How to Clean an LG Washing Machine
Learn how to clean an LG washing machine for both the top and front load models. This guide will walk you through the maintenance and care of the exterior, interior, filters and detergent dispensers of your unit. But don’t worry, with the self-cleaning cycle and easily accessible and removable filters and parts, deep cleaning your LG washing machine has never been easier or faster!
Supplies You’ll Need
- Washing machine tub cleaner
- Warm water
- Soft-bristled brush
- White vinegar/liquid bleach
How Do I Clean the Outside of My LG Washer
To clean the exterior of your front or top load LG washer, all you need is a clean cloth, a bucket of warm water and a neutral, nonabrasive household cleaner. Just go ahead and suds up the cloth, wipe down the outside of your machine, rinse and dry.
When filling the detergent dispensers with your scent or soap of choice, hands are bound to slip, and products are bound to dribble. When this happens, immediately wipe up any spills with a damp cloth so the exterior remains as spotless as a showroom model.
LG Washer Tub Clean Cycle
The LG washer tub clean cycle is a self-cleaning feature and works for both the front load and top load washer models. If you notice that your washer smells more like a gym bag and less like the spring fresh meadow of your favorite laundry detergent, run this cycle once a week for three weeks. Otherwise, perform a tub clean cycle once a month or every 30 wash cycles.
- Step 1. Remove Clothing – The tub clean cycle is not meant for washing clothes, so make sure the drum is completely empty of clothing, debris or any foreign objects.
- Step 2. Add tub cleaner to the Dispenser – For this step, you can use any washing machine tub cleaner. For powdered and liquid detergents, add the recommended quantity as indicated on the package to the main wash compartment. Otherwise, place tablets directly into the drum.
- Step 3. Turn the dial to Tub Clean and press start – With the washing machine tub cleaner now loaded, you can turn the dial so that it points to Tub Clean. Then, go ahead and press the Start button.
- Note: On some models, you might have to press the Extra Rinse button for three seconds instead.
- Step 4. Dry off and leave the door open – After every wash cycle, you’ll want to dry off the door and gasket with a clean towel to prevent mold and bacteria from growing and contributing to a musty odor.
How to Clean LG Washer Filter
The LG washing machines have several types of filters you should clean regularly. The details for each filter and their corresponding cleaning instructions are as follows:
Inlet Filters
Clean the inlet filters at least once every six months or sooner for hard water.
- Step 1. Turn off your washing machine – Before doing anything else, turn off the power and unplug your LG washing machine.
- Step 2. Turn off the water – Next, you’ll want to locate the water taps behind your washing machine. There should be two of them.
- Step 3. Unscrew the inlet hoses – There are two inlet hoses on the back of your washer, one for hot water and one for cold water. Unscrew these counterclockwise to gain access to the filter. You might want to position a bowl or towel under the hose while you do this, as water might leak out.
- Step 4. Take out the inlet filter – Remove the inlet filter with your fingers or a needlenose plier.
- Step 5. Clean the inlet filter – Clean the inlet filters with a soft-bristled brush under warm water. If you notice hard water deposits, soak the filters in a white vinegar or limescale remover solution and rinse thoroughly before returning.
- Step 6. Flush the filter hoses – Next, you’ll want to flush the filter hoses with several gallons of water. The easiest way to do this is to use a sink faucet or outdoor hose where water can easily drain without causing damage.
- Step 7. Reinstall the filter and hoses – Once you’ve cleaned the filters, return them to their original positions and reattach the hoses, turning them clockwise to create a seal. Don’t forget to turn the water back on when all is said and done!
Lint Magic Filters
Clean the lint magic filter after every wash.
- Step 1. Open the lid – The magic filter is located inside the washing machine’s tub, so you’ll have to open the lid to gain access.
- Step 2. Locate and remove the magic filter – The magic filter is a blue disc on the washing machine tub’s wall. Press the lever on top of the filter and remove it.
- Step 3. Open the magic filter’s lid – There should be a small tab that you can use to open the cap of the magic filter.
- Step 4. Clean the magic filter – Remove any lint or debris stuck inside. Then, clean and rinse the filter with a soft-bristled brush under warm, running water.
