Start with water temperature and load size

Before you run a cycle, decide on water temperature and how full the drum should be. Samsung machines let you choose cold, warm, or hot water — cold works for most loads and costs less to run. Load size matters because overstuffing reduces cleaning and can damage the machine; fill the drum until clothes are loosely packed, not compressed.

Check the fabric care label on your clothes. Delicate items need cold water and a gentle cycle. Heavy cottons and towels handle hot water and normal cycles. Most everyday loads — jeans, t-shirts, underwear — wash fine in cold water on a normal cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • Load the drum loosely, choose water temperature based on fabric type, and add detergent to the dispenser drawer before starting a cycle.
  • Normal cycle handles everyday clothes; use delicate for fragile fabrics and heavy-duty for heavily soiled items.
  • The delay start button lets you schedule a wash to begin hours later, useful if you want the load done at a specific time.
  • Clean the detergent dispenser drawer monthly and run a tub clean cycle every month to prevent mold and odor buildup.
  • If water does not drain or the drum does not spin, check the drain hose for kinks and the filter for lint or coins.

Add detergent to the dispenser drawer, not directly into the drum

Samsung washers have a detergent dispenser drawer on the front or side of the machine. Open it and pour liquid or powder detergent into the main wash compartment — the largest section. Do not pour detergent directly into the drum with your clothes; the dispenser releases it at the right time during the cycle.

Use the amount the detergent bottle recommends for your load size and water hardness. More detergent does not clean better and leaves residue on clothes. If your water is very hard, you may need slightly more; if it is soft, use less.

Select a cycle that matches your load type

Samsung washing machines have several preset cycles. Normal is the default for everyday clothes — jeans, cotton shirts, socks. Delicate uses slower spin speeds and gentler agitation for silk, lace, and thin fabrics. Heavy Duty runs longer and uses more water for work clothes, towels, and heavily soiled items. Quick Wash completes in 15 to 30 minutes for lightly soiled clothes or small loads.

Some Samsung models include Bedding for sheets and comforters, Sanitize for high-temperature washing, and Allergen for removing dust and pet dander. Check your machine's control panel or manual to see which cycles are available on your model.

Use delay start to schedule a wash for later

The delay start button lets you load the machine, set a cycle, and have the wash begin automatically in 3, 6, 9, or 12 hours — depending on your model. Press the delay start button, use the arrow keys to set the hours, and press start. The machine will not begin until the timer counts down.

Delay start is useful if you want a load finished by the time you get home or if you prefer to wash during off-peak hours. Do not use delay start with heavily soiled clothes or if detergent will sit in the dispenser for more than 12 hours, as it can cause staining.

Spin speed and water level adjustments

Most Samsung cycles set spin speed and water level automatically based on the load size and fabric type. If you want to change them, look for buttons or a menu labeled Spin Speed and Water Level on the control panel. Lower spin speeds are gentler on delicate fabrics; higher speeds remove more water and shorten drying time.

Increasing water level adds more water to the drum, which helps heavily soiled loads or very full drums. Decreasing it saves water for lightly soiled clothes. Most loads work fine on automatic settings, so adjust only if you have a specific reason.

Drain the filter and clean the dispenser monthly

Samsung washers have a small filter at the bottom front of the machine that catches lint, coins, and debris. Open the filter access panel, unscrew the filter cap, and pull out the filter. Rinse it under running water to remove lint and hair, then screw it back in. Do this once a month or whenever you notice water draining slowly.

The detergent dispenser drawer can trap mold and residue. Remove the drawer by pressing the release button or tab, rinse it under warm water, and wipe it dry before replacing it. Run a Tub Clean cycle monthly — this heats the drum and uses a cleaning agent to remove buildup. Select Tub Clean on the control panel, add no clothes or detergent, and press start.

Troubleshoot common problems

If water does not drain, check that the drain hose is not kinked or clogged. The drain hose should slope downward from the machine to the drain or sink. If the hose is kinked, straighten it. If it is clogged, disconnect it and run water through it to clear the blockage.

If the drum does not spin or clothes are soaking wet at the end of the cycle, the filter may be blocked. Clean the filter as described above. If the problem continues, the drain pump may need service — contact Samsung support or a repair technician. If the machine beeps and stops mid-cycle, the lid may not be fully closed, or the load may be too large; open the lid, rearrange clothes, and close it firmly before pressing start again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open the lid during a cycle?

Most Samsung washers pause the cycle if you open the lid, and you can add or remove items. Close the lid and press start to resume. Some models have a child lock feature that prevents the lid from opening during a cycle — check your manual to see if yours has this.

What is the difference between normal and quick wash?

Normal cycle runs 40 to 50 minutes and uses more water and agitation for thorough cleaning. Quick wash runs 15 to 30 minutes with less water and gentler action, best for lightly soiled clothes or small loads. Use quick wash to save time and water when clothes are not heavily dirty.

Should I use hot water for towels?

Hot water kills more bacteria and removes oils better than cold, so it works well for towels, bedding, and heavily soiled items. However, cold water cleans most loads and costs less. If towels smell musty or feel stiff, try a hot water wash with an extra rinse to remove detergent buildup.

Why does my washing machine smell bad?

Mold and bacteria grow in the drum and dispenser when moisture sits between cycles. Run a tub clean cycle monthly, leave the lid open after each wash to air dry the drum, and clean the detergent dispenser drawer. If the smell persists, run a tub clean with white vinegar instead of the cleaning agent.

Can I wash jeans and whites together?

New jeans can bleed dye onto light colors, so wash them separately the first few times. After several washes, dye bleeding usually stops and you can mix them. Always wash jeans inside out to reduce fading and turn them inside out before drying to protect the color.