Start with the basics: loading and water temperature
Open the door and load your clothes loosely into the drum—do not pack them down. Samsung machines work best when clothes can move freely, so fill the drum about three-quarters full. Close the door until you hear it latch; you will feel a slight resistance.
Add detergent to the dispenser drawer on the left side of the machine, not directly into the drum. Pull the drawer toward you and pour liquid detergent into the main wash compartment (the largest section). If you use powder detergent, use the same compartment. For fabric softener, pour it into the rightmost compartment labeled "softener." Close the drawer gently until it clicks.
Select your water temperature by pressing the temperature button on the control panel. Most Samsung machines offer cold, warm, and hot water. Cold water works for most loads and saves energy. Hot water is best for heavily soiled whites or towels. Warm water is a middle ground for mixed loads.
Key Takeaways
- Load clothes loosely, fill the drum about three-quarters full, and add detergent to the dispenser drawer, not the drum itself.
- Press the power button first, then select your cycle using the dial or touchscreen, then adjust water temperature and spin speed before pressing start.
- Most cycles run 30 to 60 minutes depending on the load size and soil level; the display shows remaining time once the cycle begins.
- Clean the rubber door seal monthly and run the tub clean cycle every month to prevent mold and odor buildup.
- If the machine will not start, check that the door is fully closed, the water supply is turned on, and the child lock is not activated.
Select a wash cycle that matches your load
Turn on the machine by pressing the power button. The control panel will light up. On most Samsung models, you will see a dial or a row of buttons labeled with cycle names: Normal, Delicates, Heavy Duty, Quick Wash, Bedding, and others depending on your model.
Press or turn to the cycle you need. Normal is the default for everyday loads of mixed fabrics. Delicates uses gentler agitation for silk, lace, and lightweight items. Heavy Duty runs longer and with more water for work clothes or heavily soiled items. Quick Wash completes in 15 to 20 minutes for lightly soiled loads. Bedding uses extra water and spin for sheets and comforters.
Once you select a cycle, the display shows the estimated time the cycle will take. This time changes if you adjust water temperature or soil level. Do not worry if the time shifts—the machine adjusts automatically based on your settings.
Adjust soil level and spin speed if needed
Most Samsung machines let you set how dirty the load is. Press the soil level button and choose light, normal, or heavy. Light soil means clothes are only lightly worn or dusty. Normal is the default for everyday wear. Heavy soil means clothes are visibly stained or muddy. Choosing heavy soil adds water and extends wash time.
You can also adjust spin speed, which controls how fast the drum spins at the end of the cycle to remove water. Higher spin speeds remove more water and shorten drying time, but they can wrinkle delicate fabrics. Lower spin speeds are gentler. Most machines default to a medium spin that works for most loads.
If your load is very wet or heavy (like towels or jeans), increase the spin speed. If you are washing delicates or items prone to wrinkling, lower the spin speed or choose the delicate cycle, which already has a gentler spin built in.
Press start and monitor the cycle
Once you have set the cycle, temperature, soil level, and any other options, press the start button. The door will lock automatically—this is normal and means the cycle has begun. The display will show a countdown timer with the remaining minutes.
Do not open the door during the cycle. Most Samsung machines will not let you open it while water is inside or the drum is spinning for safety reasons. If you need to add a forgotten item, wait until the cycle pauses or ends, then press pause, wait for the door to unlock, add the item, and press start again.
The cycle time varies by load size and settings. A normal cycle typically runs 35 to 50 minutes. Heavy duty cycles can run 60 to 90 minutes. Quick wash cycles finish in 15 to 25 minutes. The display always shows the exact time remaining, so you know when to expect the cycle to finish.
Remove clothes promptly when the cycle ends
When the cycle finishes, the machine will beep or display a message. Open the door and remove clothes right away. Leaving wet clothes in the drum for hours can cause mold and mildew to grow, which creates odor and stains.
Shake out each item as you remove it to help it dry faster and reduce wrinkles. Place items in the dryer or hang them to air dry. If you are line-drying, hang items while they are still damp so they dry evenly and wrinkles fall out.
Leave the door open after you remove clothes so the inside of the machine can air dry. This prevents moisture from building up inside the drum and rubber seal.
Clean the machine monthly to prevent odor and mold
Samsung washing machines have a tub clean cycle designed to remove detergent buildup, mold, and bacteria. Run this cycle once a month, especially if you use cold water frequently or notice a musty smell.
To run the tub clean cycle: make sure the drum is empty, close the door, press the power button, select the tub clean cycle (usually labeled "Tub Clean" or "Self Clean"), and press start. The cycle runs for about 40 minutes with no clothes inside. Do not open the door during this cycle.
Also clean the rubber door seal by wiping it with a damp cloth after every few loads. Lint and detergent residue collect in the seal and trap moisture. Wipe the seal dry when you are done. Clean the detergent dispenser drawer monthly by pulling it out and rinsing it under running water to remove dried detergent.
Troubleshoot common problems
If the machine will not start, first check that the door is fully closed and latched. You should hear a click and feel resistance when you push it shut. Next, make sure the water supply valves behind the machine are turned on—there are usually two valves, one for hot water and one for cold. Turn them clockwise if they are closed.
If the machine still will not start, check whether the child lock is activated. This feature prevents accidental operation. Look for a child lock button on the control panel (usually labeled with a lock icon) and press it to turn the lock off. If you see an error code on the display, write it down and check your user manual or Samsung's website for what that code means.
If water is leaking from the door seal, the seal may be worn or dirty. Try cleaning it first with a damp cloth. If leaking continues, the seal may need to be replaced—contact Samsung support or a repair technician. If the cycle is taking much longer than the display said, the machine may be detecting a very heavy or unbalanced load and running extra cycles to compensate. This is normal and the machine will complete the cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pause the cycle and add more clothes?
Yes. Press the pause button and wait for the door to unlock. Most Samsung machines pause between cycles or when water has drained. Add your items, close the door, and press start. The machine will resume the cycle. If the door will not unlock, water is still inside or the drum is spinning—wait a few seconds and try again.
What is the difference between quick wash and normal cycle?
Quick wash uses less water and shorter agitation time, finishing in 15 to 25 minutes. It works for lightly soiled clothes or small loads. Normal cycle runs 35 to 50 minutes with more water and agitation, making it better for everyday loads with moderate soil. Choose quick wash to save time and water on lightly worn items.
Should I use hot or cold water?
Cold water works for most loads and saves energy. Use hot water for white towels, sheets, or heavily soiled work clothes. Warm water is a compromise for mixed loads. Cold water is gentler on colors and delicate fabrics, so it is the safest choice if you are unsure.
Why does my washing machine smell like mold?
Mold grows when moisture stays in the drum or seal. Run the tub clean cycle monthly, wipe the rubber door seal dry after each load, and leave the door open between cycles so air can circulate. If the smell persists, clean the detergent dispenser drawer and check that water is draining completely at the end of each cycle.
How much detergent should I use?
Use the amount recommended on your detergent bottle, usually one to two tablespoons for a normal load. Using too much detergent leaves residue on clothes and inside the machine, causing odor and buildup. If your water is very soft, use less. If your water is very hard, you may need slightly more, but start with the recommended amount and adjust only if clothes do not feel clean.