An LG washing machine is one of the most reliable appliances in American households. But even the best washers need regular care to keep them running smoothly. One of the most overlooked yet essential maintenance tasks is cleaning the washer drum.
Over time, detergent residue, lint, hard water minerals, and even mold can build up inside the drum. This leads to bad odors, cloudy glass doors, and clothes that don’t come out as fresh as they should.
If you own an LG washer and are wondering “How do I clean my LG washer drum?”, this guide is for you.
We’ll cover:
- Why drum cleaning is important
- Step-by-step methods (with LG Tub Clean cycle, vinegar, and bleach)
- How often to clean your LG washer in the USA
- Tips to prevent odors and mold buildup
- FAQs USA homeowners often ask
Why Should You Clean Your LG Washer Drum?
Many USA homeowners assume that because a washer uses soap and water, it stays clean on its own. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Here’s what happens inside:
- Detergent residue builds up, especially with liquid detergent or fabric softener.
- Hard water deposits create limescale in the drum and hoses.
- Mold and mildew grow in damp areas (especially front-loaders).
- Bad odors develop, which can transfer to clothes.
👉 Cleaning your LG washer drum ensures:
- Fresh-smelling laundry
- Longer appliance lifespan
- Reduced risk of breakdowns
- Better energy efficiency
How to Clean an LG Washer Drum – Step by Step
LG washers (front-load and top-load) come with a built-in Tub Clean cycle. This feature makes cleaning easy, but you can also use DIY methods if you prefer.
🔹 Method 1: Using the LG Tub Clean Cycle (Recommended)
- Empty the washer completely.
No clothes or laundry should be inside. - Add a cleaning agent.
- Use an LG Tub Clean Tablet (sold in the USA at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Amazon).
- OR use liquid chlorine bleach (1 cup).
- OR use white vinegar (2 cups) as a natural alternative.
- Select the Tub Clean cycle.
On your LG control panel, press Tub Clean. - Run the cycle.
The washer will use high heat and extra water to deep-clean the drum. - Wipe down the gasket & door.
Use a clean cloth to remove any residue or moisture.
🔹 Method 2: Cleaning with Vinegar & Baking Soda
This method is great if you prefer eco-friendly cleaning.
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
- Run the Tub Clean or Normal hot cycle.
- After the cycle, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda into the drum.
- Run another short hot cycle.
- Wipe down the drum, door, and rubber gasket with a microfiber cloth.
🔹 Method 3: Cleaning with Bleach (Deep Mold Removal)
If your washer smells musty or has visible mold, bleach is the best option.
- Pour 1 cup of liquid bleach directly into the drum (not the dispenser).
- Run the Tub Clean cycle.
- Once complete, run an extra rinse cycle to remove bleach residue.
- Wipe down the rubber door seal with a bleach-water mix (1:4 ratio).
⚠️ Warning: Never mix vinegar and bleach together—it creates toxic fumes.
How Often Should You Clean Your LG Washer Drum?
For USA households, frequency depends on laundry habits and water quality:
- Normal use: Run Tub Clean once per month.
- Heavy use (large families): Every 2–3 weeks.
- Hard water areas in the USA: Add a cleaning cycle every 2 weeks to prevent limescale.
Extra Cleaning Tips for LG Washers
- Leave the door open after each cycle to let the drum air-dry.
- Wipe the door gasket regularly—it traps moisture and lint.
- Use HE detergent only and measure properly to avoid residue.
- Clean the detergent drawer monthly by removing and rinsing it.
- Check the drain pump filter every 1–2 months (common source of odors).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using too much detergent – this leaves sticky residue.
❌ Ignoring the gasket – mold thrives there.
❌ Mixing vinegar and bleach – dangerous chemical reaction.
❌ Only cleaning when it smells bad – by then, buildup is already severe.
Cost of LG Washer Cleaning in the USA
- DIY (vinegar or bleach): $2–$5 per cleaning.
- LG Tub Clean Tablets: $10–$20 for a pack of 3–6.
- Professional deep cleaning (USA service): $100–$200.
👉 Most USA homeowners can save money by cleaning the washer themselves every month.
FAQs – LG Washer Drum Cleaning
Q1. Can I use vinegar in my LG washer?
✅ Yes. Vinegar is safe and effective for cleaning LG washer drums.
Q2. How often should I run Tub Clean on my LG washer?
👉 At least once a month, or more frequently in hard water areas.
Q3. What’s the best cleaner for LG washers?
🧼 LG Tub Clean Tablets, vinegar, or bleach all work well.
Q4. My LG washer smells even after Tub Clean—why?
👉 Check and clean the gasket, detergent drawer, and drain pump filter—these trap odor-causing debris.
Q5. Do I need to clean both the drum and filter?
✅ Yes. The drum handles detergent buildup, while the filter catches lint and small objects.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your LG washer drum is not just about removing odors—it’s about protecting your investment. By running the Tub Clean cycle monthly (or using vinegar/bleach when needed), you can:
- Keep your laundry fresh and hygienic
- Prevent mold and bacteria buildup
- Extend the lifespan of your washer
- Avoid expensive professional cleanings
👉 If you live in the USA, where hard water is common in many states, regular drum cleaning is even more important. A clean washer = cleaner clothes and a healthier home.
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