What the Self Clean Cycle Does

The Self Clean cycle on Samsung washers runs hot water and detergent through the drum and internal parts to remove bacteria, mold, and detergent buildup that collects over time. It is not a cycle for washing clothes — it cleans the machine itself. The cycle typically takes 40 minutes to an hour and uses hot water to break down residue on the drum walls, rubber gasket, and water inlet valves where moisture and soap scum accumulate.

Samsung includes this cycle because front-load and high-efficiency washers hold water in hard-to-reach places between washes. If you notice a musty smell coming from your washer, or if clothes come out with an odor even after washing, the Self Clean cycle can often eliminate the problem without requiring you to call for service or buy cleaning products.

Key Takeaways

  • The Self Clean cycle runs hot water and detergent through the empty drum to remove bacteria and mold buildup inside the machine.
  • You should run Self Clean once a month, or more often if you live in a humid climate or notice a musty smell from the washer.
  • The cycle takes 40 to 60 minutes and uses the machine's own heating system — you do not need to add anything or prepare the washer beforehand.
  • If the musty smell returns quickly after running Self Clean, the rubber gasket may need to be wiped dry after each load, or the cycle may need to run again.

How to Run the Self Clean Cycle

Open the washer door and make sure the drum is empty — no clothes, no lint, nothing inside. Close the door. On the control panel, look for a button or menu option labeled Self Clean or Tub Clean (the exact name varies by model year). Press it, and the cycle will start automatically. The display will show the remaining time, usually between 40 and 60 minutes depending on your model.

Do not open the door or interrupt the cycle once it has started. The machine needs the full time to heat the water and circulate it through all the internal passages. When the cycle finishes, the door will unlock and you can open it. Wipe down the rubber gasket and the inside of the door with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture, then leave the door open for a few hours to air dry.

When to Run Self Clean

Run the Self Clean cycle once a month as routine maintenance, even if you do not notice a smell. If you use your washer heavily — more than once a day — or if you live in a humid climate, run it every two weeks. If you notice a musty or sour smell coming from the washer, or if clothes smell odd after washing, run the cycle when ready and then repeat it again one week later.

The cycle is also worth running after you wash heavily soiled items, such as gym clothes, work uniforms, or towels that have been damp for a while. These loads leave more organic matter behind, which feeds the bacteria and mold that cause odors.

What Happens Inside During the Cycle

When you start Self Clean, the washer fills with hot water — usually 140°F or higher — and adds a small amount of detergent or a cleaning agent. The drum rotates slowly to circulate the hot water against all interior surfaces. The heat and detergent break down soap residue, body oils, and the biofilm (a slimy layer of bacteria and mold) that sticks to the drum, the rubber door gasket, and the water inlet valve.

The cycle also drains and refills several times to rinse away the loosened debris. This is why the cycle takes so long — the machine is not just running water once, but cycling it multiple times to may support thorough cleaning. Some Samsung models include a Self Clean+ option, which runs the same cycle but at an even higher temperature or with additional rinses for heavily soiled machines.

Preventing Odors Between Cycles

Running Self Clean regularly helps, but you can reduce odors between cycles by wiping the rubber gasket dry after every wash. The gasket traps moisture and lint, and that trapped moisture is where mold grows. After you finish a load, open the door and use a dry cloth to wipe around the entire rubber seal, paying special attention to the bottom where water pools.

Leave the washer door open between loads to allow air to circulate inside the drum. If you have a model with a drain filter (usually located at the bottom front of the machine), clean it every month by unscrewing the cap and removing lint and debris. A clogged drain filter can trap water inside, which speeds up mold growth.

Troubleshooting Persistent Odors

If the musty smell returns within a week or two after running Self Clean, the cycle alone may not be enough. Try running Self Clean again, but this time wipe the gasket thoroughly before starting — sometimes visible mold or debris prevents the hot water from reaching all surfaces. After the cycle finishes, leave the door open for at least 24 hours to may support the drum dries completely.

If the smell persists after two consecutive Self Clean cycles, the problem may be in the drain hose or the pump filter rather than the drum itself. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, and make sure water is draining freely. If you see water pooling at the bottom of the machine or if the drain is slow, contact Samsung service — a clogged internal drain line usually requires professional cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to add anything to the washer before running Self Clean?

No. The Self Clean cycle uses the machine's built-in heating system and dispenses a small amount of cleaning agent automatically. You do not need to add detergent, vinegar, bleach, or any other product. straightforward run the empty cycle as directed.

Can I use Self Clean if my washer smells really bad?

Yes, and you should run it when ready. If the smell is very strong, run the cycle twice with a week in between. If the smell does not improve after two cycles, the issue may be in the drain system or pump filter, which requires professional service.

How long does the Self Clean cycle take?

Most Samsung washers take 40 to 60 minutes to complete Self Clean. The exact time depends on your model and whether you selected Self Clean or Self Clean+. The display will show the remaining time once the cycle starts.

Will Self Clean damage my washer?

No. Self Clean is designed by Samsung specifically for your machine and uses the same water temperature and drum rotation as a normal hot-water wash cycle. It is safe to run as often as you need.

What if my washer does not have a Self Clean button?

Older Samsung models may not include this feature. Check your user manual for your specific model number — you can find it inside the door or on a sticker on the back of the machine. If Self Clean is not listed, you can achieve similar results by running a hot-water cycle with no clothes and adding one cup of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser.