage the drum, seals, or pipes. Use white vinegar, not apple cider or other types. Two cups per cycle is the standard amount—using more won't clean better and may leave a vinegar smell on clothes in the next load.
What if I see rust spots inside the drum?
Small rust spots are usually from the metal drum itself and are not a safety concern—they won't spread or affect how the washer works. If rust is heavy or flaking, or if you see rust on clothes after washing, contact a Samsung service technician, as the drum may be damaged and need replacement.