Samsung Front-Load Washer Leaking From the Front or Smelling Like Mold? Door Boot Seal DC97-18094B – Fix It Fast
If your Samsung front-load washer is leaking water from the front, has visible tears or mold in the rubber door gasket, or the door no longer seals properly during wash cycles, the door boot seal is the failed component. In most Samsung front-load washers, the door boot seal is the flexible rubber accordion gasket that creates a watertight connection between the door glass and the front of the tub — when it tears, cracks, or degrades from mold, water escapes during every wash cycle and the problem worsens with each load. ⚡ One of the most common wear items on Samsung WF42H, WF45H, WF50K, WF52H, and WF56H series front-load washers. Part DC97-18094B is the genuine OEM replacement door boot seal that restores a complete watertight seal and eliminates front leaks immediately — available in OEM and XPart aftermarket options.
❓ Is This the Right Part?
This is the correct fix if ALL of the following are true:
- ✔ Washer powers on and runs cycles normally
- ✔ Water supply hoses and drain hose connections are tight and undamaged
- ✔ Door latch and door lock assembly are functioning correctly
- ✔ ONLY problem is water leaking from the front door area, visible tears/holes in the boot, or persistent mold odor from the gasket
Not sure? Send us your model number — we'll confirm before you order.
🔧 Common Symptoms
- Water leaking from the front of the washer during wash or spin cycles
- Visible tears, holes, rips, or cracks in the rubber boot gasket
- Persistent mold or mildew odor coming from the washer door area
- Black mold visible in the accordion folds of the boot
- Water pooling in the bottom folds of the boot after cycles
- Boot feels stiff, brittle, or cracked when touched
✔ If these symptoms match, this is the most likely failed component in the system.
✔ In most cases, replacing the DC97-18094B door boot seal eliminates front leaks and restores a complete watertight seal immediately.
📦 Part Details
- Part Number: DC97-18094B
- Type: Front-Load Washer Door Boot Seal / Door Gasket / Bellows Seal — OEM Samsung
- Replaces: DC97-18094C, DC97-18094D, DC97-18094A, AP5966131, PS11722437, EAP11722437, DC64-01664A, DC64-01664B
- Brands: Samsung
- Series: WF42H, WF45H, WF50K, WF52H, WF56H
- XPart Option: DC97-18094BXP — premium aftermarket alternative, not affiliated with Samsung
While the boot is removed, inspect the door lock assembly and outer retaining band for wear or damage — a stretched or broken retaining band will cause the new boot to leak immediately after installation. Also clean the cabinet groove and tub groove thoroughly before installing the new boot; mold and detergent residue in the groove prevents proper seating and causes premature failure.
⚙️ Installation
Skill Level: Moderate — 45–90 minutes. Disconnect power and close water supply valves before servicing. Release the outer retaining band and peel the boot lip out of the cabinet groove working around the full circumference, then release the inner retaining band inside the drum. Clean both grooves thoroughly, align the top center mark on the new boot with the top center of the washer opening, seat the inner lip in the tub groove first and install the inner retaining band, then repeat for the outer lip. Run a test cycle without clothes and monitor for leaks before reassembling.
✓ Compatible Models
Confirmed compatible with WF42H5000AW, WF42H5100AW, WF42H5200AP, WF42H5400AW, WF42H5600AW, WF45H6100AP, WF45H6200AW, WF45H6300AG, WF45H6300AW, WF45H6500EW, WF50K7500AV, WF50K7500AW, WF52H8000AP, WF52H8000AW, WF56H9100AG, WF56H9110CW (all /A2–/A5 suffixes) and additional Samsung front-load washer models. Contact us to verify your model number before ordering.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is DC97-18094B the same as DC97-18094C or DC97-18094D?
Yes — DC97-18094B is the updated OEM part number that supersedes DC97-18094C and DC97-18094D. All are the same door boot seal; DC97-18094B is the current factory part number.
Can I repair a torn door boot instead of replacing it?
No — adhesive or patch repairs are not reliable. The boot flexes thousands of times over its life and any repair will fail quickly under wash cycle stress. Full replacement is the only correct fix.
How do I prevent mold from coming back?
After each wash cycle, wipe the boot folds dry with a clean cloth and leave the washer door slightly open to allow airflow. Run a monthly cleaning cycle with a washer cleaner tablet and avoid using excess detergent, which leaves residue in the folds that feeds mold growth.
What is the difference between OEM and XPart?
The OEM part (DC97-18094B) is the original Samsung factory boot. The XPart option (DC97-18094BXP) is a premium aftermarket alternative engineered to meet or exceed OEM specs at a lower price point. XPart parts are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Samsung.
✓ Model-Specific Repair Pages
💡 Pro Tip
The #1 cause of a leaking new door boot is mold and detergent residue left in the cabinet and tub grooves. The boot lip must seat fully and evenly in a clean groove to create a watertight seal — even a small amount of residue can prevent proper seating and cause an immediate leak. Before installing the new boot, scrub both grooves with a stiff brush and a diluted bleach solution, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. Two minutes of cleaning prevents a repeat repair call.
✅Compatibility & Cross Reference
Not sure about your model number? Call 1-877-899-7278 and we’ll help you confirm. All brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for compatibility reference only.
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