How to use detergent in your Samsung washing machine

Using the best kind of detergent in your washing machine may seem tricky. You definitely want your clothing and other items to come out as clean as possible, but you don’t want to accidentally overfill your machine with detergent or place it in the wrong compartment. If you’re wondering how much detergent you should be using, what type to use, and how to fill your particular machine, we have some helpful answers and tips right here.
A bottle of detergent and a neatly folded towel arranged in front of a Samsung washing machine.
A bottle of detergent and a neatly folded towel arranged in front of a Samsung washing machine.

How to use detergent in your Samsung washing machine

Use the right kind of detergent

Caution
Do not use regular detergent, organic detergent, natural detergent, or HE detergents containing natural ingredients, such as vinegar or baking soda. Using these can cause damage to the washing machine.

A cup of liquid detergent, two detergent pods, and a scoop of powdered detergent.

There are a couple of things you should consider when choosing detergent. What is the cleaning power, and what type is best for you, powder or liquid? As far as requirements go, there is only one. Your Samsung washing machine requires HE (High Efficiency) detergent. 

 

Regarding the form of detergent, the cleaning performance between the two is essentially the same. However, powder can sometimes be harder to dissolve in cold water, and liquid can be used to pretreat stains on heavily soiled clothing. Whatever you use, just make sure you don't use too much.

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Use the right amount of detergent

Important
Going over the MAX line in your washing machine’s detergent drawer can not only damage or stain your clothes, but can also cause damage to your appliance, including leaks. Try using the least amount of detergent necessary to clean your clothes.

A woman pouring liquid detergent onto the cap of a detergent bottle

When determining the right amount of detergent, keep in mind the number of items you are washing as well as the kind of detergent you are using.

 

Many detergent bottles include guidelines for how much to use, and often, the bottle's cap acts as a measuring cup for the detergent. Using a measuring cup or spoon is recommended so you can accurately determine whether or not you are adding the recommended amount. If the manufacturer's recommended amount exceeds the MAX line in your washer's dispenser, reduce the size of your load or use a more concentrated detergent, but do not exceed the MAX line. 

 

HE (High Efficiency) detergent is very concentrated, so you won’t need to use as much. If you aren't happy with how your current detergent is performing, try switching to a different detergent instead of adding more. Using too much detergent will create buildup inside the washer, which will cause issues with the washer's performance.

 

Some of our washers come with an auto dispenser to help with measuring the correct amount of detergent and softener.

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Add detergent to your washing machine

The auto dispense system open on a Samsung washing machine.

Where you add the detergent to your machine depends on the type of washer you have. Different models have different dispenser compartments. Check out the sections below to find out more about your type of washing machine.

 

Flex Wash

 

The Flex Wash washing machine allows you to do two loads of laundry at once. That means there are two compartments for adding detergent. The upper washer uses the Aqua Pebble to release detergent into the wash. Open the top door of the upper washer and the protective cover. Remove the Aqua Pebble from the fabric softener container, and fill it with detergent, making sure not to exceed the MAX line. Then, place the Aqua Pebble in the center of the tub under the laundry. You should NOT use detergent pods in the top washer.

 

The lower washer includes a detergent compartment. Start by opening the front cover, and then pour the detergent into the main wash compartment container on the left side. If you’re using powdered detergent, remove the container and add the detergent directly to the detergent compartment instead. If you want to use detergent pods, just toss them into the drum before adding your clothes.

 

Top Load

 

Your Top Load washing machine has a detergent drawer directly under the lid. To begin, open the lid and then pull out the detergent drawer. Add your liquid detergent to the liquid detergent cup in the main compartment.

 

If you’re using powdered detergent, remove the liquid detergent cup and add powdered detergent directly to the compartment instead.

 

If you're using detergent pods, place them directly in the washer's tub before adding your clothes.

 

Front Load

 

Your Front load washing machine has a detergent drawer located on the front of the machine. Simply pull open the drawer and add liquid detergent to the liquid detergent cup.

 

If you’re using powdered detergent, remove the liquid detergent cup and add powdered detergent directly to the compartment instead.

 

If you're using detergent pods, place them directly in the washer's tub before adding your clothes.

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Add detergent pods or sheets to your washing machine

A detergent pod being placed inside of a Samsung washing machine

Detergent pods and detergent sheets can be used if you prefer. However, make sure you are using HE (High Efficiency) pods and sheets. Refer to the product’s instructions for the amount that should be used. For instance, small loads may only require half of one detergent sheet. Then, toss the pod or sheet in the tub or drum instead of using the detergent drawer.

Note
Do not use detergent pods or sheets in the top washer on the Flex Wash model, since it is too small for these products to work correctly.
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Tips for cleaner clothing

A Samsung washing machine against a gray wall.

To make sure you’re getting your clothes as clean as possible, follow our tips for sorting, pretreating, and loading your laundry. You can also use different cycles and settings on your washing machine to ensure all of your items are being cleaned properly.

 

Sorting

  • Sorting your clothing and household items into different piles will help clean each load more effectively. You need to sort your items into piles for whites, colors, and bedding before adding them to your washing machine.
  • Read your garments' care tags as well for more information about how to wash a particular item. Some items may require different temperature settings or may need to be washed separately.

 

Pre-treating and Pre-soaking

  • If some of your clothing is stained, you can pretreat it with a little color-safe liquid detergent to help get rid of stubborn spots. Many of our washing machine models come with presoak and prewash options to help with this and some top load models even come with an Activewash sink or Activewash jet to help with pre-rinsing your clothes before starting your wash.

 

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  • Make sure you're using the proper load size for your items. You should not add more items than your washing machine can handle.
  • Adjusting the detergent amount to the size of each load will help as well. For instance, if your load is a lot smaller than usual, your detergent amount should reflect that.
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