Where the filter is and why it clogs

Your Samsung washing machine has a drain filter that catches lint, coins, buttons, and other debris before they reach the pump. Over time this filter fills up and can slow water drainage or cause error codes like "5E" or "OE" to appear on your display. Cleaning it takes about 10 minutes and requires no tools.

The filter location depends on your model. Most Samsung front-loaders have it behind a small door at the bottom left of the machine. Top-loaders typically have a filter inside the agitator or in the center of the tub. Check your manual or the inside of your machine door for a diagram showing exactly where yours sits.

Key Takeaways

  • The drain filter catches lint and debris and needs cleaning every one to three months, or whenever water drains slowly.
  • You must turn off and unplug the machine before opening the filter compartment to avoid water spray and electrical hazard.
  • Place a towel or shallow pan under the filter door because trapped water will spill when you open it.
  • Rinse the filter under running water and use an old toothbrush to scrub away buildup on the mesh surface.
  • Reinstall the filter by turning it clockwise until snug, then run a test cycle to confirm water drains normally.

Turn off power and prepare the area

Unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet or switch off the breaker that powers it. This prevents accidental startup and protects you from electrical shock if water contacts the outlet. Wait 30 seconds for any residual power to drain from the machine.

Lay a towel on the floor in front of the filter door, or position a shallow pan underneath. The filter compartment always holds standing water, and this water will pour out when you open the door. A bath towel absorbs spills better than a hand towel, and a 9-inch cake pan or similar shallow container catches water you can pour back into the tub or sink.

Locate and open the filter door

On front-loading Samsung machines, the filter door is a small panel at the bottom left corner of the machine. Look for a slight seam or a small indentation you can grip with your fingers. Gently pull outward and downward to pop the door open—it usually snaps into place rather than screwing on.

On top-loading models, open the lid and look inside the center of the tub. Some models have a filter basket you can lift straight out; others have a filter cap you unscrew by hand. Your manual will show which type you have. If you cannot locate the filter, search your model number plus "filter location" on Samsung's support website.

Remove and rinse the filter

Once the door is open, you will see the filter cartridge—a cylindrical or basket-shaped part with a mesh or perforated surface. Grip it firmly and turn it counterclockwise (lefty-loosey) to unscrew it. Water will drip, so keep your towel or pan positioned underneath. Pull the filter straight out and toward you.

Take the filter to a sink and rinse it under warm running water. Hold it so the water flows through the mesh from the inside out, pushing debris away from the surface. Use an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the outside of the mesh, working in circular motions to dislodge lint and buildup. Do not use a wire brush or scrub aggressively—the mesh is delicate and can tear. Rinse again until the water runs clear and no lint remains visible.

Check the filter compartment for debris

Before reinstalling the filter, look inside the empty compartment. You may see additional lint, hair, or small objects stuck in the opening or around the threads. Use your fingers or a damp cloth to wipe out any visible debris. If something is lodged deeper in the drain line, you can use a straightened wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake to gently fish it out, but do not force anything or you may damage the pump.

Some Samsung models have a secondary filter or strainer screen inside the compartment. If you see one, remove it and rinse it the same way you rinsed the main filter. Reinstall it before putting the main filter back in place.

Reinstall the filter and test drainage

Insert the clean filter back into the compartment, aligning it straight so the threads line up. Turn it clockwise (righty-tighty) until it is snug. Do not over-tighten—you should be able to turn it by hand without using pliers or a wrench. If it does not turn smoothly, remove it and check that the threads are aligned correctly.

Close the filter door by pushing it in until it clicks. Plug the machine back in or switch the breaker back on. Run a short test cycle (like a rinse-and-spin or a quick wash) and watch to see if water drains normally from the tub. If water still drains slowly or an error code reappears, the drain line may be blocked further down the machine, and you may need to contact Samsung support or a repair technician.

How often to clean and what to do if it gets stuck

Clean the filter every one to three months, depending on how much you use the machine and how much lint your clothes shed. If you wash a lot of towels or fleece items, clean it monthly. If you wash mostly permanent-press fabrics, every three months is usually enough. If water drains slowly or you see lint in the tub after a cycle, that is a sign the filter needs cleaning sooner.

If the filter is stuck and will not turn, do not force it. Spray the threads with a penetrating oil like WD-40 and wait 15 minutes for it to soak in, then try again. If it still will not budge, stop and contact Samsung support—forcing a stuck filter can strip the threads and cause a much costlier repair. Do not try to pry the filter out with a screwdriver or other tool, as this can crack the plastic compartment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 5E error code mean?

The 5E code signals a drainage problem, usually caused by a clogged filter, kinked drain hose, or a blockage in the drain line. Clean the filter first—that solves the problem in most cases. If the code returns after cleaning, check that your drain hose is not bent or pinched, and make sure the hose is not inserted too far into your standpipe.

Can I run the washing machine without the filter?

No. The filter protects the pump from debris that would damage it. Running the machine without the filter can cause coins, buttons, or lint to enter the pump and cause expensive damage. Always reinstall the filter before running a cycle, even if you are just testing drainage.

What if I find a coin or button in the filter?

Remove it and set it aside. Check the filter compartment and drain line for more objects before reinstalling the filter. If you find multiple items, check your clothes pockets before washing in the future. Small hard objects can damage the pump if they get past the filter, so this is a sign the filter is doing its job.

Is it normal for the filter to have a smell?

Yes. Trapped lint, soap residue, and moisture create a musty odor over time. Rinsing the filter under running water usually removes the smell. If the odor persists after cleaning, soak the filter in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for 30 minutes, then rinse and reinstall it.

Do I need to replace the filter, or just clean it?

Samsung filters are designed to be cleaned and reused many times. You only need to replace it if the mesh tears, cracks, or develops holes you cannot repair. A properly maintained filter lasts the life of the machine. Order a replacement part from Samsung if damage occurs.