Getting the stinky smell out of a Samsung front loading washer

This is a video I made that shows how I get the stink out of my Samsung front loading washer but you should be able to apply this to any front loader.

[@mikewalsh511]

I am an appliance repair technician and I will tell you that the odor is evidence of soap buildup on your inner plastic tub. Almost everyone has this problem. To confirm that you do, run an empty cycle with hot water and no soap. If you see lots of soap suds suddenly appear in the drum during agitation you need to do a vinegar wash to eliminate the build up. A whole gallon of vinegar should be used as the vinegar gets heavily diluted in the process. Start a clean washer cycle, then blend the vinegar with the incoming water during the fill. Cleaning out the soap residue takes away the food source for the mold and bacteria. Repeat a vinegar wash every 2 weeks to 30 days. Stay away from pods! They are too much soap and will get you right back where you started. Lastly, if you have a water softner or treatment system use almost NO soap. You dont need hardly any because your water will do the cleaning by itself. Think of your detergent as a water softner and conditioner. The water is conditioned to clean. If you have apparatus doing this on your water supply, adding detergent is redundant.

[@ashleymoline3730]

What about the inner lining? Will that (vinegar self-clean cycle) be enough to clean it or is scrubbing still recommended? It was recommended to use "Affresh" tablets with the self-clean cycle (which get used once a month). But there is still this sewer smell! AND we ruled out the p-trap (p-trap is not what smells!). The smell is coming from the bottom left side/bottom left corner of the washer where the drain tubes are. (Clean out area is empty and clean, draining clear water)

[@ashleaappelbaum3210]

We read that vinegar will ruin the machine?!? That it is too hard on the hoses?

[@mikewalsh511]

Don't use washing machine cleaners unless they are citric acid based. Check the ingredients and if you see sodium carbonate or sodium anything as the first ingredient don't use it! Sodium is what we are working to remove when we clean. You can't clean out sodium with more sodium! Vinegar or citric acid are food based acids with a mild acidity and won't harm anything in your washer.

[@teoneemotley7225]

You have seriously helped me out. For years I couldn't figure the smell out and what that compartment was for. Thank you so much for the video.

[@ricoboogie2086]

Man, thank you so much for this. My washer has got so bad that my clothes, while washed, have taken on the washer smell... I'll be following your advice and cleaning this thing thoroughly this weekend!

[@erizzle67]

It helps a lot to leave the door open between washes. Our laundry area has a door itself so there is not much room if that door has to be closed. So I wedge a styrofoam cup in the washer door so there is a few inches of gap. I also have a tiny "desk" fan I use to circulate air into the opening a couple times per week.

[@smokiethemoose]

So helpful!! I knew about the trap below, but didnt realize I could unplug the little hose as well. Always ended up with that nasty water everywhere!

[@jupena]

Dude you are so awesome!!! thank you so much for taking the time to make this video, the stink coming from the washing machine was driving me nuts...

[@sweetsauce411]

Straight to the steps and point! Love it!

[@chucks222]

Super helpful!! Thanks for taking the time to film the whole process!

[@emilyhawkins4u]

I didn't know anything about the drain at the bottom....it was so gross. Thank you for these tips!!

[@jjporter817817]

We just got a set just like this today so I'm watching to know how we can take care of it. Thanks for uploading this. :)

[@jptsyoshida]

I was about to take everything apart as I saw mold or something building up around the opening but saw your video and by cleaning up and removing the standing water in the little hose in the bottom already make a huge difference! Thanks for this! Very good up to this day! :-)

[@johndoe-vc1we]

If doing this made a difference then your inner tub urgently needs a proper clean and with something more effective than vinegar.

[@Jenneandjoe]

Thank you SO MUCH for this video! I followed EVERYTHING you did, and I really attacked the gasket with Clorox wipes, then dried it. I knew about the filter at the bottom, but I NEVER KNEW about the rubber hose that holds that gag awful water...I drained it the same way you did, scrubbed the window (esp at the bottom), cleaned and bleached the filter, then poured white vinegar on the pure mode and ADDED an Affresh tablet too. My washer smells awesome now. I cannot thank you enough!! You SAVED my washer! Thanks SO much!!

