How to Clean Your LG Washing Machine (Front Load & Top Load)

Why Washing Machines Get Dirty

Every wash cycle leaves behind traces of detergent, fabric softener, hard water minerals, and body soil. Over time, these accumulate in the door gasket, detergent drawer, drum, and drain pump filter — creating the musty odor that many LG owners report. The good news: LG designs its washers to clean themselves when you follow the right routine.

How Often to Clean

• Monthly: Run the Tub Clean cycle
• Monthly: Wipe the door gasket
• Every 3 months: Clean the pump filter (front-loaders) and detergent drawer
• Weekly: Leave the door ajar after each wash to let the drum dry

Step 1 — Run the Tub Clean Cycle

1. Make sure the drum is empty.
2. Add one tablet of LG Tub Clean (or 1 cup of white vinegar) directly into the drum — not the drawer.
3. Select Tub Clean from the cycle menu.
4. Press Start. The cycle takes about 60–90 minutes.
5. When done, wipe the inside of the drum with a clean cloth.

Step 2 — Clean the Door Gasket (Front-Load Only)

The rubber gasket is where mold most often grows. Fold it back carefully and inspect the inner folds for black or pink residue.

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 quart of water (or use a mold spray).
2. Dampen a cloth and thoroughly wipe all folds of the gasket.
3. Pay special attention to the bottom fold where water collects.
4. Rinse with a damp cloth, then dry.

Step 3 — Clean the Detergent Drawer

1. Pull the drawer all the way out (press the release tab to remove completely on most LG models).
2. Rinse under warm water and scrub with a soft brush.
3. Clean the housing inside the machine where the drawer sits — mold often grows here.
4. Dry and reinstall.

Step 4 — Clean the Pump Filter

Refer to the OE error guide for step-by-step filter cleaning instructions. This should be done every 3 months to maintain proper drainage.

Detergent Tips to Prevent Buildup

• Use only HE (High-Efficiency) detergent — standard detergent produces too many suds and leaves residue
• Use the minimum recommended amount — more detergent is not better
• Avoid fabric softener if you notice buildup; it deposits wax on the drum interior

Why Professional Service May Be the Right Choice

While many Washer issues can be addressed with the steps in this guide, there are situations where attempting a DIY repair can make the problem worse or void your warranty. If you've followed the steps above and the issue persists, or if you're not comfortable working with electrical components or water connections, calling a factory-certified technician is the safest and most cost-effective path forward.

LG Appliance Experts technicians are trained directly to LG's service specifications. They arrive with the most common OEM replacement parts already on the vehicle, which means most repairs are completed in a single visit — no waiting for parts to be ordered.

Preventing the Problem from Recurring

Most Washer issues that require repair are preventable with regular maintenance. Key habits that extend appliance life and reduce fault frequency:

• Clean filters regularly. Lint filters, drain pump filters, and water inlet screens accumulate debris over time. A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of performance issues and error codes.
• Don't overload. Consistently running your Washer beyond its rated capacity puts extra stress on the motor, drum bearings, and suspension components.
• Use the correct detergent and amounts. Excess detergent — especially non-HE detergent in HE appliances — causes buildup, mold, and sensor errors over time.
• Check hoses and connections annually. Inspect inlet and drain hoses for cracks, kinks, or loose connections at least once a year, especially if your appliance is more than five years old.
• Level the appliance. An unlevel Washer vibrates excessively during operation, accelerating wear on internal components and causing noise and balance errors.

LG Warranty and Service Coverage

LG offers a standard one-year parts and labor warranty on most appliances, with extended coverage on specific components — most notably the 10-year warranty on linear compressors in qualifying refrigerators. If your appliance is still within its manufacturer warranty period, contact LG directly before scheduling an independent repair, as unauthorized service may affect warranty coverage.

For appliances outside the warranty period, LG Appliance Experts provides a 90-day parts and labor warranty on every repair we complete. All replacement parts are genuine LG OEM components sourced directly from LG's authorized parts network.