Samsung washer care: 10 habits that extend its life

1. Clean the drain-pump filter regularly

The pump filter at the lower front catches coins, buttons and lint before they reach the pump. When it fills up draining slows, 5E may appear, or the washer stops before spinning.

Unplug, place a tray and towel, drain the small hose if fitted, then unscrew the filter, clean it and refit it firmly.

2. Wipe the door gasket after washing

The lower fold of the door gasket holds water, lint and detergent residue — the most common source of smells and black mould. Wiping it with a dry cloth after the last wash of the day is usually enough.

3. Leave the door and drawer ajar

Closing the door straight after washing traps moisture inside the drum. Leave it ajar with the detergent drawer for a few hours so the inside dries — keeping children and pets in mind.

4. Use the right detergent in the right amount

Front loaders need low-foam detergent made for automatic washers. More doesn’t mean cleaner — it means foam that hinders rinsing and spinning and leaves residue on clothes and inside the machine.

• Follow the dose on the pack for the load size and soil level.
• Use less for small loads or lightly soiled clothes.
• Use softener sparingly and never above the MAX line in the drawer.

5. Balance the load — don’t wash one heavy item alone

A blanket or small rug on its own bunches on one side, so the washer detects imbalance and cancels the spin or shakes hard. Add a few medium items to spread the weight, and don’t pack the drum to the rim.

6. Check pockets before washing

Coins, keys and hair pins are among the things we most often find in pump filters and between the drums. A minute emptying pockets saves an annoying fault.

7. Run the drum-clean programme regularly

Many Samsung washers have Drum Clean or Eco Drum Clean. Running it empty about once a month (or when the reminder appears) reduces build-up and odours.

8. Make sure the washer is level

An unlevel washer shakes and walks during spin, straining the shock absorbers and bearings. Adjust the feet until it doesn’t rock, and make sure the transit bolts were removed at installation.

9. Check the hoses and water tap

Every few months, glance at the inlet and drain hoses: no kinks, cracks or leaks at the fittings. Turn the tap off if you’ll be away from home for a long time.

10. Don’t ignore early warning signs

A new noise on spin, a faint burning smell, or slower draining than usual — these are early signals. Dealing with them early is usually easier and cheaper than waiting until the machine stops completely.