[@jptsyoshida]

Same here... that little hose.

[@rosalindameza7375]

Thank you!!! This helped out so much! It’s the only video that I watched and a few minutes after watching I took action. My washer is now on “Pure Cycle” ;) No mor smelly clothes! THANK YOU!

[@Escapetehcube]

I actually just found my filter today since the water was sitting in the tub and was pitch black.... Glad I had solved that... So I did some more searching on maintenance I should be doing and found this video! Thank you so much. I was already wiping it down with white vinegar and cleaning the rubbery grey border, but I had no idea what the pure cycle mode was... I just have it running empty right now to clean it out, but I'll be sure to use the pure cycle next time.

[@ashleyfernandes1]

Thank you so much for this simple and helpful video--your suggestions totally worked!!!

[@heatherherlocher9486]

Third video I've watched. By far, the most helpful. And I don't need to freaking take apart the entire washing machine. Last guy took the top off too!

[@imanotherheather]

This needs to be the most watched and liked video on KZbin. Thank you!! I'm scouring my machine right now! I had no clue what Pure Cycle was for!

[@stefanpompa7506]

Ok

[@0811war]

Ok

[@profhope]

Thanks, I was able to follow your directions and my machine is much fresher smelling. Thanks so much.

[@jearlmilesclark156]

Thank you for the video. I wish I'd found this before I paid $200 to have someone to do the same. Happy we didn't have to replace the machine but would like to have my $200 back 🙂

[@codyscorner1829]

Have had my LG for 2 - 1/2 years and never knew what that little door was for. Well that I what I get for not reading the manual. Thanks for the video and the comments now I can clean out my washer.

[@ivanessamarie]

7 years and I've never ever noticed this frigging bottom entry and even googled my make and model of how to self clean and Samsung instructed to use Pure Cycle mode as you described with no product and its 2 hours. Still smelled. Purchased products for cleaning high eficiency front loader washers too. And finally googled elaborately how to clean self clean samsung blah blah blah BAD SMELL and here comes your video and I'm mind blown with this discovery trap with stinky water right there in plain sight at my feet (wtf!!!!) and the disgusting stenchy moldy nasty residue when pulling back the resistent rubber. I'm completely jaw dropped and smelly from watching and immediately following everything you did including the vinegar, but took all your advice and will literally never ever think about anything I've washed because was it ever truly clean or just masked with amazing smells?!!! Yuckkkkk. I will rewash everything I own in this actual CLEAN WASHING MACHINE thanks to YOU!! Never again a front loader.

[@renellebrown1577]

I said the same thing I’m never purchasing a front loader again.

[@PrasadMahadevan]

That was some good pointers. I have one for the last 8 months. I figured the best way is to not get the smell in the first place. I leave the washer door wide open for a few hrs till the water evaporates, then close it. No water no mold. But yes one still has to clean the filter at the bottom regardless.

[@coldfacts123]

The salesperson told my wife when we purchased our Samsung washer that when she was finished with the wash to throw a hand towel or regular towel across the door to keep it open to avoid stinky smell and mildew. So far it has worked over three years now. No stinky smell, no mildew, no mold. Never close the door completely when not in use.

[@ABrassTieAffair]

YOU are the man!! I had never checked the drain under the rubber gasket. So much dog hair build up in mine. Thank you so much for the tip

[@bjdis33]

I had no idea! We are in a new home. Came with the front loader. Never had one before. Started smelling....looked into KZbin. After a few non helping videos I found yours! Now I know...and I am following your advice on the whole process. I am also following you on KZbin lol. Nice work!

[@jamesapt66]

How has it been, have you kept the smell at a minimum? My new home came with one and it smells.

[@johndoe-vc1we]

And does the advice offered here work or not? almost a year later

[@lindamorrison7114]

I have this same unit, and do all the same things this gentleman showed. Once all loads are finished, I wipe both of the rubber seals as well as under the the smaller gasket. Making sure all of the water is out of there. Then I pull out the detergent tray run it under warm water let it air dry, also wipe down the interior where the detergent tray goes. Finally dry the water off of the door. Sounds like a lot of trouble you say, - takes me all of 3 minutes - and no gunk is left and no smell.

