LG Tub Cleaning - Front Load & Top Load Washer | LG USA Support

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Find helpful information about your LG product LG Washer - How to Clean the Tub of Your LG Washing Machine

Repair
Washer Dryer Combos, Washers
12/15/2025

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At a Glance

The tub clean cycle keeps your washer in optimal performance by removing detergent build up and other residue, keeping your wash drum clean. It is recommended to clean the drain pump filter, detergent dispenser, inlet filters, and door gaskets when performing a monthly tub clean.

Try This

Front Load Washer Top Load Washer
Perform Each of the Following Maintenance Tasks:
- Do a Tub Clean Note
  If a musty smell already exists inside the washer, run the TUB CLEAN once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. If the problems persist, request a repair with our 24/7 Chat Support.
  1. Empty the Drum.
    
    Remove any clothing and visible foreign objects from the wash drum.
  2. Add Cleaning Product.
    
    For the best results, LG recommends using a washing machine tub cleaner and following the instructions on the package:
    - Powder: Remove the liquid cup insert (if applicable) and pour the recommended amount of powder (indicated on the package) into the main wash compartment in the dispenser.
    - Liquid: Pour liquid in cup insert in main wash compartment.
    - Tablet: Place the tub cleaning tablet directly into the drum.
  3. Start the tub clean cycle
    
    Close the dispenser drawer and the washer door, select [TUB CLEAN], and press [START/PAUSE].
    When the Tub Clean is complete, open the door and the detergent dispenser of the washing machine in order to ventilate and dry any moisture remaining inside the washer.
- Clean the Drain Pump
  FRONT LOAD WASHERS ONLY - Cleaning the drain pump filter is very important to keep your unit from leaking and performing in optimal performance.
  1. Turn off the washer.
    
    Press the POWER button to turn the washing machine off, and remove the plug from the outlet.
  2. Open the Service Panel.
    
    Locate the service panel (drain filter area) on the bottom-left corner of the unit, and open it.
  3. Unclip the drain hose.
    
    The drain hose is located beside the drain pump, Unclip it, and remove the plug (cap) from the drain hose to drain the water remaining inside a wash tub.
    
    Inspect the drain hose to ensure its not cracked or damaged.
    Note
    Do not pull the hose too far out, it will kink the hose, and prevent the water from draining out.
  4. Remove the drain filter.
    
    Drain the excess water into a short bucket or shallow pan. After all the remaining water is drained from the drain hose, twist the pump filter counter-clockwise to remove it from the washer.
    Note
    The amount of water will vary according to when the leak in the cycle occurred.
  5. Clean pump filter.
    
    Clean the pump filter with a soft-bristle brush with warm water. Do not wash the pump filter inside the dish washer.
  6. Clean the base.
    
    Clean the drain filter opening and it's base on the washing machine with a soft-bristle brush to remove debris.
  7. Return drain hose.
    
    Place the cap back into the drain hose, and re-attach the hose to the washer.
    
    Ensure that the drain hose is pushed in all the way back. It should not be split, cracked or damaged.
  8. Return drain pump filter.
    
    Insert the drain pump filter back into the washing machine, making sure it is inserted securely. Close the drain pump filter cover.
    
    When inserting the filter, make sure it is threaded correctly and tightened all the way. it should stop turning once it is tightened.
- Clean the Dispenser
  You need to clean the detergent dispenser properly; this simple step is mostly underestimated. Tiny debris, which are not easily visible do not take much effort to prevent proper dispensing, and cause the compartment to overfill and leak.
  1. Remove the detergent dispenser
    
    Pull out the dispenser towards you until it stops. Locate the depressed tab between the bleach and softener compartment. While pushing down on the tab, pull the detergent tray out from the washer.
    
    After removing the dispenser tray, look inside the compartment to see if anything is obstructing the flow of water into the drum.
  2. Rinse and clean with water and brush.
    
    Once the detergent dispenser is removed, disassemble the attachments from the tray and clean each of the attachments with warm water and a soft bristle brush. Clean the tray itself, including the underside of the tray.
  3. Clean the interior of the detergent dispenser.
    
    With the tray removed, thoroughly clean the inside of the dispenser housing.
  4. Replace the dispenser back.
    
    After the detergent dispenser is cleaned and rinsed, re-assemble the inserts and replace the detergent dispenser into the washer.
- Clean the Inlet Filters
  Over time, you water's inlet filters can get clogged—especially if you live in an area with hard water. If your washer detects that water is not entering the dispenser properly, an error message will be displayed. Cleaning the water inlet filters is simple and will help your washer run smoothly for longer.
  1. Turn the water off at the wall valves.
    
    Press the POWER button to turn off your washer, and unplug it before cleaning. Turn off both water taps completely.
  2. Disconnect inlet hose.
    
    Unscrew the hot and cold water lines from the back of the washer.
    
