Your washing machine cleans clothes, towels, bedding, and pet items every week. But over time, detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, lint, minerals, moisture, and pet hair can collect inside the washer.
When these hidden areas are not cleaned regularly, your washer may start to smell musty, leave clothes less fresh, or show residue around the drum, gasket, or detergent drawer.
This guide explains how to clean an LG washing machine, including front-load and top-load models. You’ll learn how to clean the washer tub, door gasket, detergent drawer, drain pump filter, and exterior areas.
Note: This guide is for general washer care and is not affiliated with or endorsed by LG. Always follow your specific washer model’s user manual.
Why Your LG Washer Needs Regular Cleaning
Even if your washer looks clean from the outside, residue can build up inside after repeated wash cycles. Common buildup may include:
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Detergent residue
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Fabric softener film
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Hard water minerals
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Lint and clothing fibers
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Pet hair and dander
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Moisture around the door seal
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Small debris in the drain pump filter
A regular cleaning routine helps keep the washer fresher, supports better laundry results, and reduces the chance of musty odors returning after each wash.
How Often Should You Clean an LG Washing Machine?
For most households, a monthly washer cleaning routine is a good starting point.
If you often wash pet bedding, gym clothes, towels, baby items, or heavily soiled laundry, you may need to clean your washer more often.
A simple routine looks like this:
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After every wash: Leave the door or lid open to help moisture dry.
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Weekly: Wipe visible moisture, lint, and residue around the door area.
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Monthly: Run a Tub Clean cycle or hot cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner tablet.
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Monthly or as needed: Check the drain pump filter on front-load models.
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As needed: Clean the detergent drawer when residue appears.
What You Need
Before cleaning your washer, prepare:
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Washing machine cleaner tablet
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Microfiber cloth
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Soft brush or old toothbrush
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Warm water
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Mild dish soap
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Small towel or shallow pan for drain filter cleaning
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Rubber gloves, optional
Avoid rough scrubbers, steel wool, or harsh tools that may scratch or damage washer surfaces.
What a Washer Cleaner Tablet Can and Cannot Clean
A washing machine cleaner tablet is designed to clean the washer tub during an empty Tub Clean cycle or hot cleaning cycle. It helps refresh the drum and loosen buildup inside the main washing area.
However, a cleaner tablet does not replace manual cleaning.
Areas like the door gasket, detergent drawer, drain pump filter, and visible pet hair or lint should still be cleaned by hand. For the best results, combine a monthly washer tub clean with a quick wipe-down of the areas where residue and moisture collect.
How to Clean the Washer Drum
The drum is the main area where detergent residue, minerals, and odor-causing buildup can collect.
Step 1: Empty the Washer
Remove all clothes, towels, bedding, and loose items from the washer. Check the drum for coins, tissues, hairpins, or small objects.
The washer should be completely empty before cleaning.
Step 2: Add a Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet
Place one washing machine cleaner tablet directly into the empty drum.
Do not place the tablet in the detergent drawer unless your cleaner product specifically says to do so.
Step 3: Run the Tub Clean Cycle
Select the Tub Clean cycle if your LG washer has one.
If your model does not have a dedicated Tub Clean cycle, choose a long hot water cycle. Do not add laundry detergent, fabric softener, or clothes during this cycle.
Step 4: Wipe the Drum
After the cycle is complete, wipe the drum, door area, and visible edges with a clean microfiber cloth.
Step 5: Let the Washer Dry
Leave the washer door or lid open after cleaning. This helps moisture escape and keeps the inside from staying damp.
How to Clean an LG Front Load Washer
Front-load washers need extra care around the door gasket because moisture, lint, and residue can collect inside the rubber fold.
Clean the Door Gasket
The rubber gasket around the front door can trap water, lint, pet hair, and detergent residue.
To clean it:
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Open the washer door.
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Gently pull back the rubber gasket.
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Remove visible lint, hair, or small debris.
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Wipe the gasket with a damp microfiber cloth.
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Use a soft brush for stubborn buildup.
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Dry the gasket with a clean cloth.
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Leave the door open to air dry.
Pay close attention to the lower part of the gasket, where water and debris often settle.
Clean the Door Glass
Wipe the inside of the door glass with a damp cloth. If you see detergent film or softener residue, use warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap.
Wipe again with clean water, then dry the glass before closing the door.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter
Many front-load washers and washer-dryer combo units have a drain pump filter near the lower front panel. This filter can collect lint, hair, coins, buttons, and other small items.
General cleaning steps:
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Turn off and unplug the washer.
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Open the lower access panel.
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Place a towel or shallow pan underneath.
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Pull out the small drain hose and remove the cap.
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Let the water drain into the pan.
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Remove the pump filter by turning it counterclockwise.
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Clear away lint, hair, and debris.
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Rinse the filter by hand.
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Reinstall the filter securely.
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Close the access panel.
If your washer drains slowly, smells unpleasant, or shows a drain-related error, checking the drain pump filter is a smart step.
How to Clean an LG Top Load Washer
Top-load washers are usually easier to air out, but the drum can still collect residue and odor-causing buildup over time.
Step 1: Empty the Drum
Remove all laundry and loose items from the washer.
Step 2: Add a Washer Cleaner Tablet
Place one washing machine cleaner tablet directly into the empty drum.
Step 3: Run Tub Clean or a Hot Cycle
Use the Tub Clean cycle if your washer has one. If not, choose a long hot water cycle.