[@elevn11]

Thank you! My girlfriend has a front loader and didn’t know about that filter 🤢. I’ve never owned on either so your video was super helpful.

[@scooterhughes]

Thank you. I have been trying to figure this out for the last three months.

[@sisteryaya24]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you sharing this with us!

[@polymorphictotempole]

I bought a product from Home Depot, called Afresh, that does a great job of cleaning my front-load Samsung washer. Once a month I put a cleaning puck inside the drum and activate the self-cleaning cycle. The first time I used it, after owning the machine for two years and becoming very stinky, it made the self-cleaning water in the drum super dirty. My machine no longer has an odor problem.

[@judyboukheir5351]

This was SOOOOOOO helpful! Thank you for keeping the video up, and for providing all the help today!

[@angelareynolds6336]

This was really good. Thank you!

[@ilyatsukanov8707]

Incredible video. Thank you!

[@renellebrown1577]

Thanks for this video. It was soo bad that I began to shop for a new washer (non front load). You saved me some money.

[@rehandharme]

Very helpful and in brief, thanks a lot

[@BiswaRSingh]

Thanks for saving my day. It really helped me.

[@nikkiw6]

Eeeeeeuw my machine was so disgusting!!! It's squeaky clean now - thank you so much!

[@koala2464]

Mums favourite pan and daughters favourite face washer. Nice one Dad!

[@blancapiche6788]

Thank you so much for those helpful tips!

[@lemon342]

Wow this video is everything I needed!! Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I cannot wait to clean mine 😅

[@drvote]

Just bought one of these, really glad to know this. Thanks!

[@mydarlingisa]

Thank you so much! I have a Samsung for almost 3 years now. The smell gets on the towels and on the baby clothes, just everywhere! I hate the smell and it is embarrassing! No baby deserves to smell like that. I wasn't aware of the comparment at the bottom but hubby does and said he hasn't cleaned that for a long time. Ugh! I ran a Pure Cycle last night and I am running a load of towels with just vinegar with warm water right now (my first time washing clothes with just vinegar), hope it will get rid of all smell. Thank you for showing us! It helps a lot

[@mizzorino]

Helpful video! Thank you! 😊

[@r5an]

I'm sure your wife is pleased you used her favorite pan for the stinkiest water ever described..

[@palmsofdestin1]

The pleasures of matrimony.....

[@inkfilledlungs]

That’s actually her least favorite pan. She hates that fuckin pan so much she told him to use it.

[@yorha2b278]

@@inkfilledlungs That plot twist makes sense.

[@TaraHower]

🤣🤣🤣

[@heraldsison5410]

She will use that water for their dinner.

[@plsison]

This really works. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@TimberTaipei]

Thanks, my man. Very helpful!

[@sandrajohnson6324]

I was ready to throw out my front loading washer and go back to a top loading washer. Thank you You Tube! With a number of videos and comments on how to combat this smelly washer and our smelly clothes, I have now had my problem solved! Never again will I use liquid detergent! First you must clean out your washer with powdered "Dishwasher" soap and do this about 3-5 times (first clean out your filter at the bottom of the washer) Then do not use the liquid detergent. Use a no-name powdered detergent or one of your choice from that point on. My clothes and machine no longer stink!

[@pauls.9313]

You are awesome! Thank you so much for posting this video, very clear and informational.

[@chav91]

I've had my washing machine for 2 years and discovered today that I was supposed to drain and wash the filter. Wish me luck.

[@halo12345678ful]

We’ve never done it and we got these type of washers when they first came out ...

[@FuzzyJohn]

I have a Kenmore washer in use for about 14 years. Every month I run the cleaning cycle (41 minutes long) with either 3/4 cup of bleach or an Affresh tablet for washer cleaning. Then I wipe the rubber seal around the door and the door itself. After washing I leave the door cracked open and the detergent/softener tray partly open so the insides dry. Never had any bad smells out of the washer.