    After the water supply is turned, there will be some water remaining in the hoses. Place a bucket beneath hoses so you can empty that water.
  3. Remove inlet filter.
    
    Use needle-nose pliers, or some other grabbing tool with small tips, and pull the filters out of the inlet valves.
  4. Remove buildup.
    
    Soak them in white vinegar or a lime scale remover. Be careful not to damage the water inlets. Wash thoroughly in warm water until all signs of build-up are gone.
    
    Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling. Press the filters back into place and reattach the water lines.
- Clean the Gasket
  To clean the door and gasket:
  1. Remove any foreign objects found in the groove inside the door gasket at the six o'clock position.
  2. Dilute ¾ cup (177 ml) liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of warm/hot water. Use vinegar in place of bleach, if desired. Never use the two together at the same time.
    Note
    Do not use straight bleach (undiluted) to clean the gasket as this can cause the gasket to deteriorate over time.
  3. Using a cloth and the cleaning solution, clean the gasket surface. Pull the lip of the gasket back and clean under that as well.
- Clean the Exterior
  Wipe off stains and spills with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of mild cleaner.
Perform Each of the Following Maintenance Tasks:
- Do a Tub Clean Note
  If a musty smell already exists inside the washer, run the TUB CLEAN once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. If the problems persist, request a repair with our 24/7 Chat Support.
  1. Empty the Drum.
    
    Remove any clothing and visible foreign objects from the wash drum.
  2. Add Cleaning Product.
    
    For the best results, LG recommends using a washing machine tub cleaner and following the instructions on the package:
    - Powder: Remove the liquid cup insert (if applicable) and pour the recommended amount of powder (indicated on the package) into the main wash compartment in the dispenser.
    - Liquid: Pour liquid in cup insert in main wash compartment.
    - Tablet: Place the tub cleaning tablet directly into the drum.
  3. Start the tub clean cycle
    
    Close the dispenser drawer and the washer door, select [TUB CLEAN], and press [START/PAUSE].
    When the Tub Clean is complete, open the door and the detergent dispenser of the washing machine in order to ventilate and dry any moisture remaining inside the washer.
- Clean the Dispenser
  You need to clean the detergent dispenser properly; this simple step is mostly underestimated. Tiny debris, which are not easily visible do not take much effort to prevent proper dispensing, and cause the compartment to overfill and leak.
  1. Remove the detergent dispenser
    
    Pull out the dispenser towards you until it stops. Locate the depressed tab between the bleach and softener compartment. While pushing down on the tab, pull the detergent tray out from the washer.
    
    After removing the dispenser tray, look inside the compartment to see if anything is obstructing the flow of water into the drum.
  2. Rinse and clean with water and brush.
    
    Once the detergent dispenser is removed, disassemble the attachments from the tray and clean each of the attachments with warm water and a soft bristle brush. Clean the tray itself, including the underside of the tray.
  3. Clean the interior of the detergent dispenser.
    
    With the tray removed, thoroughly clean the inside of the dispenser housing.
  4. Replace the dispenser back.
    
    After the detergent dispenser is cleaned and rinsed, re-assemble the inserts and replace the detergent dispenser into the washer.
- Clean the Inlet Filters
  Over time, you water's inlet filters can get clogged—especially if you live in an area with hard water. If your washer detects that water is not entering the dispenser properly, an error message will be displayed. Cleaning the water inlet filters is simple and will help your washer run smoothly for longer.
  1. Turn the water off at the wall valves.
    
    Press the POWER button to turn off your washer, and unplug it before cleaning. Turn off both water taps completely.
  2. Disconnect inlet hose.
    
    Unscrew the hot and cold water lines from the back of the washer.
    
    After the water supply is turned, there will be some water remaining in the hoses. Place a bucket beneath hoses so you can empty that water.
  3. Remove inlet filter.
    
    Use needle-nose pliers, or some other grabbing tool with small tips, and pull the filters out of the inlet valves.
  4. Remove buildup.
    
    Soak them in white vinegar or a lime scale remover. Be careful not to damage the water inlets. Wash thoroughly in warm water until all signs of build-up are gone.
    
    Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling. Press the filters back into place and reattach the water lines.
- Clean the Exterior
  Wipe off stains and spills with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of mild cleaner.

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At a Glance

Try This

Empty the Drum.

Add Cleaning Product.

Start the tub clean cycle

Turn off the washer.

Open the Service Panel.

Unclip the drain hose.

Remove the drain filter.

Clean pump filter.

Clean the base.

Return drain hose.

Return drain pump filter.

Remove the detergent dispenser

Rinse and clean with water and brush.

Clean the interior of the detergent dispenser.

Replace the dispenser back.

Turn the water off at the wall valves.

Disconnect inlet hose.

Remove inlet filter.

Remove buildup.