Where the Samsung filter is and why it needs cleaning
Your Samsung washing machine has a filter that traps lint, coins, buttons, and other debris before they damage the drum or pump. Over time this filter clogs, which slows drainage, leaves water in the tub after the cycle ends, or causes error codes like 5E or dE to appear on the display.
The filter location depends on your model. Most Samsung front-loaders have a small door at the bottom left of the machine that opens to reveal a cylindrical filter. Some top-load models have the filter inside the agitator or at the bottom of the tub. Check your manual or the inside of the door for a diagram showing exactly where yours sits.
Cleaning the filter takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires no tools beyond what you likely have at home. You should do this every one to three months, depending on how often you wash and how much lint your clothes shed.
Key Takeaways
- The filter sits behind a small door at the bottom of most Samsung front-loaders and catches lint and debris that would otherwise clog the pump.
- You can clean the filter yourself by opening the door, unscrewing the filter cap, rinsing it under running water, and checking the drain hose for blockages.
- If water pools in the tub after a cycle or the machine shows a drainage error code, the filter is likely clogged and needs when ready cleaning.
- Cleaning takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires only a small bowl, a towel, and access to a sink with running water.
What you need before you start
Gather a small bowl or bucket, a towel or old cloth, and a flashlight if your machine sits in dim light. You do not need special cleaners—plain water and your hands are enough. If you have a small brush (an old toothbrush works), keep it nearby in case the filter screen is heavily soiled.
Turn off the machine and unplug it from the wall outlet. This is a safety step that takes five seconds and prevents accidental startup while your hands are near moving parts. If your model has a power button that does not cut electricity to the machine, unplug it anyway.
Place the towel on the floor in front of the machine. When you open the filter door, a small amount of water will spill out—this is normal and expected. The towel catches it so you do not have to mop afterward.
Opening the filter door and draining trapped water
Look at the bottom left corner of your Samsung front-loader. You will see a small rectangular or circular door, usually about 3 to 4 inches across. Press or pry gently at the edges to pop it open. Some models have a small indentation you can hook your finger into; others have a latch you press downward.
Once the door opens, you may see water pooling inside. This is normal. Place your bowl underneath and pull the small drain plug or hose (if your model has one) to let the water run out. If there is no separate drain, the water will straightforward spill when you unscrew the filter, so keep the towel in place.
Look inside the door opening. You will see the filter cap—a cylindrical piece that screws in and out, usually with a knurled (ridged) grip so you can turn it by hand. Some models require a quarter-turn counterclockwise; others require a full rotation. Turn slowly and steadily. If it feels stuck, do not force it—stop, wait a moment, and try again.
Removing and rinsing the filter
Once the cap turns freely, unscrew it completely and pull it straight out toward you. The filter itself is a mesh or pleated cylinder attached to the cap. Do not separate them unless your manual specifically says to—most filters are designed to stay together.
Hold the filter under running water from a sink faucet, with the water flowing from the clean side (the outside) toward the dirty side (the inside). This direction pushes debris out rather than deeper into the mesh. Rinse for 20 to 30 seconds, turning the filter slowly so water reaches all sides.
If lint is packed tightly, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the mesh while water runs over it. Do not use a hard brush or scrub aggressively—the mesh is delicate and can tear. If you see hair wrapped around the filter, pick it off by hand.
Shake off excess water and set the filter on the towel to drip dry for a moment while you check the drain hose.
Checking the drain hose for blockages
While the filter is drying, look into the opening where the filter sat. You will see a small hose or tube running from the filter chamber toward the pump. This is the drain hose, and it can also become clogged with lint or debris.
Shine your flashlight into the opening and look down the hose. If you see a visible blockage—a clump of lint or a foreign object—you may be able to reach it with a straightened wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake. Push gently to dislodge the clog, then flush the hose with water from a cup or spray bottle.
If the hose is clear or you cannot reach a blockage, do not worry. Many clogs will flush out once you reassemble the filter and run a drain cycle. If the machine still drains slowly after cleaning, the blockage may be deeper in the pump, and you should contact a Samsung service technician.
Reinstalling the filter and testing drainage
Once the filter is clean and dry, screw it back into the opening by hand. Turn clockwise until it is snug—firm enough that it will not come loose, but not so tight that you strain to remove it next time. Most filters should feel hand-tight, not wrench-tight.
Close the filter door by pushing it back into place until you hear or feel a click. The door should sit flush with the machine's front panel with no gaps.
Plug the machine back in and run a short drain or rinse cycle with no clothes inside. This flushes any remaining debris and confirms that water drains properly. If water still pools in the tub after the cycle ends, or if an error code reappears, the blockage may be in the pump itself and you will need professional service.
When to call a Samsung technician
If you have cleaned the filter and checked the drain hose but the machine still shows error codes like 5E, dE, or IE, or if water does not drain after a cycle, the problem is likely inside the pump or deeper in the drainage system. These parts require disassembly and are not safe to attempt without training.
Contact Samsung support through their website or call the number on your warranty paperwork. Have your model number ready—you can find it on a sticker inside the door or on the back of the machine. A technician can diagnose the issue and replace the pump if needed.
If your machine is still under warranty, the repair may be covered. If not, ask for an estimate before authorizing the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean the filter?
Most Samsung machines need filter cleaning every one to three months. If you wash heavily soiled clothes, use a lot of fabric softener, or notice lint buildup on clothes, clean it monthly. If you wash mostly lightly soiled items, every three months is usually enough.
What does the 5E error code mean?
The 5E code indicates a drainage problem, usually a clogged filter or drain hose. Clean the filter first—this solves the problem in most cases. If the code returns after cleaning, the blockage is deeper in the pump and requires professional service.
Can I use vinegar or bleach to clean the filter?
Plain water is all you need and is safest for the filter mesh. Vinegar or bleach can degrade the rubber seals over time. If the filter smells bad, soak it in plain water for 15 minutes before rinsing, or run a cleaning cycle with a commercial washing machine cleaner after you reinstall the filter.
What if the filter cap will not unscrew?
Stop when ready and do not force it—you can crack the plastic. Let the machine sit unplugged for 30 minutes, then try again. If it still will not budge, run a hot water cycle with the machine empty to warm the plastic, let it cool for 10 minutes, and try once more. If it remains stuck, contact Samsung support rather than risk breaking the part.
Is there water supposed to come out when I open the filter door?
Yes. A small amount of water always sits in the filter chamber. This is why you place a towel underneath before opening the door. If a large amount of water pours out, the drain hose may be blocked, and you should check it while the filter is out.