[@leamingtonmysteryshopper4080]

Thanks for this. I’ve lost the instructions and didn’t have a clue. Very helpful 👍

[@lanetteshark5860]

You have to do this every 2 months to prevent your clothes from smelling and keep your washer operating properly. It says it in the manual. You should also leave the drum door and detergent drawer open so it can air out and dry after EVERY wash.

[@ElizabethGarcia-hw9kt]

Great video! Thanks for the info.😄

[@KatelynnAnsari]

Thank you so much for this!! It was disgusting but so happy my washer is clean

[@yourgirlshani]

This was so helpful. Thank you.

[@bobholtmann7826]

Thanks Joe! This helped a bunch

[@lilbellas805]

This is awesome!!! Mine is only 1 yr old and started to smell!! Thank you!! 😀

[@RobGiordano]

Couldn't find a frying pan so I used a heart-shaped Valentine's day baking pan....yea! I worked :-) Hey thanks for this video...mine was stinky too. This took all of 10 minutes and worked great! Same Samsung but maybe a different year model.

[@penngidget]

thank you for sharing this with us

[@BoiledOctopus]

Great video and still relevant now!

[@marvingill3539]

Thank you for a great video.

[@niknewreview]

Thank you! We’ve had ours for about a year and I absolutely hate it for this exact reason.

[@ashleymoline3730]

Thank you - This was helpful!!

[@dv518611]

we have same washer and dryer. very helpful information

[@lornehampel1330]

Very useful information. thank you. 👍

[@anjali_1088]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@marcussomerville3347]

So helpful. Thanks. 👍👍👍👍

[@panaiworth6593]

Thanks this was helpful. appreciate it!

[@sheenawallace6601]

Nailah Worthams nbbbb

[@jennydallas8142]

Thank you so much - very helpful!!

[@cherrymaraschino6615]

very helpful...I am going to do this right now! Thank you!

[@karlahiatt]

So helpful. Thank you so much :)

[@teresajimenez1392]

Since ive bought my washer it had a smell supossibly it was brand new from sears gonna clean it tomorrow now that ive watched this video thanks

[@rachelmerz2122]

I have the exact set that you do. Thanks for posting this! I have cleaned out the rubber gasket and drained the water, but didn't get the filter out and clean it. Duh! Need to do that still.

[@jennkimber7766]

Hi All, it's not only the filter and wiping out the door seal of excess water that you need to clean. You also need to pull out the soap drawer completely, then spray, brush & wipe out the roof of this area. Never keep your drawer shut as mould will have a party. Always leave the door of the machine slightly ajar so the door seal can air. (It's in most manuals & how to videos by the manufacturers). If you follow these few simple steps you'll find you'll need less soap & will have cleaner washes. The environment will appreciate it to. 🦋Happy Washing 👚🩲🧦

[@willeason8730]

Great video thank you for helping me!!

[@mandyzito3320]

thank you, this was very helpful.

[@nopseudosleft56]

Very helpful, thank you 😊👍

[@shfish111]

thank you so much, the stink was driving me crazy, I had done the Vinegar and the cleaning of the rim, but I didn't even know about the hose and the filter(no sticker or nothing).

[@AG-kr1my]

Thank you! I'll be doing this tonight!

[@TROUBLEMANFISH]

thanks Jon helped me a lot

[@sheriedwards7138]

So glad I watched this. I have the same washer and I am experiencing the smell. I have drained filter in the past, but not like I'm supposed to. Tried using the bleach tablet. Now I'm going to try the vinegar with the pure cycle. Thank goodness for you. tube.

[@troymaifeld3987]

Hey also take out the detergent tray and clean that and behind it. There is a clip you press down to remove it. Mine was quite moldy.

[@undecidedlady79]

Troy Maifeld i recently did this and sprayed mildew spray where the tray sits.. It was pretty yucky back there

[@Jenneandjoe]

undecidedlady79 I did the same thing! And I had to stop using liquid fab softener because my tray was flooded and not draining until I cleaned my machine-Now I am wondering if I should stop using Downy altogether, because it DOES leave a build-up. I now use Tide pods with the Downy in them (when Incan find them) to cut down on the liquid fab softener usage. I use dryer sheets whenever possible!!

