Start with the basics: loading and water temperature
Open the door or lid of your Samsung washing machine and load your clothes loosely into the drum — do not pack them in tightly, as water and detergent need to reach every garment. For a full load, fill the drum until clothes reach about three-quarters of the way up; for a partial load, use half that amount. Close the door or lid firmly until you hear it latch.
Add detergent to the dispenser drawer on the front of the machine (usually located on the left side of the door frame) or directly into the drum, depending on your model. Check your detergent bottle for the recommended amount based on load size — most Samsung machines work well with 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent or one detergent pod. If your water is very hard or your clothes are heavily soiled, use the higher amount.
Select your water temperature by pressing the temperature button on the control panel. Most Samsung machines offer cold, warm, and hot water options. Cold water works for most everyday loads and saves energy; warm water is better for moderately soiled clothes; hot water is best for whites and heavily soiled items. Press the button until the light next to your choice illuminates.
Key Takeaways
- Load clothes loosely to about three-quarters full, add detergent to the dispenser drawer, and select water temperature before starting the cycle.
- Choose a cycle based on fabric type — Normal for everyday items, Delicate for fragile fabrics, and Heavy Duty for heavily soiled clothes.
- Press Start and let the machine complete the full cycle without opening the door, which typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the cycle selected.
- Remove wet clothes when ready after the cycle ends to prevent mildew and wrinkles, and leave the door or lid open between uses so the drum can dry.
- Clean the detergent dispenser drawer monthly and wipe the rubber door seal quarterly to prevent odor and mold buildup.
Select the right cycle for your load type
Samsung washing machines offer several preset cycles designed for different fabric types and soil levels. Press the Cycle or Program button on the control panel to scroll through your options. The most common cycles are Normal (for everyday cotton items like towels and sheets), Delicate (for lightweight fabrics like lingerie and silk), Heavy Duty (for work clothes and heavily soiled items), and Quick Wash (for lightly soiled clothes that need a fast 15- to 20-minute cycle).
Some Samsung models also include specialized cycles such as Bedding for large items like comforters, Wool for delicate knits, and Sanitize for items that need high heat to kill bacteria. Read the label on your garment to determine which cycle is safest — if the label says "gentle" or "hand wash," use the Delicate cycle. If you are unsure, Normal is a safe choice for most mixed loads.
Once you have selected your cycle, the control panel will display the estimated time the cycle will take. This timing accounts for the water temperature, soil level, and load size you have chosen. Write down this time so you know when to check back for your clothes.
Start the cycle and monitor progress
After you have loaded the machine, added detergent, selected water temperature, and chosen your cycle, press the Start button. The button is usually located at the bottom right of the control panel and may be labeled Start/Pause. The machine will begin filling with water, and you will hear the drum start to rotate.
Do not open the door or lid during the cycle, as this interrupts the wash and can cause water to spill onto your floor. If you need to pause the machine — for example, if you realize you forgot an item — press Start/Pause once to stop the cycle, add your item, and press Start/Pause again to resume. Most Samsung machines will not allow you to open the door until the cycle is complete or paused.
The cycle will run through several stages: fill, wash, rinse, spin, and drain. You may hear the drum change speed or the water drain and refill multiple times. This is normal. The entire cycle typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on which cycle you selected and the load size.
Remove clothes promptly and prevent odors
When the cycle ends, the machine will beep or display a message on the control panel. Open the door or lid when ready and remove all wet clothes. Do not leave wet clothes sitting in the drum, as they can develop a sour smell within a few hours, especially in humid climates. Transfer clothes to a dryer or hang them to air-dry.
If you notice a musty or sour smell coming from inside the machine after you open it, this usually means moisture has been trapped in the drum between uses. To prevent this, leave the door or lid open after every load so air can circulate inside and dry the rubber seal and drum. Wipe down the rubber door gasket (the seal around the door opening) with a dry cloth to remove any standing water.
If the smell persists, run a cleaning cycle. Many Samsung machines have a Tub Clean or Self Clean cycle designed to sanitize the drum. Press the Cycle button, select Tub Clean, and press Start. Do not add clothes or detergent — the machine will use hot water and a special cleaning action to remove buildup. This cycle takes about 40 minutes and should be run once a month if you use the machine frequently.