- Step 5. Reinstall the filter – Lastly, return the filter to its seat inside the washing machine’s tub.
Drain Pump Filter
Have you ever noticed that your washing machine eats some spare change or a couple of buttons every now and then? Well, the engineers at LG have come up with a solution in the form of a drain pump filter, so you can get those coins and buttons back.
- Step 1. Turn off and unplug the washing machine – First, hit the power button on your machine and unplug it for good measure.
- Step 2. Locate the service panel – The service panel is located on the front, lower left-hand side of your washer. From there, open the drain pump filter cover.
- Step 3. Unclip and unplug the drain hose – For this step, you’ll want to get a small container and towel to collect any remaining water and protect the hardwoods. Unclip the drain hose and unscrew its plug. Allow the water to drain.
- Note: Avoid pulling the drain hose out too far, as this could cause kinks upon reinstallation.
- Step 4. Remove the pump filter – Next, remove the pump filter located to the right of the drain hose by turning it counterclockwise. Some water might flow from the pump filter, so be ready with a towel.
- Step 5. Clean the pump filter – Remove any debris your pump filter has collected during its washes. Then, clean the pump filter under warm, running water with a soft-bristled brush.
- Note: Do not put the pump filter in the dishwasher.
- Step 6. Reinstall the drain hose and pump filter – Recap and reclip the drain hose back into place. This time, turn the pump filter clockwise to reinstall. Don’t forget to close the access panel!
How to Clean LG Front Load Washer Gasket
Excess moisture can get trapped in the gasket between washes, which might cause limescale buildup or lead to odor caused by mold and bacteria growth. To extend the life of your LG front load washer gasket, it’s important to follow a routine cleaning schedule. For that reason, follow these cleaning procedures at least once a month:
- Step 1. Check the gasket debris – Sometimes, lint and other debris can get caught in between the folds of the gasket or stuck by pressure. Go ahead and remove these now.
- Step 2. Gather a bleach or vinegar solution – You can either use bleach or vinegar, but never both at the same time, as this will create dangerous chlorine gas that can cause injury and death. If using bleach, dilute ¾ cup in one gallon of water. Alternatively, you can use white vinegar.
- Note: When using bleach, always wear protective gloves and goggles.
- Step 3. Clean the door gasket – With a cloth, wipe down the door gasket with either bleach or white vinegar cleaning solution, taking care to get in between the folds.
- Step 4. Rinse and dry – It’s important to thoroughly rinse and dry the washer’s door seal because cleaning chemical residue can break down the gasket material over time, leading to more frequent replacements.
- Step 5. Leave the door open – With that, leave the door open so any leftover moisture has the chance to air dry.
How to Clean the Detergent Dispenser on My LG Washing Machine
Sometimes, debris from detergent products builds up and causes blockages over time, which can lead to overfilling and leakage. To prevent unexpected messes, be sure to regularly clean out the detergent dispenser on your LG top loading and front loading washing machines:
- Step 1. Pull out and remove the dispenser drawer – First, pull out the dispenser as far as it will go. There’s a tab located between the bleach and fabric softener compartments that you’ll want to hold down so you can remove the detergent dispenser tray.
- Step 2. Inspect the dispenser cabinet – Use a flashlight to look into the recess where you removed the dispenser tray for any debris or clogs blocking the detergent from dispensing. Use a damp cloth to clean inside the housing.
- Step 3. Remove the tray inserts – Remove the inserts, including the liquid detergent, fabric softener and bleach compartments from the dispenser tray.
- Step 4. Wash the dispenser tray and inserts – From here, you’ll want to gather a soft-bristled brush or cloth and warm water to wash each of the compartments and the tray housing.
- Note: Never use any cleaning products on the dispenser tray, as these will leak into the tub and may cause damage to the machine or clothing. If you’re reading this after the fact, you can start a rinse/spin cycle before doing another load.
- Step 5. Reinstall the dispenser tray – After thoroughly drying, reassemble the dispenser tray, taking care to return the liquid detergent, fabric softener and bleach compartments back to their original positions. Lastly, slide the tray back into the washer.
Need some more guides for your washing machine? Check out our large selection of LG Appliance manuals and diagrams for tips specific to your model.