Samsung Washer Filter Cleaning

The filter in Samsung front-load washers is a cylindrical plastic basket with a waterproof gasket housed at the front of the washer that collects debris during wash cycles. At least once a month, you must clean this filter to prevent debris from blocking the drain. You must also clean the filter during wash cycles interrupted by an "ND" no drain error message, as this indicates a block causing the washer to drain poorly or not at all. Cleaning the filter isn't a complicated task. You simply need to drain any water in the washer, access the filter and discard the debris you find.

Step 1

Turn off your Samsung washer. If you're cleaning the filter midway through a hot water or "Sanitize" cycle, wait for the water to cool at least an hour before proceeding to clean the filter.

Step 2

Look for the debris filter access door at the front of your washer, then place a thick absorbent cloth or towel on the floor in front of the door. Place a large bowl on top of the cloth or towel.

Step 3

Push and hold down the latch on the debris filter access door. Pull the door toward you to flip it down and pull it from the washer. Set the door aside.

Step 4

Grasp the washer drain hose and pull it carefully from its holder. Position the end of the hose over the bowl and then twist its cap counterclockwise until you can remove it. Set the cap aside.

Step 5

Drain the water from the drain hose into the bowl and then discard the water. During a cycle, the washer may have up to 12 gallons of water in it. If your bowl fills, twist the cap clockwise back on to the hose and then empty the bowl. Return the bowl to your washer, remove the cap and then repeat the process as often as necessary until you've completely drained the water.

Step 6

Twist the cap clockwise on the drain hose until tight when finished, then return the drain hose to its holder. Place the empty bowl on the cloth or towel.

Step 7

Grasp and twist the debris filter cap counterclockwise to unscrew it, pull the filter from its housing, then remove debris from inside or around the filter. When finished, check for debris inside the housing pipe and the drain pump propeller behind where the filter rested. Discard any debris you find in the empty bowl.

Step 8

Insert the filter into its housing, then twist the cap clockwise until tight and flush against the washer.

Step 9

Run a small wash cycle with the access door unattached to check the seal around the filter cap for leaks. If water leaks out, check that the cap isn't cross-threaded. Tighten the cap again, wipe the water from around the cap and try another cycle. Repeat as needed until you no longer see leaks.

Step 10

Return the access door to the front of the washer, inserting the tabs at the bottom of the door into the slots in the filter area. Flip up the door and press against the washer until you feel or hear it click into place.