A musty smell in a Samsung WF50BG8300 is a maintenance problem the manual treats in four parts: run SELF CLEAN at least once a month or every 40 cycles, clean the door diaphragm, dry the interior after each cycle and clean the drain filter, because debris left in the filter produces odors over time. The washer even reminds you: after 40 cycles the SELF CLEAN icon blinks for an hour, then shows for 5 more cycles.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung front-load or top-load washer smells musty, sour or like mildew”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Residue and bacteria in the drum that a SELF CLEAN cycle would remove
What separates it A musty smell from the drum when you open the door, worse after a hot wash
How to confirm Check how long since the last SELF CLEAN; the manual says at least monthly or every 40 cycles
- 2
A door diaphragm that stays wet and dirty
What separates it Black or slimy spots in the folds of the rubber seal
How to confirm Open the door and pull back the folds of the diaphragm to look
- 3
A dirty drain filter
What separates it The odor is strongest near the lower front and the drain filter has not been opened for months
How to confirm Open the filter cover and look for debris; Samsung says debris left in the filter may produce odors over time
- 4
Excess suds that collected in recesses
What separates it The odor followed heavy sudsing or a switch to non-HE detergent
How to confirm Check the drawer recess and the seal for suds residue
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- When SELF CLEAN was last run and whether the reminder icon has been showing
- Where the smell is strongest: drum, door seal, drawer or lower front
- How the door is left after a wash, open or closed
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedRun SELF CLEAN
ReversibleEmpty the drum, press Power, turn the Cycle Selector to SELF CLEAN and press and hold Start/Pause (Hold to Start). The water is hot and cannot be changed. If residue is visible, add liquid chlorine bleach to the MAX line in the drum, not in the bleach compartment.
Follow with Rinse+Spin if needed
ReversibleSamsung says to run RINSE+SPIN after SELF CLEAN to help remove residue. Do not mix any other detergent or chemical into the SELF CLEAN cycle.
Clean the door diaphragm
ReversibleMix 3/4 cup of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of warm tap water, wear rubber gloves, wipe the diaphragm with a soft cloth dipped in it, leave it for 5 minutes and dry well.
Clean the drain filter
ReversibleOpen the lower filter cover, drain the water through the emergency tube and clean the filter with a soft brush.
Dry the drum after every cycle
ReversibleLeave the door open so the inside dries out, and wipe up spills and detergent. Samsung tells you to turn off the taps after the day's washing as well.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- SELF CLEAN details
- Hot water by default and not changeable. The SELF CLEAN icon and LED reminder blink for an hour after 40 cycles and show for 5 more cycles.
- Door diaphragm
- Clean with 3/4 cup of liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of warm tap water and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Tools and supplies
- Rubber gloves, a soft cloth, a measuring cup for the 3/4 cup of chlorine bleach, a 1 gallon container and a soft brush for the drain filter, towels and a flashlight.
- Parts for this problem on the WF50A8600 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- wire retaining clamp for boot seal, part number DC97-04973B, at $17.81; filter assembly, part number DC97-23184A, at $21.89; assembly housing drawer, part number DC97-21472P, at $205.38; assy pump drain, part number DC97-20621C, at $250.31.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WF53BB8700, WF50A8600, WF42H5000, WF45K6500, WV60M9900, WV55M9600, WA55A7300, WA54R7200, WA52A5500, WA50R5200, WA50T5300, WA45T3200, WA40A3005, WF45B6300, WF45T6000, WF45R6100.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a smell of burning or hot plastic comes from the washer, stop it and unplug the washer immediately
- !If the smell remains after SELF CLEAN, the door seal and the drain filter are all clean, call Samsung service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
How often should I run SELF CLEAN on the WF50BG8300?+
At least once a month or every 40 cycles.
How does the washer remind me?+
After 40 cycles the SELF CLEAN icon and cycle LED blink for an hour, then show for 5 more cycles before turning off.
Where do I put bleach for SELF CLEAN?+
In the main wash drum, up to the MAX line, and not in the bleach compartment. Never mix other detergent or chemicals in.
How do I clean the door seal?+
3/4 cup of liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of warm tap water, with rubber gloves and a soft cloth, left for 5 minutes and dried.
Can hard water deposits be removed?+
The manual says they may be, using a cleaner labeled washer safe.
Why should the drain filter be cleaned for odor?+
Debris remaining in the filter may produce odors over time.
Can bleach damage the drum?+
If chlorine bleach is left in the drum for an extended period, rust can occur.
Can I mix other cleaners into a SELF CLEAN cycle?+
No. Do not use or mix any other detergent or chemicals during SELF CLEAN, and do not exceed the MAX line for bleach.
Does SELF CLEAN use cold water?+
No. The water temperature for SELF CLEAN defaults to Hot and cannot be changed.
What is the warning about bleach and rust?+
If chlorine bleach is left in the washer drum for an extended period of time, rust can occur, so run Rinse+Spin afterwards if needed.
How do I clean the exterior?+
Use a soft cloth and soap and water on the cabinet, a soft damp cloth on the control panel and never spray cleaners directly on the panel. Turn the washer off and unplug it first.
Should I dry the drum?+
Yes. Leave the door open after the day's washing so the inside dries out, and wipe up detergent, bleach or other spills as they occur.