An LG washer is more than just a household appliance—it’s an essential part of everyday life. In most American homes, the washer runs multiple times a week, handling everything from kids’ sports uniforms to heavy bedding. But here’s the reality: while LG washers are built for durability, their lifespan depends on how well you maintain them.
The average washing machine in the USA lasts about 10–12 years, but with proper care, an LG washer can go well beyond that—sometimes up to 15 years or more. On the flip side, neglecting maintenance can cut that lifespan in half, leading to costly repairs or premature replacement.
In this USA 2025 homeowner’s guide, you’ll learn practical, step-by-step ways to extend the life of your LG washer, avoid common problems, and save money in the long run.
Why LG Washer Lifespan Matters
Every load of laundry puts wear and tear on your washer’s drum, motor, hoses, and seals. When you extend the lifespan of your LG washer, you’re not just protecting your investment—you’re also:
- Saving money on unnecessary repairs (which can range from $200 to $500)
- Reducing household stress by avoiding laundry day breakdowns
- Improving cleaning performance so clothes look and smell fresh
- Supporting sustainability by keeping appliances out of landfills longer
10 Proven Ways to Extend LG Washer Lifespan
Here are expert-backed maintenance tips that every USA homeowner can follow in 2025 to keep their LG washer running like new.
1. Use the Tub Clean Cycle Every Month
LG washers include a Tub Clean feature that removes detergent residue, dirt, and mold inside the drum.
How to do it:
- Run Tub Clean once every month.
- Use bleach, vinegar, or LG Tub Clean tablets.
- Wipe the drum dry after the cycle ends.
👉 This prevents odors, mold, and buildup that can damage internal parts.
2. Keep the Gasket and Door Dry
Front-load LG washers are especially prone to mold because moisture collects in the rubber door gasket.
Best practices:
- Wipe the gasket after each wash.
- Remove any lint, hair, or detergent buildup.
- Leave the door slightly open to allow airflow.
👉 This simple habit can prevent one of the most common washer repair .
3. Use the Right Detergent (and Amount)
Many LG washer breakdowns are caused by excess detergent use.
- Always choose HE (High-Efficiency) detergent.
- Measure detergent according to load size—don’t eyeball it.
- Avoid “extra soap” thinking—it won’t clean better, but it will stress the motor and create buildup.
4. Clean the Drain Pump Filter
The drain pump filter collects lint, coins, hair, and other small items that sneak through loads. A clogged filter can cause draining problems and even damage the pump.
Steps to clean:
- Open the small access panel at the bottom front.
- Place a shallow pan and towel under it.
- Twist open the filter slowly and drain water.
- Remove debris and rinse the filter.
- Secure it back tightly.
👉 Clean every 2–3 months (or more often if you wash pet bedding).
5. Avoid Overloading the Washer
Stuffing your washer to maximum capacity can strain the motor, suspension, and drum bearings.
- Fill the drum about ¾ full at most.
- Wash heavy items (blankets, comforters) separately.
- If clothes can’t move freely, reduce the load.
👉 Overloading is one of the fastest ways to shorten washer lifespan.
6. Inspect and Replace Hoses
Hoses are one of the most overlooked parts of any washer, yet they can cause leaks and water damage if neglected.
- Inspect hoses every 6 months for cracks or bulges.
- Replace hoses every 5 years—even if they look fine.
- Upgrade to stainless steel braided hoses for extra durability.
7. Keep Your Washer Level
An unbalanced washer shakes, vibrates, and wears out bearings prematurely.
- Use a carpenter’s level to check balance.
- Adjust the washer’s legs if needed.
- Place it on a solid floor, not soft flooring.
8. Limit Fabric Softener Use
Fabric softener can leave sticky residue inside the dispenser and hoses, leading to clogs.
- Use fabric softener sparingly.
- Dilute before adding.
- Clean the dispenser drawer once a month.
9. Do a Quarterly Deep Clean
Beyond the monthly Tub Clean cycle, a deep clean every 3 months helps keep your washer in top condition.
- Clean the detergent drawer with warm water.
- Run an empty hot water cycle with vinegar.
- Wipe the control panel and exterior.
- Sanitize the drum with baking soda if odors persist.
10. Schedule Preventive Service
If your washer is older than 5 years, consider a professional inspection every 2–3 years. A technician can spot issues before they turn into costly repairs.
Common Mistakes That Kill LG Washers
❌ Using non-HE detergent
❌ Overloading every wash
❌ Ignoring musty odors
❌ Never cleaning the drain pump filter
❌ Skipping Tub Clean cycles
LG Washer Lifespan: DIY Maintenance vs Repairs
| Task | DIY Maintenance Cost | Average Repair Cost (USA 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Tub Clean | $2 (vinegar) | $150–$250 (odor removal service) |
| Gasket cleaning | Free | $200 (gasket replacement) |
| Drain filter cleaning | Free | $250–$400 (pump repair) |
| Hose replacement | $30–$50 | $500+ (water damage repair) |
👉 As you can see, DIY maintenance is the cheapest insurance for extending washer life.
Recommended LG Washer Care Schedule
- Every load → Wipe gasket, leave door open, remove clothes promptly
- Weekly → Check gasket, clean lint, and wipe surfaces
- Monthly → Run Tub Clean cycle, wash detergent drawer
- Quarterly → Clean drain pump filter, deep clean drum
- Annually → Inspect hoses, level washer, check for wear
FAQs – Extending LG Washer Lifespan
Q1: How long do LG washers typically last?
With proper care, 10–15 years. Without maintenance, 6–8 years.
Q2: Do front-load LG washers require more maintenance than top-load?
Yes. Front-load washers are more prone to mold buildup around the gasket.
Q3: How often should I clean the LG drain pump filter?
Every 2–3 months for normal use, monthly if you wash heavy fabrics or pet items.
Q4: What is the biggest mistake that shortens washer life?
Overloading the drum and skipping regular cleaning cycles.
Q5: Is it worth repairing an older LG washer?
If repairs cost more than half the price of a new unit, replacement is usually better.
Final Thoughts
Your LG washer is built to last, but its lifespan is in your hands. By running Tub Clean cycles, wiping the gasket, cleaning the drain filter, and avoiding overloads, you can keep your washer running smoothly for well over a decade.
In 2025, households face rising appliance prices, so extending your LG washer’s lifespan isn’t just smart—it’s essential. A few minutes of maintenance each month could save you hundreds of dollars in repairs and give you reliable laundry service for years to come.
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