Do not add detergent, fabric softener, or clothing during the cleaning cycle.
Step 4: Wipe the Lid and Rim
After the cycle, wipe the inside of the lid, the upper rim, and any visible residue around the drum opening.
Step 5: Leave the Lid Open
Keep the lid open after washing or cleaning so the drum can dry fully.
How to Clean the Detergent Drawer
The detergent drawer can collect soap residue, softener buildup, and moisture. If it looks sticky or smells unpleasant, it is time to clean it.
Step 1: Remove the Drawer
Pull the detergent drawer out gently. Some models may have a release tab.
Step 2: Rinse with Warm Water
Rinse the drawer under warm water to loosen detergent and softener residue.
Step 3: Scrub Small Areas
Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to clean corners, compartments, and the underside of the drawer.
Step 4: Wipe the Drawer Housing
With the drawer removed, wipe inside the dispenser area using a damp cloth.
Step 5: Dry and Reinstall
Let the drawer dry before placing it back into the washer.
For better airflow, leave the detergent drawer slightly open after laundry days.
How to Remove Musty Odor from an LG Washer
A musty washer smell usually comes from trapped moisture, detergent residue, softener buildup, lint, or debris in hidden areas.
Try this routine:
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Run a Tub Clean cycle with a washing machine cleaner tablet.
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Wipe the front-load door gasket by hand.
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Clean the detergent drawer.
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Check the drain pump filter if your model has one.
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Leave the door and detergent drawer open after use.
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Use the right amount of detergent for your washer type.
Using too much detergent can leave residue behind, especially in high-efficiency washers. More detergent does not always mean cleaner laundry.
Extra Washer Care Tips for Pet Owners
If you wash pet bedding, blankets, washable pet clothes, or towels, your washer may collect more hair, dander, and odor-causing residue.
To help keep your washer fresher:
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Shake pet bedding outside before washing.
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Remove loose hair with a lint roller before loading.
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Wipe the gasket after washing pet items.
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Check the drain filter more often if draining slows.
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Run a washer cleaning cycle regularly.
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Keep the door or lid open after use.
For pet households, a regular washer cleaning routine can help reduce buildup from hair, dander, lint, and laundry residue.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Putting Cleaner Tablets in the Detergent Drawer
Washer cleaner tablets should usually be placed directly into the empty drum. Always follow the cleaner product instructions.
Running a Tub Clean Cycle with Laundry Inside
The washer should be empty during a cleaning cycle.
Closing the Door Right After Washing
Closing the door traps moisture inside the washer. Leave it open so the drum can dry.
Ignoring the Door Gasket
For front-load washers, the gasket is one of the most important areas to clean by hand.
Forgetting the Detergent Drawer
The drawer can hold softener film and detergent buildup. Rinse it regularly.
Expecting One Cleaning Step to Do Everything
A Tub Clean cycle helps clean the washer drum, but visible lint, pet hair, gasket residue, and drain filter debris still need manual removal.
Simple Monthly LG Washer Cleaning Checklist
Use this checklist once a month:
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Empty the washer.
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Place one washing machine cleaner tablet directly into the drum.
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Run Tub Clean or a long hot water cycle.
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Wipe the drum and door area.
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Clean the detergent drawer.
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Wipe the front-load gasket.
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Check the drain pump filter if your model has one.
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Leave the door and drawer open to dry.
This simple routine covers the areas most likely to hold residue, moisture, and odor.
FAQ
How do I clean my LG washing machine?
Empty the washer, place a washing machine cleaner tablet directly into the drum, and run the Tub Clean cycle. After the cycle, wipe the drum, clean the gasket and detergent drawer, and leave the door open to dry.
Can I use a washing machine cleaner tablet in an LG washer?
Yes. Place the tablet directly into the empty drum and run the Tub Clean cycle or a long hot water cycle. Do not add clothes or laundry detergent during the cleaning cycle.
Can a washer cleaner tablet clean the door gasket?
No. A washer cleaner tablet helps clean the washer tub during the cleaning cycle, but the door gasket should be wiped by hand to remove lint, moisture, pet hair, and visible residue.
How do I clean an LG front load washer gasket?
Open the door, gently pull back the rubber gasket, remove visible debris, and wipe the area with a damp microfiber cloth. Use a soft brush for stubborn buildup, then dry the gasket.
How do I clean an LG top load washer?
Empty the drum, place a washing machine cleaner tablet directly into the drum, and run the Tub Clean cycle or a long hot water cycle. Afterward, wipe the lid, rim, and drum opening, then leave the lid open to dry.
Why does my LG washer smell bad?
Musty odor often comes from trapped moisture, detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, lint, or debris in hidden areas. Cleaning the drum, gasket, detergent drawer, and drain pump filter can help reduce odor.
How often should I clean my LG washer?
For most households, monthly cleaning works well. If you wash pet bedding, towels, gym clothes, or heavily soiled laundry often, you may need to clean your washer more frequently.
Do all LG washers have a drain pump filter?
Not all models have the same filter design. Drain pump filters are commonly found on many front-load washers and combo units. Check your washer manual for your specific model.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning an LG washing machine does not need to be complicated. Focus on the areas where residue and moisture collect most often: the drum, door gasket, detergent drawer, and drain pump filter.
For a simple monthly reset, place a washing machine cleaner tablet directly into the empty drum and run the Tub Clean cycle. Then wipe visible areas by hand and leave the washer open to dry.
A steady routine helps keep your washer fresher, cleaner, and ready for the next load.