[@Gollammeister]

Good advice yup remove that drawer stick it sink give it a good clean now look in space where drawer was u should see some holes in top area that would be directly above detergent drawer when it's inserted I'd use a small toothbrush for these also have to be cleaned as they are nozzles that spray water to mix with detergents before entering down into drum also back area use an old cloth give it all a good wipe perform good maintenance regularly and it should help extend the longevity of ur machine theoretically

[@lanetteshark5860]

You have to do this every 2 months to prevent your clothes from smelling and keep your washer operating properly. It says it in the manual. You should also leave the drum door and detergent drawer open so it can air out and dry after EVERY wash.

[@kimberlyheys4894]

Thank you - this was most helpful. In addition to the vinegar that I use - I also toss a box of baking soda in with the vinegar - into the tub - and a few drops of lavender essential oils. I did not realize that there was a filter etc. But all done and doing my first load now :-). Can't wait to have fresh smelling clothes again :-)

[@Mr_Al_131]

Perfect vid glad i found this thx,I’m going to do mine right now

[@pjdmiller]

Wonderful. I had stuff nobody should find in their home. I will add that the filter has an o-ring. Take that off and clean that also. Take a toothbrush (not to be reused) and make sure all crevices and rubber areas are clean and shiny. Mine had hardened. Wipe the botton of the front door porthole, stuff collects their also. If your washer still smells, you didn't get it all out. Use a bright flashlight to check all those dark hidden areas. It is everywhere!

[@shafrika504]

Sooooo helpful. Thank you

[@CreativeMonsterx]

Dude, I appreciate this video gonna get like 10 bottles of white vinegar!! lol

[@hlyautey]

We just bought a used Samsung set at a moving sale. Like new, beautiful. They had 5 cats. The washer wouldn't drain so I pulled the filter and it had a handful of cat litter in it.

[@LH81633]

Put a cup of vinegar in between wash, let it sit till next wash. Run clean cycle as much as 2 a week! With front loaders the drain pump turns on first!!! That’s why you want to let it sit between washes. I’ve had mine for ten years and decided to replace drain pump to keep it to its optimum operation.. keep in mind these front loaders have their own heating element which brings the water to sanitize temp.

[@mfahlers]

Nice video. Very good audio.

[@sorakiu]

thanks for the info!

[@MrElPoderozo1]

😁😁😂😂😂 I thought I was the only one that takes away my wife's pots and pans!!! I would never use them for things like this but I am always stealing her stuff out the kitchen like the towels and baking pans etc..😂

[@LAPGOCHINSTRUCTOR]

All good advice. One other thing you can do to clean the inside drum of the washer is to place mouthwash into say a spray polish plastic cap [the cap covering the top of the spray can] and place it inside the washing machine on it's own and run the washing machine on a short wash cycle. The mouthwash that has antibiotic cleans the bacteria inside the washing machine. Do once or twice a month

[@SuperMrsMar]

Just found out my mom never told me about cleaning this thing. She has been doing this for years and I was completely in the dark that this even existed. Thanks mom.

[@kambiztaleghani]

Thanks very helpful.

[@michealmccoy9249]

Thanks bro from Perth Aus

[@marcodm]

Da wifes nice cookware! 😅 A whole box of bakingsoda on a full cycle is good to do also.

[@mrsb6403]

Really helpful thank you

[@phpremco]

Thanks so much, jesus christ i can't believe this is not in the manual... i have tried everything, ended up here. Cleaned out all the gunk, lets see if the smell is gone tomorrow

[@phpremco]

I can confirm it is much better now, i think i will have to repeat cleaning the rubbers a few times.

[@JoeyJeremiah4315]

Thank you! What a blessing!! I appreciate your taking the time to film and post this.

[@Oceansta]

Good video. Tip: Adding ½ a cup of baking soda to the detergent tray after adding the vinegar in the tub will do wonders.

[@jsotelo5150]

Won't that turn the wasting machine into a volcano? 😁