A fresh-smelling washer starts with a clean tub. In this guide, you’ll learn when to use the LG Tub Clean cycle, where washer odors usually come from, and how to build a simple monthly cleaning routine.
In This Guide
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Why your LG washer tub needs cleaning
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What the LG Tub Clean cycle does
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How to clean the washer tub step by step
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How to clean the gasket and detergent dispenser
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What to do if your washer still smells
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Simple habits for monthly washer care
Your washing machine handles a lot: sweaty clothes, towels, bedding, detergent, fabric softener, lint, body oils, and everyday residue. Even when the drum looks clean, moisture and buildup can collect in hidden areas over time.
That is why many LG washing machines include a Tub Clean cycle. This setting is designed to help clean the inside of the washer and make routine maintenance easier.
If your LG washer smells musty, your laundry does not come out as fresh as expected, or you notice residue around the drum, door gasket, or detergent dispenser, it may be time to clean the washer tub.
Why Does Your LG Washing Machine Tub Need Cleaning?
A washing machine is made to clean laundry, but the washer itself also needs care. Over time, residue can build up inside the machine from detergent, fabric softener, dirt, lint, body oils, trapped moisture, and hard water minerals.
When residue and moisture stay inside the washer, they can create unpleasant odors. This is especially common in busy households that wash towels, gym clothes, pet blankets, kids’ clothes, or frequent laundry loads.
Regular tub cleaning helps refresh the drum and supports a cleaner laundry routine.
What Is the LG Tub Clean Cycle?
The Tub Clean cycle is a maintenance setting found on many LG front-load and top-load washing machines. It runs a dedicated cleaning cycle for the washer drum.
Depending on your model, the setting may appear as:
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Tub Clean
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Tub Clean+
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Tub Sterilization
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Clean Washer
The exact name may vary by model, so it is always best to check your washer manual before starting. In most cases, the process is simple: empty the washer, add a washing machine cleaner, select the Tub Clean cycle, and let the washer complete the full cycle.
How Often Should You Clean Your LG Washer Tub?
For many homes, a good routine is to run the Tub Clean cycle about once a month.
You may want to clean more often if your washer has a musty smell, you use the washer daily, you wash a lot of towels or sports clothes, you use fabric softener regularly, or your laundry room is humid.
If the washer already has a strong odor, one cleaning cycle may not solve everything right away. You may need to clean the drum, wipe the gasket, rinse the dispenser, and improve drying habits after each wash.
How to Clean an LG Washing Machine Tub
Step 1: Empty the Washer
Before starting, make sure the washer is completely empty. Do not leave clothes, towels, socks, or small items inside the drum.
The Tub Clean cycle is for cleaning the washer itself, so it should be run without laundry.
Step 2: Check the Drum and Door Area
Open the washer door and look inside the drum. Remove any visible lint, hair, coins, or small items.
For front-load washers, gently pull back the rubber door gasket and check the lower fold. This area can collect moisture, lint, and residue. Wipe away visible buildup with a soft cloth.
Step 3: Add a Washing Machine Cleaner
Add a washing machine cleaner according to the product directions.
If you are using a cleaning tablet, place the tablet directly into the empty washer drum. Do not place clothing in the washer during the cleaning cycle.
OrientLeaf Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets are designed to make regular washer care simple. The tablet format is pre-measured, easy to use, and helps avoid measuring liquid or handling messy powder.
Step 4: Select the Tub Clean Cycle
Close the washer door and detergent dispenser drawer. Then select the Tub Clean cycle on your LG washer.
Press Start/Pause and allow the full cycle to run. Do not interrupt the cycle unless necessary.
Step 5: Let the Washer Dry After Cleaning
When the cycle is complete, open the washer door. For better airflow, also open the detergent dispenser drawer.
Letting the washer dry helps reduce trapped moisture, which is one of the main reasons washers develop musty odors.
Do You Need to Clean the Detergent Dispenser Too?
Yes. The washer drum is only one part of the machine. The detergent dispenser can also hold leftover detergent, softener, and water.
To clean it:
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Pull out the detergent dispenser drawer
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Remove any removable inserts
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Rinse with warm water
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Use a soft brush for corners and small areas
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Dry the parts before placing them back
This small step helps make your washer cleaning routine more complete.
What About the Rubber Door Gasket?
For front-load LG washers, the rubber door gasket is one of the most important areas to check. Moisture, lint, hair, and residue can sit inside the fold of the gasket.
To clean it:
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Wipe the gasket with a soft damp cloth
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Gently pull back the inner fold
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Remove visible lint or debris
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Dry the area after cleaning
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Leave the washer door slightly open when the machine is not in use
Avoid mixing different cleaning chemicals. If you use any household cleaning solution, follow your washer manual and the cleaning product instructions carefully.
Why Does My LG Washer Still Smell After Tub Clean?
If your washer still smells after one Tub Clean cycle, the odor may be coming from more than one area.
Common problem spots include the door gasket, detergent dispenser, drain pump filter, and moisture trapped inside the drum after washing.
Using too much detergent can also make the problem worse. Extra detergent may leave residue inside the washer, especially if the machine does not fully rinse it away.
If odor continues, clean the gasket and dispenser again, check your washer manual for drain pump filter instructions, and leave the door open after each use to help the inside dry.
Simple Habits to Keep Your Washer Fresher
A cleaner washer does not require a complicated routine. These small habits can help:
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Run a Tub Clean cycle monthly
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Leave the washer door open after use
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Open the detergent drawer to help it dry
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Wipe the gasket on front-load washers
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Use the right amount of detergent
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Remove wet laundry soon after the cycle ends
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Clean the dispenser regularly
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Check the drain pump filter if your model has one
Think of it as a simple monthly reset for your laundry routine. A few minutes of care can help your washer feel fresher and easier to maintain.
Why Use Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets?
Washing machine cleaner tablets are convenient because they are pre-measured and easy to use. You do not need to pour liquid, scoop powder, or guess the amount.
For everyday home care, tablets can help make washer maintenance feel more manageable:
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No measuring required
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Easy to store
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Simple monthly routine
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Designed for empty washer cleaning cycles
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Helps refresh hidden washer buildup
For busy homes, simple routines are easier to keep. That is the idea behind OrientLeaf: appliance care that feels clear, regular, and worry-less.
FAQ
Can I run Tub Clean with clothes inside?
No. The Tub Clean cycle should be run with an empty washer. It is meant to clean the washer drum, not laundry.
Where do I put a washing machine cleaner tablet?
For most washing machine cleaner tablets, place the tablet directly into the empty drum. Always follow the cleaner package directions and your washer manual.
Can I use vinegar and bleach together?
No. Do not mix vinegar and bleach. Mixing cleaning chemicals can be dangerous. Follow your washer manual and product instructions.
How often should I run the LG Tub Clean cycle?
A monthly routine works well for many homes. If your washer gets heavy use or already smells musty, you may need to clean more often for a short period.
Why does my washer smell even after cleaning?
Check the rubber gasket, detergent dispenser, drain pump filter, and drying habits. Odor often comes from moisture and residue in several areas of the machine.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your LG washing machine tub is a simple home care step that can make your laundry routine feel fresher and more reliable.
Use the Tub Clean cycle regularly, keep the washer door and dispenser open after use, wipe down visible residue, and make washer cleaning part of your monthly routine.
With OrientLeaf Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets, regular washer care can be simple: drop in, run the cycle, and let the worries wash away.
Note: LG is a trademark of its respective owner. This guide is for general washer care and is not affiliated with or endorsed by LG.