Where the filter is and why it needs cleaning

Your Samsung washer has 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 pool at the bottom of the drum, and can produce a musty smell. Cleaning it takes about 10 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 cover near the floor on the right side of the machine. Some models have the filter accessed from the top, but front-access is standard on recent machines.

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 stop the washer mid-cycle or run a drain cycle before opening the filter panel, or water will spill onto your floor.
  • The filter twists counterclockwise to remove and rinses clean under running water—no replacement parts are needed.
  • If water still drains slowly after cleaning the filter, the drain hose itself may be kinked or blocked and will need checking.

Prepare the washer and locate the filter panel

Make sure the washer is empty and stopped. If you're cleaning the filter because water is sitting in the drum, run the Drain+Spin cycle first to empty the tub. This cycle takes about 3 to 5 minutes and ensures no water spills when you open the panel.

Look at the bottom front of your washer on the right side. You'll see a small rectangular or circular cover, usually white or silver, with a slight lip or indentation. On some models it says "Filter" or has a small icon. Gently pry the cover open with your fingers—it clips in place but does not lock. If it's stuck, run warm water around the edges for a minute to soften any dried detergent residue.

Open the panel and remove the filter

Once the cover is off, you'll see the filter itself, which looks like a short cylinder or cartridge. There's usually a small drain tube coiled next to it—leave that alone. Grip the filter handle (a small knob or loop on the front) and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. It will come free in your hand.

Expect a small amount of water to drip out—this is normal. Have a towel or shallow pan ready. If a lot of water pours out, you didn't run the drain cycle first; stop, let it drain into the pan, and continue.

Rinse the filter under running water

Take the filter to a sink or bathtub and hold it under warm running water. Rinse both the inside and outside. You'll see lint, hair, and debris wash away. Use your fingers or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the pleats (the ridged sections) where lint collects. Do not use a pressure washer or scrub hard enough to bend the pleats.

If debris is stuck and won't rinse away, soak the filter in warm water for 10 minutes, then rinse again. Once it looks clean and water runs through freely, it's ready to go back in.

Reinstall the filter and close the panel

Slide the clean filter back into the opening, aligning the handle with the slot. Turn it clockwise about a quarter turn until it stops—you'll feel a slight resistance. Do not force it; a quarter turn is enough. The filter should sit flush with the opening.

Snap the cover panel back into place. You'll hear or feel a small click when it's seated. Run a short cycle (like Drain+Spin) to make sure water drains normally and the panel doesn't leak.

How often to clean and what to do if drainage is still slow

Clean the filter every one to three months, depending on how often you wash and how much lint your clothes shed. Towels and bedding create more lint than other fabrics, so households that wash these items frequently should clean the filter monthly. If you notice water draining slowly or a smell coming from the washer, clean the filter right away even if it hasn't been three months.

If the filter is clean but water still drains slowly, the problem is likely in the drain hose itself. Check that the hose is not kinked or pinched behind the washer. If the hose is straight, it may be clogged inside—you can try running hot water through it from the back of the machine, or call a technician to clear it. A clogged hose requires opening the back panel, which is beyond routine maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run the washer with the filter panel open?

No. Water will leak onto your floor. Always close the panel before starting any cycle. If you forget and water starts leaking, stop the cycle when ready and close the panel.

What if the filter won't turn or feels stuck?

Stop turning. Soak the filter area with warm water for 10 minutes to soften mineral buildup or dried detergent, then try again. If it still won't budge, do not force it—call a technician, as forcing it can crack the filter housing.

Do I need to buy a replacement filter?

No. The filter is permanent and reusable. You clean it, not replace it. If the filter cracks or the housing breaks, then replacement parts are needed, but routine cleaning requires no purchases.

Why does my washer smell bad even after I clean the filter?

A clean filter helps, but smell can also come from detergent buildup in the drum or rubber gasket. Run a cleaning cycle with a commercial washer cleaner or white vinegar once a month, and leave the door open between washes to let the drum dry.

Is it normal for water to drip when I remove the filter?

Yes, a small amount is normal. If a lot of water pours out, you skipped the drain cycle. Next time, run Drain+Spin before opening the panel to avoid a mess.