UK Appliance Error Codes

Error code

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code DC1

The washer cannot confirm that the door is shut and locked correctly. The most likely cause is laundry trapped between the door glass and seal. Check first: check for trapped laundry, debris, or detergent residue around the door seal and latch area.

Last updated: 15 April 2026

Quick decision

DC1

medium severity

What it usually means

The washer cannot confirm that the door is shut and locked correctly.

First safe action

Turn the machine off and unplug it from the mains.

Stop and call an engineer when

Call an engineer if the lock does not engage consistently, the code returns straight away, or the latch feels damaged.

Meaning

The Samsung DC1 error code usually means the washer is not getting a proper confirmation from the door-lock system. It sits close to Samsung DC and Samsung DE, and the usual causes are trapped laundry, a latch that is not lining up, or a door interlock that clicks but does not register correctly.

Check first for clothing or debris caught in the door seal, then make sure the door closes squarely without forcing it. If the machine still refuses to start after the door appears closed properly, compare the symptoms with Samsung DE1 or Hotpoint F06 rather than repeatedly slamming the door.

This code usually points to the door lock, latch, interlock, or the related wiring and control signal that confirms the door is safe to lock.

Symptoms users may notice

  1. The cycle may not start because the door is not recognised as locked.
  2. The door may need to be closed again before the machine responds.
  3. Users may describe the washer as not starting even though it looks shut properly.

What users often notice

  1. The lock may click, the start button may seem to do nothing, or the code may flash before washing begins.
  2. Some users notice the washer will not spin or begin a programme because it never confirms the door is locked.

Likely causes

  1. Laundry trapped between the door glass and seal
  2. Door latch not lining up cleanly with the lock
  3. Faulty door interlock or worn latch, similar to Samsung DE door-lock faults
  4. Wiring or control issue affecting door lock detection

What this usually points to

This code usually points to the door lock, latch, interlock, or the related wiring and control signal that confirms the door is safe to lock.

How to fix it safely

  1. Turn the machine off and unplug it from the mains.
  2. Check for trapped laundry, debris, or detergent residue around the door seal and latch area.
  3. Make sure the door closes squarely and the handle does not feel loose or broken before retrying once after restoring power; if the fault still looks like a shut-door problem, compare it with Samsung DE1.
  4. If the lock clicks repeatedly but the cycle still will not start, compare the symptoms with Samsung DC, Samsung DE, or Hotpoint F06 rather than forcing the door.

Can I fix this myself?

Yes

You can safely inspect the seal, latch area, and door alignment yourself. DC1 moves beyond DIY when the external checks are clear but the interlock still will not confirm the door.

Safety boundary: Stop if the latch is damaged, the door will not release normally, or you would need to remove panels to reach the interlock wiring.

What not to do

  1. Do not force the door latch or repeatedly slam the door if the lock is not engaging.
  2. Do not bypass or tape the door lock; it is a safety device.

Reset steps

  1. Restore power after checking the door and seal area.
  2. Restart a short cycle only if the door feels secure and undamaged.
  3. Stop if the lock clicks repeatedly, the door will not release normally, or DC1 returns.

Intermittent vs persistent faults

A single DC1 can be caused by trapped laundry or a badly closed door; repeated DC1 codes suggest the interlock or latch may need repair.

When to call an engineer

Call an engineer if the lock does not engage consistently, the code returns straight away, or the latch feels damaged.

Safety warning

Disconnect the appliance from the mains before inspecting the door area, and do not force a damaged latch.

Useful hub links

Samsung appliance error code hub

Browse all Samsung appliance error code clusters.

Samsung Washing Machine error code list

See every washing machine code in this cluster.

Related door lock fault codes

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code DE1

The washer cannot confirm that the door is shut properly.

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code UB

The load is too unbalanced for safe spinning

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code UB1

The washer has detected a serious load-balance problem while trying to spin.

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code DC

Door locking or door sensing problem

Relevant guide

How to Reset a Washing Machine

A quick guide to safe first-step washing machine resets before arranging a repair.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still use the appliance with Samsung DC1 showing?+

No. The washer should not run until it can confirm the door is locked properly.

Is Samsung DC1 the same as DC?+

They are very closely related door-lock faults. DC1 is usually a more specific variant of the same door-confirmation problem.

Will resetting fix Samsung DC1 permanently?+

Only if the cause was temporary, such as trapped laundry or a badly closed door. If DC1 comes back, the lock fault is still present.

What happens if I ignore Samsung DC1?+

The machine may refuse to start, stop mid-cycle, or damage the latch further if the door is repeatedly forced.