[Solved] Samsung Washer SUD or 5UD error code. How to fix it?

The Samsung Washer SUD error (often misread as 5UD by some customers) is a result for a few reasons.

This code, unlike many other error codes, isn’t caused by your washer malfunctioning.

It is simply the result of using the incorrect washing detergent, too much detergent, or not allowing the detergent to properly dissolve in the machine.

Here are the details which detergent you should be using, how much, and what to do in the event you do get the Samsung Washer SUD error, even if you are using the correct detergent.

What is HE Detergent?

Before we get into the error, we mentioned HE (or high efficiency) detergent.

What is this? Basically, today’s washing machines don’t use nearly as much water as their predecessors.

Machines in the past used up to 40 gallons of water per cycle. This meant more detergent was needed to clean clothing.

Today’s machines utilize less than half that amount, ranging between 11 to 15 gallons per wash. Therefore, using more soap is simply going to result in more suds in the wash.

High-efficiency detergents contain

• Stain fighters
• Boosters
• Stronger cleaning agents
• Fabric softeners (in some brands)

You’ll clearly see an HE on the detergent, so you’ll know it’s high efficiency.

There are also 1X, 2X, and 3X HE soaps available.

So, the higher the X (concentration), the less you’re going to require to get your clothes fresh and clean.

Rely on the manufacturer’s suggestion when adding detergent, and adjust accordingly for your next wash cycle if needed (in small quantities if you do increase).

What’s Wrong with Suds?

Another point before diving into the Samsung Washer SUD error is the problem with too much suds.

In the past, people believed more suds meant clothes were cleaner. This isn’t the case.

In fact, more suds in the wash will leave your machine stinking and can cause mold to develop in the machine as well.

In turn, your clothing doesn’t smell fresh and clean when you take it out of the wash.

Why am I Getting Samsung Washer SUD Errors?

Okay, now that we know why you want to use HE detergent and what the problem is with too many suds in your washer, why are you actually getting the Samsung Washer SUD error?

First, you are using the incorrect detergent.

Newer Samsung washers require the use of HE (high efficiency soap) if you aren’t using it, you’ll get the Samsung Washer SUD error.

Second, you’re using too much HE detergent. T

his can also cause too many suds to build up in the machine, leading to the error message.

Basically, the error code will occur when you are using the wrong detergent, or in instances where you are using the right detergent, you’re still putting too much in the washer.

Remember, the high-efficiency Samsung washer uses less water than the old washer you owned in your home.

Therefore, you don’t need as much detergent to dissipate during the wash cycle in order to get your clothing clean.

Additionally, most HE detergents have added scent boosters, stain lifters, stain fighters, and some contain fabric softeners as well.

So, the are far more concentrated than regular laundry detergent was.

This causes more sud production, meaning less soap equates to more suds in the wash.

In turn, you don’t have to use as much detergent as you did in the past.

How to Prevent the Samsung Washer SUD Error

As highlighted above, one of the good things about this error, vs a technical error, is that nothing’s actually wrong with your Samsung washer.

So, don’t hesitate, and don’t go out calling a local repair technician to come to your home to assess the machine.

This isn’t an operational error, and any technician that comes to your home is going to charge a minimum fee to unplug your machine and open it. Don’t spend the money.

With this error, it’s basically a waiting game.

The Samsung washer is pretty smart and will expel the excess suds on its own.

Your machine is going to continually display the Samsung Washer SUD error, until the excess suds are removed, and you can actually use the washer again.

Once the error code disappears, you can wash your clothing.

It might be a good idea to run a rinse cycle with no detergent at all, to remove excess suds from your clothing.

Then, you can place it in the dryer after cleaning off excess suds, or rewash with a lower concentration of soap prior to placing it in the dryer.

There’s really nothing you can or have to do with this error. It’s more of a waiting game and allowing your washer to eliminate the suds.

The time it will take for this to complete, really depends on how much excess soap you used during the wash cycle, and how quickly your washer can eliminate those suds.

How to Restart Your Machine if the Samsung Washer SUD Error Doesn’t Cure Itself

More often than not, the Samsung Washer SUD error will self-cure. If, however, it doesn’t, don’t fret.

Again, don’t call a local repair technician.

What you’ll do in this case is run an “Eco Drum” Clean cycle or a 90-degree C cotton cycle (depends on the model of your Samsung washer, and what the wash cycles are called).

Remember, don’t use any detergent when using these wash cycles. T

his will allow your machine to remove the excess suds and detergent, and the error code should disappear once the excess suds are eliminated.

Still not sure how much HE detergent to use?

Manufacturers have made the error-proof solution of pods, bars, and even washer sheets (similar to fabric softener sheets)

And, some manufacturers even created detergents that self-cycle, so you fill the machine, and the washer does the work in determining how much to dispense for you.

No more overuse of soap, no more waste, fresh cleaning clothing, and you’ll eliminate that pesky Samsung Washer SUD error for good this way.