Your LG washer is a workhorse, handling load after load to keep your clothes fresh and clean. But did you know that your washer also needs regular cleaning? Without a proper cleaning routine, detergent residue, lint, mold, and bacteria build up inside your machine—causing foul odors, less efficient washes, and even costly repairs.
The solution: a simple LG washer cleaning schedule.
In this USA 2025 guide, we’ll break down exactly how often you should clean different parts of your LG washer, including the drum, gasket, detergent drawer, filter, and hoses. By following this routine, you’ll extend your washer’s lifespan, prevent odors, and enjoy consistently fresh laundry.
Why Cleaning Your LG Washer Matters
Many homeowners are surprised when their LG washer starts to smell bad or leaves clothes less fresh. The problem isn’t the detergent—it’s the washer itself.
Here’s what happens when you skip cleaning:
- Residue builds up inside the drum and detergent drawer.
- Moisture lingers in the gasket, leading to mold and mildew.
- Drain pump filters clog, causing draining issues and error codes.
- Hoses collect sediment, reducing water flow and efficiency.
Regular cleaning keeps your LG washer:
✅ Fresh-smelling
✅ Energy-efficient
✅ Longer-lasting
✅ Less prone to costly repairs
LG Washer Cleaning Schedule – At a Glance
Here’s the recommended cleaning timeline for U.S. households in 2025:
- After Every Wash – Wipe drum & gasket, leave door open.
- Weekly – Clean detergent drawer and exterior.
- Monthly – Run Tub Clean cycle.
- Every 2–3 Months – Clean drain pump filter.
- Every 6–12 Months – Inspect and clean water hoses.
- Every 5 Years – Replace washer hoses.
Daily / After Every Wash
✔ Wipe Drum & Door Gasket
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the rubber gasket (front-loaders) and inside the drum.
- Removes moisture and prevents mold growth.
✔ Leave Door or Lid Open
- Always leave your washer door (front-load) or lid (top-load) open for at least an hour.
- This allows air circulation and prevents mildew.
Weekly Cleaning
✔ Detergent Drawer
- Remove the detergent dispenser drawer and rinse under warm water.
- Scrub with a soft brush to remove residue and mold.
- Dry before reinserting.
✔ Exterior Cleaning
- Wipe the outside of your washer with a damp cloth.
- Avoid harsh cleaners—mild soap works fine.
Monthly Cleaning – Tub Clean Cycle
The Tub Clean cycle is the most important part of LG washer care.
How to Run Tub Clean:
- Empty the drum completely.
- Add a cleaning solution:
- LG Tub Clean tablet (recommended)
- 1 cup bleach (strong disinfectant)
- 2 cups white vinegar (natural alternative)
- Press the Tub Clean button on your control panel.
- Wait 60–90 minutes for the cycle to complete.
- Wipe the drum and gasket afterward.
👉 Tip: In U.S. households with heavy laundry use or hard water, run Tub Clean every 2–3 weeks.
Every 2–3 Months – Drain Pump Filter
LG front-load washers have a drain pump filter located at the bottom front panel.
Steps to Clean the Drain Pump Filter:
- Place a shallow pan or towel under the access panel.
- Open the small door and carefully unscrew the filter.
- Drain water slowly into the pan.
- Remove lint, coins, and debris.
- Rinse filter under warm water, then reinsert.
👉 Cleaning this prevents OE (drain error) and keeps water flowing smoothly.
Every 6–12 Months – Water Hoses
Hoses supply your washer with water and can wear out over time.
✔ Inspect Hoses:
- Check for cracks, bulges, or leaks.
- Tighten loose connections.
✔ Flush Hoses:
- Disconnect hoses and run water through them to remove sediment.
👉 Replace hoses every 5 years (or sooner if damaged).
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using too much detergent – Leaves residue and clogs.
❌ Closing the washer door right after washing – Traps moisture.
❌ Ignoring the filter – Causes drain problems.
❌ Using vinegar + bleach together – Produces toxic chlorine gas.
❌ Forgetting about hoses – Risk of leaks or bursts.
Extra Tips to Keep Your LG Washer Fresh
- Use only HE (high-efficiency) detergent.
- Add baking soda (½ cup) once a month for odor control.
- Run a hot cycle once in a while, even if you normally wash cold.
- For top-loaders, clean the rim under the lid, where detergent splashes accumulate.
LG Washer Cleaning FAQ (USA 2025)
Q1. How often should I run Tub Clean?
At least once a month—or every 2–3 weeks in heavy-use U.S. households.
Q2. Can I use vinegar instead of LG cleaning tablets?
Yes. Vinegar is safe and eco-friendly, but bleach or LG tablets are better for killing mold.
Q3. How do I know if my washer needs cleaning?
Signs include musty smells, visible residue, or clothes not smelling fresh.
Q4. Do I need to clean the filter if I don’t see clogs?
Yes. Hidden lint, coins, and debris can cause drain issues.
Q5. Will regular cleaning really extend lifespan?
Absolutely. Regular cleaning can add 3–5 years to your LG washer’s life.
Final Thoughts
A clean LG washer means fresher laundry, fewer repairs, and longer appliance life.
For U.S. homeowners in 2025, the ideal LG washer cleaning schedule is:
- Daily: Wipe and air dry.
- Weekly: Clean detergent drawer.
- Monthly: Run Tub Clean.
- Every 2–3 months: Clean drain pump filter.
- Every 6–12 months: Inspect hoses.
- Every 5 years: Replace hoses.
By sticking to this simple schedule, you’ll extend your LG washer’s lifespan to 12–15 years or more and avoid unnecessary repair costs.
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