For routine care, remove laundry promptly, wipe the door seal, tub, and detergent drawer dry, and leave the door and drawer open to air out. Run the washer’s tub-clean cycle on the schedule for your model. If there is already a mildew smell or visible mold, use Samsung’s separate bleach treatment—not the routine-cleaning steps—and follow the instructions for your washer.
Prevent odors after each wash
- Remove laundry promptly. Clothes left in the washer stay damp and can contribute to odors.
- Wipe the detergent drawer, tub, and door seal with a clean, dry cloth. Carefully wipe inside the seal’s folds, where moisture or residue may remain.
- Leave the door and detergent drawer open so they can air-dry. Make sure the area is safe from children and pets while the door is open.
Moisture and leftover detergent or other residue trapped in dark areas can contribute to mold, mildew, and unpleasant smells. For general gasket cleaning, Samsung Canada advises using warm water and mild soap if buildup is present, then drying the gasket completely. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh cleaners on exterior finishes; follow your model’s manual if its directions differ. See Samsung Canada’s washer-cleaning guidance.
Run the tub-clean cycle on schedule
Use the cycle provided on your washer—often called Self Clean, Self Clean+, or Pure Cycle. Samsung US recommends running it about monthly or every 30–40 loads; Samsung Canada recommends about monthly. Your washer may display a reminder, and cycle names and controls vary by model. If you cannot find the cycle, check the manual for the exact model. For routine tub cleaning, Samsung says an added cleaner is generally unnecessary.
To start the cycle, leave laundry out of the tub and use the cycle and controls specified in the washer’s manual. Never run Self Clean with laundry inside. Samsung’s routine-cleaning instructions are available in its US washer-cleaning guide and washer FAQ.
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Treat an existing mildew smell or visible mold
Samsung US gives a specific bleach procedure for a washer with mildew odor or visible mold. This is different from the routine monthly tub-clean cycle. Follow the steps below and consult the instructions for your model if its dispenser layout or cycle controls differ.
- Make sure the tub is empty. If water remains, run Spin-only first.
- Pour liquid chlorine bleach into the detergent compartment, up to its max line. For this procedure, Samsung says not to use the bleach compartment.
- Start Self Clean immediately. Do not leave bleach sitting in the washer, and do not put laundry in the tub.
- When the cycle finishes, wipe away any residue and run Rinse+Spin. Repeat that rinse if visible residue remains.
- Leave the door and detergent drawer open to dry.
Samsung says front-load Self Clean can take approximately four hours, but the actual duration varies by model. If odor or mold remains after several attempts, contact Samsung support. See the full mildew-smell and visible-mold troubleshooting instructions. Samsung also lists a washing-machine cleaner as an optional product route; it is not required for routine Self Clean. If using a cleaner, follow its manufacturer’s directions.
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Clean the pump filter periodically
Front-load Samsung washers have a pump filter that collects debris and needs periodic cleaning. Samsung Canada recommends cleaning it at least monthly or approximately every 40 washes. The panel location and filter-removal method vary, so check the manual for your model before starting.
- Open the lower-front filter panel.
- Place a suitable container nearby, then drain remaining water through the emergency hose.
- If the washer has recently run a hot cycle, wait for the water to cool before draining it.
- Remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise, then clear debris with a soft brush.
- Reinstall the filter securely and close the panel.
For model-specific cautions and access details, use Samsung Canada’s filter-cleaning guidance together with your washer’s user manual.
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If the smell returns
Keep routine prevention separate from odor treatment: dry the seal, tub, and drawer after washes; leave the door and drawer open; and run the tub-clean cycle on schedule. If a mildew smell or visible mold persists despite Samsung’s treatment steps, seek support rather than adding bleach or cleaner in a way the instructions do not specify. Samsung’s broader washer or laundry odor troubleshooting guide can help distinguish a washer odor from a smell affecting the laundry.
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