When was the last time you cleaned the LG washing machine? It works hard to keep your clothes fresh. Dirt from your laundry, fabric softener buildup, and detergent residue can eventually build up inside your washer’s drum and other hidden parts, resulting in mould growth, offensive odours, and decreased cleaning efficiency.
Thankfully, many of LG’s front-loading and top-loading washing machines come equipped with a dedicated Tub Clean cycle, making it easy. We’ll go over the functions of LG’s Tub Clean cycle, how to operate it correctly, and advice for maintaining a clean and fresh washer all year long in this comprehensive 2025 guide.
The LG Washer Tub Clean Cycle: What Is It?
LG washing machines have a unique maintenance feature called the Tub Clean cycle that is intended to:
Eliminate lint, grime, and detergent residue.
Avoid the accumulation of mould and mildew.
Get rid of offensive smells
Preserve the best possible washer performance.
This cycle thoroughly cleans the inside of your washer drum as well as unseen components like the pump, hoses, and door seal using hot water (and optionally bleach or washing machine cleaner).
What Makes Tub Cleaning Crucial?
If you don’t clean your tub on a regular basis, your washer could develop:
A mouldy or musty odour
observable brown or black residue within the drum
Results of less efficient washing
Issues with drainage caused by clogged hoses and filters
Frequent tub cleaning guarantees that your laundry always comes out fresh, increases energy efficiency, and prolongs the life of your washer.
How Frequently Should an LG Washer’s Tub Clean Be Run?
Running the Tub Clean cycle at least once a month is advised by LG. Alternatively,
Following the washing of extremely dirty loads
If a long period has passed since the washer was last used,
When you detect offensive smells
When a CL (clean) reminder appears on the control panel
Step-by-Step Instructions for Using the LG Washer Tub Clean Cycle
Here’s how to operate your LG washing machine’s Tub Clean correctly:
Regarding LG Front-Loading Washers
Step 1: Make sure there are no clothes or laundry in the washer drum.
Step 2: Pour one cup of liquid bleach or a washing machine cleaner tablet (such as Affresh®) straight into the drum.
Avoid using detergent.
Step 3: Tightly shut the door.
Step 4: On the control panel, press the Tub Clean button.
You might have to pick a Special Care or Maintenance cycle before selecting Tub Clean on some models.
Step 5: To start the cycle, press Start/Pause.
The cycle will automatically sanitize the drum using hot water and a high-speed spin.
Step 6: To allow the interior air to escape and dry, leave the door open for a few hours after the cycle is complete.
Regarding LG Top-Load Washers
Step 1: Make sure the drum is completely empty.
Step 2: Fill the drum with one cup of bleach or a washing machine cleaner solution.
Avoid using detergent.
Step 3: Tightly close the lid.
Step 4: Depending on your model, choose the Clean Washer or Tub Clean cycle.
Step 5: To start the cleaning cycle, press Start/Pause.
Step 6: After finishing, use a fresh cloth to clean the detergent dispensers, lid, and drum.
Suggested LG Cleaning Products for Washers (USA 2025)
Use the following washing machine cleaners, which are available in the USA, for optimal results:
Tablets of Affresh® Washer Cleaner
Tide® Cleaner for Washing Machines
Clorox® Cleaner for Washing Machines
One cup of liquid bleach (or, alternatively,
Avoid combining bleach with other cleaning agents.
Cycle Time for LG Tub Cleaning
Front-loading washers: usually take 60 to 75 minutes
Top-loading washers: usually take between 70 and 90 minutes
Depending on the model, water temperature, and cleaning solution used, times may differ.
The LG CL Code: What Does It Mean?
CL on the display panel of your LG washer is a reminder to perform a Tub Clean cycle, not an error.
After the cycle is finished, just follow the above instructions, and the reminder will disappear.
Extra Advice on Cleaning Your Washer
To maintain the smooth operation and pleasant scent of your LG washer:
Every week, clean the door gasket on front-loading models.
To avoid moisture buildup, leave the door or lid open after each wash.
Every month, clean the tray of the detergent dispenser.
Every one to two months, check and clean the drain pump filter.
To minimize residue, only use high-efficiency (HE) detergent.
What Takes Place If You Don’t Use Tub Clean?
Ignoring the tub clean cycle can result in:
Relentless mouldy or musty smells
Slime and grime inside the drum are visible.
The transfer of residue onto clean clothing
clogged pump filters and drain hoses
A higher chance of mechanical failures
A cheap and easy way to prevent expensive repairs is to clean your tub on a regular basis.
Clean LG Washer Tub vs. Regular Wash Cycle
Feature: Normal Tub Clean Cycle The purpose of the wash cyclecleans clothing and textiles and the inside of the washer.
Temperature of WaterHigh/hot heatchosen by the user
Suggested Use daily laundry once a month or as needed.
Put in some detergent?No (use bleach or cleaner)Indeed, the cycle time is between 60 and 90 minutes.30 to 60 minutes
In conclusion
Maintaining the cleanliness of your LG washing machine is important for performance, hygiene, and appliance protection. American homes can easily maintain a fresh and odor-free washer with the Tub Clean cycle.
You can prolong the life of your LG washer, avoid expensive service calls, and make sure your laundry always smells clean and fresh by adhering to the easy instructions mentioned above and keeping a regular cleaning schedule.