it keeps stopping mid-cycle with suds everywhere, error 1E or just stops

Diagnosis

The Samsung WF45R6100AW is a High Efficiency (HE) machine designed to use minimal water. When you see the 1E error code or experience mid-cycle shutdowns accompanied by visible suds, the machine is experiencing a "Suds Lock" condition. This occurs when the detergent concentration is too high for the water volume, creating a thick foam that prevents the drum from spinning and confuses the pressure sensor. The 1E error specifically indicates a water level sensor (pressure switch) failure or a reading that is "out of range." When excessive suds fill the drum, they enter the pressure chamber and the air tube. Instead of sensing air pressure to determine water level, the sensor detects foam or a blockage, triggering a safety shutdown to prevent the motor from burning out or water from overflowing onto your floor. You can confirm this by opening the door mid-cycle and seeing a "mountain" of white foam reaching the top of the drum.

How to Fix It

To clear the suds lock and reset the sensor, follow these precise steps:

1. Manual Drain: Open the small access door at the bottom right front of the machine. Place a shallow pan under the emergency drain hose (the small black rubber tube). Pull the plug and let all water and suds drain completely.
2. Filter Cleaning: Unscrew the large circular debris filter (the pump filter) counter-clockwise. Be prepared for a rush of water. Remove any lint, coins, or sludge trapped inside. Rinse the filter under hot water and reinstall it tightly to avoid leaks.
3. The Vinegar Flush: Set the washer to a "Rinse + Spin" cycle. Do not add clothes. Pour one cup of white distilled vinegar directly into the drum. The acidity of the vinegar breaks down the chemical bonds of the soap suds, allowing the pump to clear the residue from the internal hoses.
4. Hard Reset: Once the cycle finishes, unplug the machine from the wall outlet for exactly 10 minutes. This clears the 1E error from the control board's volatile memory.
5. Detergent Adjustment: For future loads, use a maximum of 2 tablespoons (approximately 30ml) of HE liquid detergent. If using pods, use only one per load, regardless of the load size.

If That Didn't Work

• Clear the Pressure Tube: The 1E error often persists if soap scum has hardened inside the thin plastic air tube connecting the drum to the pressure sensor. Disconnect the top panel of the washer, locate the clear plastic tube leading to the sensor, and blow compressed air through the tube toward the drum to clear any solidified detergent blockages.
• Inspect the Pressure Switch: If the error returns immediately after a reset, the pressure sensor (Part No: DC97-15331A or similar) may have failed electrically. Use a multimeter to check for continuity; if the sensor is dead, it must be replaced to restore water level detection.
• Deep Clean Cycle: Run the "Self Clean" cycle with a commercial tablet cleaner (like Affresh). This uses high-heat water and mechanical agitation to strip away "scrud"—the buildup of detergent and fabric softener—from the outer tub and sensor ports.
• Check Drain Hose Height: Ensure your drain hose is not pushed too far into the standpipe (no more than 4 inches). If the hose is too deep, it can cause a siphoning effect that prevents the pump from clearing suds efficiently, triggering the 1E sensor error.

Heads Up

• Never use non-HE detergent: Regular detergent creates exponentially more bubbles, which will permanently damage the pressure sensor and may lead to a motherboard failure due to moisture/foam infiltration.
• Avoid Fabric Softener Overuse: Excessive softener creates a waxy film on the sensors. Use the designated dispenser and never pour softener directly onto the clothes.
• Monthly Filter Maintenance: Clean the debris filter at the bottom of the machine every 30 days. A clogged filter slows down drainage, which increases the likelihood of suds lingering in the tub.
• Load Sizing: Do not overstuff the drum. If the clothes are packed too tightly, the detergent cannot dissolve properly, leading to "pockets" of concentrated soap that cause sudden suds spikes mid-cycle.