How to Deep Clean an LG Washing Machine
Odor, film and mildew in an LG washer all clear up when you clean the spots the Tub Clean cycle alone cannot reach — the door boot seal, the spray nozzles, the drain filter and the dispenser. Set aside 45 to 60 minutes plus the cycle run time, at a beginner level.
Where the grime collects#
LG asks you to run Tub Clean every 30 washes and flags a tCL reminder when it is due, but that cycle does not touch the boot-seal folds, the TurboWash 360 jets, or the drain filter — the places where mould and residue actually build. Cleaning each by hand is what keeps odor and weak washing away.
Safety warning: Unplug the washing machine or turn off the circuit breaker before cleaning internal components. Never mix bleach and vinegar.
What you need#
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tools | Microfiber cloths, soft toothbrush, spray bottle, small bowl |
| Supplies | White vinegar, baking soda, non-chlorine bleach for coloured gaskets, LG Tub Clean or affresh tablets |
| Time and level | 45 to 60 minutes plus cycle time, Beginner |
Do You Have the Right Tools?
Bearing puller set ($120), drum spider wrench ($85), multimeter ($85), and diagnostic software. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Step by step#
1 - Clean the door boot seal. On a front-loader, peel back the rubber folds of the boot seal (part MDS47123602) and clear trapped hair, coins and grit, then spray a 50/50 vinegar-water mix over the whole surface, let it sit a few minutes, and wipe every fold. Scrub stubborn mould spots with a baking-soda paste and a toothbrush, since mould grows worst in the lower third where water pools, then wipe dry.
2 - Clear the TurboWash 360 nozzles. The recirculation jets around the inner door rim clog with hard-water scale and lose pressure. Clear each pencil-tip opening with a wooden toothpick or the toothbrush — never metal — and hold a vinegar-soaked cloth over heavy deposits first; you should be able to see through each nozzle when done.
3 - Clean the drain pump filter. Behind the small panel at the lower-left front, set a pan below, and unscrew the filter cap slowly to drain it. Pull the filter, remove lint, coins and hair ties that would otherwise reach the drain pump (part 4681EA2001T), rinse the mesh, check the cavity, and tighten it back by hand.
4 - Run the Tub Clean cycle. Add an LG Tub Clean tablet or a cup of white vinegar to the drum, not the dispenser, and select Tub Clean, which flushes the outer tub and internal hoses you cannot reach — about an hour and a half on front-loaders. Leave the door open afterward to air-dry, the single best defence against mould.
5 - Clean the dispenser drawer. Press the centre release, pull the drawer fully out, and rinse every compartment and insert under hot water, scrubbing the softener siphon where residue cakes. Wipe the drawer housing inside the machine and let all parts dry before refitting.
6 - Wipe the exterior and panel. Use only a lightly damp cloth on the control panel — never spray it, since moisture can reach the board — and clean the cabinet with a gentle appliance cleaner along the grain.
7 - Top-load models (WT series). Lift the fabric-softener cap off the agitator and soak it in hot soapy water, run Tub Clean with two cups of vinegar in the drum, then wipe the tub rim and the ColdWash nozzles under it with a vinegar cloth.
8 - Use Smart Diagnosis for anything left. If odor or a code survives cleaning, open LG ThinQ, choose Smart Diagnosis, and hold the phone to the washer while it transmits its tones for the app to decode.
If problems persist#
- Mould smell after cleaning: it has soaked into the boot seal itself, so replacing seal MDS47123602 beats more surface scrubbing.
- Water left in the seal trough: that is by design to keep the seal moist — just wipe it dry after each use.
- Vibration after the filter clean: the filter is not fully seated; remove and refit it so the threads catch.
- Residue builds up fast: you are likely over-dosing — LG HE machines need only about two tablespoons of HE detergent per load.
Safety First — Know the Risks
High-voltage components and pressurized water lines create flood and shock risk. A single loose fitting can cause thousands in water damage. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
When to call a professional#
Bring in a technician if black mould has spread behind the drum where you cannot reach, if the filter housing is cracked and will not seal, if water leaks from behind during Tub Clean, or if codes like dE, LE or Sud persist and point past cleaning to a failed component.
Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 12 years experience
Experienced technician with 12 years specializing in washing machine and dryer repairs across all major brands.
