Start a wash cycle on your Samsung washer
To run a wash cycle, load your clothes into the drum, close the door, and add detergent to the dispenser drawer (or directly into the drum if your model has an auto-dispense feature). Press the Power button to turn on the machine. The display will show available wash programs — select one by pressing the corresponding button or turning the dial, depending on your model. Once you've chosen a program, press Start to begin the cycle.
Most Samsung washers have a default temperature and spin speed for each program, but you can adjust these before pressing Start. Look for buttons labeled Temperature, Spin Speed, or Water Level on your control panel. After you press Start, the door will lock and the cycle will run — you cannot open it until the cycle finishes or you pause the machine.
Key Takeaways
- Load clothes, add detergent to the dispenser drawer, press Power, select a wash program, and press Start to run a cycle.
- You can adjust temperature, spin speed, and water level before pressing Start, but not after the cycle has begun.
- The detergent dispenser drawer has separate compartments for main wash, pre-wash, and fabric softener — use only the compartment labeled for your cycle type.
- If your model has a delay start feature, you can set the machine to begin washing at a later time by pressing the Delay Start button before pressing Start.
- Empty the detergent dispenser drawer and leave the door open after each wash to prevent mold and odor buildup.
Understanding the detergent dispenser drawer
Samsung washers have a drawer with separate compartments, each designed for a different purpose. The compartment marked with a single line or labeled "Main Wash" holds the detergent for the main wash cycle. The compartment marked with two lines or labeled "Pre-Wash" is for detergent used during a pre-wash cycle (useful for heavily soiled clothes). The compartment marked with a flower symbol or labeled "Softener" is for fabric softener or fabric conditioner.
Pull the drawer straight out toward you to open it. Add detergent only to the compartment your chosen program will use — if you select a regular wash without pre-wash, use only the main wash compartment. Do not overfill any compartment; follow the detergent bottle's instructions for the amount. After each wash, pull out the drawer and rinse it under running water to remove detergent residue, which can cause buildup and odors over time.
Selecting the right wash program for your load
Samsung washers come with preset programs designed for different fabric types and soil levels. Normal or Cotton is the standard program for everyday loads of sturdy fabrics. Delicate uses slower agitation and lower temperatures for fragile items like lingerie or silk. Heavy Duty or Bedding uses longer cycles and higher water levels for heavily soiled items or large loads like sheets and towels.
Quick Wash or Speed Wash completes a light load in 15 to 30 minutes, though it uses less water and agitation. Eco or Water Saving reduces water and energy use for lightly soiled loads. Allergen or Sanitize uses higher temperatures to kill bacteria and allergens. Check your washer's manual or the control panel for the full list of programs available on your specific model — not all models have the same programs.
Adjusting temperature, spin speed, and water level
Before pressing Start, you can customize how your chosen program runs. Press the Temperature button repeatedly to cycle through options: cold, warm, or hot water. Cold water is suitable for colors and lightly soiled loads; warm water works for moderately soiled loads; hot water is best for whites and heavily soiled items. Press the Spin Speed button to choose how fast the drum spins during the final spin cycle — higher speeds remove more water but can stress delicate fabrics.
Some models have a Water Level button that lets you set how much water the machine uses. Auto-fill (the default) adjusts water based on load size, but you can manually set it to low, medium, or high if needed. These adjustments explore only to the current cycle. Once you press Start, the machine locks in these settings and you cannot change them until the cycle ends.
Using delay start and other convenient features
If your Samsung washer has a Delay Start button, you can set the machine to begin washing at a later time — useful if you want the wash to finish when you return home or during off-peak hours. Press Delay Start, use the arrow buttons or dial to set the number of hours you want to delay (typically 1 to 19 hours), and then press Start. The machine will display a countdown and begin the cycle at the scheduled time.
Some models include a Smart Diagnosis feature that uses your smartphone to troubleshoot problems or receive maintenance reminders. read the Samsung SmartThings app, connect your washer to your home Wi-Fi, and follow the app's instructions to enable remote monitoring. Other useful buttons may include Pause (to temporarily stop a cycle), Child Lock (to prevent accidental changes during a wash), and Vibration Reduction (to minimize noise and movement).
Cleaning and maintaining your Samsung washer
After every few washes, run a cleaning cycle to prevent mold, mildew, and odors inside the drum. Many Samsung washers have a Tub Clean or Self Clean program — select it from the program menu and press Start with an empty drum. Some models require you to add a commercial washer cleaner to the main wash compartment before running the cycle; check your manual to see if your model needs this step. Run this cycle once a month or whenever you notice an odor.
After each wash, leave the door open and pull out the detergent dispenser drawer to allow air to circulate and moisture to evaporate. Wipe the rubber door seal with a dry cloth to remove any trapped water or detergent. If you notice water pooling around the base of the machine, check that the drain hose is not kinked and that the drain filter (located at the bottom front of many models) is not clogged — consult your manual for the exact location on your model.
Troubleshooting common issues
If the door will not open after a cycle ends, the machine may still be draining or cooling down — wait a few minutes and try again. If the door remains locked after 10 minutes, press the Power button to turn off the machine, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. If the washer will not start, confirm that the door is fully closed and latched, and that you have pressed the Start button (not just selected a program).
If water is leaking from the bottom, check that the drain hose is connected securely to the back of the machine and to your home's drain. If water is leaking from the door, the rubber seal may be worn or dirty — clean it with a damp cloth first, and if leaking continues, the seal may need to be replaced by a technician. If the cycle is taking much longer than expected, the machine may be detecting a heavy load and automatically extending the cycle — this is normal. If you experience persistent errors, a flashing display, or unusual noises, consult your manual or contact Samsung support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open the door while a wash cycle is running?
No, the door locks automatically once the cycle begins. If you need to stop the cycle, press the Pause button — the door will unlock after a few seconds. You can then open it, add or remove items, and press Start again to resume. Some models have a Mid-Cycle Add feature that allows you to add clothes without fully pausing the cycle.
What is the difference between cold and warm water?
Cold water (below 60°F) is best for colors and lightly soiled loads because it prevents fading and uses less energy. Warm water (around 90°F) works well for moderately soiled loads and mixed fabrics. Hot water (above 130°F) cleans heavily soiled items and whites most effectively but can fade colors and shrink some fabrics.
How much detergent should I use?
Follow the amount recommended on your detergent bottle, which usually depends on load size and soil level. Modern detergents are concentrated, so you often need less than you think — using too much can leave residue on clothes and damage the machine. If your washer has an auto-dispense feature, fill the cartridge according to the manual and the machine will release the correct amount per cycle.
Why does my washer smell bad?
Moisture and detergent residue trapped in the drum and door seal create an environment for mold and mildew. After each wash, leave the door open and wipe the rubber seal dry. Run a Tub Clean cycle monthly, and if the smell persists, soak the detergent dispenser drawer in hot water for 15 minutes, rinse it thoroughly, and reinstall it.
Is it normal for the washer to make noise during the spin cycle?
Some noise during the spin cycle is normal as the drum rotates at high speed. However, loud grinding, squealing, or banging sounds may indicate a problem — stop the machine and contact a technician. If you notice vibration, confirm that the washer is level and that the load is balanced evenly inside the drum.