Adjust settings for special situations
Most Samsung washing machines have additional buttons that let you customize each cycle. The Soil Level button lets you choose between Light, Normal, and Heavy soil — selecting Heavy will add extra wash time and water. The Spin Speed button controls how fast the drum spins at the end of the cycle; lower spin speeds are gentler on delicate fabrics but leave clothes wetter, while higher speeds remove more water but can wrinkle some fabrics.
The Extra Water or Water Level button adds more water to the cycle if your clothes are very dirty or if you prefer a more thorough rinse. The Delay Start button lets you set the machine to begin the cycle at a later time — useful if you want to run the wash overnight or while you are away. Press Delay Start, use the arrow buttons to set the number of hours you want to wait, and press Start. The machine will not begin until that time has passed.
If your machine has a Smart Control or Wi-Fi feature, you can read the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone to start, stop, or monitor cycles remotely. This is helpful if you forget to start the machine before leaving home. Check your machine's manual or the SmartThings app to see which models support this feature.
Clean and maintain your machine monthly
To keep your Samsung washing machine running smoothly and smelling fresh, perform straightforward maintenance every month. Remove the detergent dispenser drawer by pressing the release button (usually located at the top center of the drawer) and pulling it straight out. Rinse the drawer under warm running water to remove dried detergent residue, and use an old toothbrush to scrub the corners and grooves. Reinsert the drawer until it clicks into place.
Wipe the rubber door seal with a damp cloth, paying special attention to the creases where moisture and lint collect. If you see black spots or mold, dip the cloth in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water and scrub gently. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
Once every three months, run the Tub Clean cycle without any clothes or detergent to sanitize the drum and remove detergent buildup. If your machine has a drain filter (usually located at the bottom front of the machine), open the small door, unscrew the filter by turning it counterclockwise, and rinse it under running water to remove lint and debris. Screw it back in clockwise until snug, but do not over-tighten.
Troubleshoot common problems
If your machine will not start, check that the door or lid is fully closed and latched. If it is, press the Start button again — sometimes a second press is needed. If the machine still does not start, check that the power cord is plugged in and the outlet has power by plugging in another device like a lamp.
If water is leaking from the door, the rubber seal may be damaged or the door may not be closing properly. Open the door, inspect the seal for cracks or tears, and make sure no clothing is caught between the door and the seal. Close the door firmly and run a short cycle to see if the leak stops. If water continues to leak, the seal may need to be replaced — contact Samsung support or a repair technician.
If clothes are coming out still dirty or smelling sour, you may be overloading the machine or using too little detergent. Try reducing the load size by about one-quarter and increasing the detergent amount by half a tablespoon. If the smell persists even after running the Tub Clean cycle, the drain hose may be clogged — check that the hose is not kinked and that the drain is clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add clothes after the cycle has started?
Yes, but only if you pause the machine first. Press the Start/Pause button to stop the cycle, open the door, add your item, close the door, and press Start/Pause again to resume. Most Samsung machines will not allow you to open the door while the cycle is running because the drum may be spinning or the water level may be high.
What should I do if my clothes come out wrinkled?
Wrinkles usually form when wet clothes sit in the machine after the cycle ends. Remove clothes when ready when the cycle finishes. If you cannot remove them right away, press the Start/Pause button to run the spin cycle again, which will remove excess water and reduce wrinkles. You can also use the Delay End or Anti-Crease feature if your model has one — this tumbles clothes gently every few minutes after the cycle ends until you remove them.
How much detergent should I use?
Most detergent bottles recommend 1 to 2 tablespoons for a standard load. If your water is hard, your clothes are heavily soiled, or your load is very large, use the higher amount. Using too much detergent leaves residue on clothes and can damage the machine over time. If you use detergent pods, use one pod per load regardless of load size.
Is it safe to wash all fabrics on the Normal cycle?
No. Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and lightweight knits should use the Delicate cycle to prevent stretching and damage. Check the care label on each garment — if it says "gentle wash" or "hand wash," use the Delicate cycle. When in doubt, use Delicate rather than Normal, as it uses slower spin speeds and less agitation.
Why does my machine smell bad even after cleaning?
Odor usually comes from moisture trapped in the rubber seal or drain hose. After every load, leave the door open for at least two hours so the drum can dry completely. Wipe the rubber seal dry with a cloth. If the smell persists, run the Tub Clean cycle monthly, and check that the drain hose is not kinked or clogged. If the smell is very strong, the drain filter may need cleaning — locate it at the bottom front of the machine and rinse it under running water.