What Is Tub Clean in LG Washing Machine? Benefits & How to Use
Keeping your LG washing machine in top shape is easier than you think thanks to the Tub Clean feature. This handy function helps you maintain a fresh and hygienic washer by removing residue and buildup that can cause odors and affect performance.
You might wonder why regular cleaning matters when your machine washes clothes so well. Over time, detergent, dirt, and fabric softener can accumulate inside the drum and seals, leading to unpleasant smells and even mold growth. Using Tub Clean ensures your washer stays clean and runs efficiently, giving you better wash results every time.
Understanding Tub Clean in LG Washing Machines
The Tub Clean function targets hidden residue and buildup inside your LG washing machine. It keeps the drum hygienic and maintains optimal washing performance.
What Is the Tub Clean Cycle?
The Tub Clean cycle runs a high-temperature wash with increased water levels to remove detergent, dirt, and mildew trapped inside the drum and seals. It uses strong agitation and extended rinsing without clothes. This cycle lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your LG model, and activates automatically or manually to combat odors and maintain cleanliness.
Importance of Tub Cleaning
Regular tub cleaning prevents mold, bacteria, and grime accumulation that causes bad smells and affects fabric care. It protects your washing machine’s internal components by reducing mineral and detergent deposits. Using the Tub Clean cycle every 20 to 30 washes ensures your LG washer operates efficiently and extends its lifespan.
How Tub Clean Works in LG Washing Machines
The Tub Clean feature uses a specialized cycle designed to remove residue and buildup inside your LG washing machine. It restores cleanliness by targeting areas that regular washes miss.
The Cleaning Process Explained
The Tub Clean cycle uses high-temperature water, typically above 140°F, to dissolve detergent, dirt, and mildew. It increases the water level to flush grime from the drum, door seals, and detergent compartments. The drum rotates without clothes, allowing the cleaning solution to reach all surfaces. This process lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, ensuring thorough sanitation and odor elimination.
Recommended Frequency of Tub Clean
Perform the Tub Clean cycle every 20 to 30 washes to maintain optimal hygiene. If you use cold water cycles often or notice unpleasant odors, run it more frequently. Regular tub cleaning prevents mold and bacteria buildup, improves wash quality, and extends your machine’s lifespan.
Benefits of Using the Tub Clean Feature
Using the Tub Clean feature delivers clear advantages for your LG washing machine. This specialized cycle preserves the machine’s cleanliness, boosts washing results, and protects your investment over time.
Maintaining Washer Hygiene
Regular use of the Tub Clean cycle prevents the buildup of mold, bacteria, and detergent residue inside the drum and door seals. It targets hidden grime that regular washes miss, eliminating sources of unpleasant odors. Running this cycle ensures your washer remains sanitary, reducing the risk of transferring contaminants to your laundry and keeping your washing environment fresh.
Enhancing Washing Performance
The Tub Clean feature restores the machine’s ability to clean clothes effectively by removing accumulated buildup that can interfere with detergent action and water flow. It uses high-temperature water and thorough agitation to flush out residues, improving rinse efficiency and wash quality. Cleaner internals mean your loads come out fresher and better rinsed, maximizing the performance of every wash cycle.
Extending the Machine’s Lifespan
Using the Tub Clean cycle regularly protects internal components from damage caused by grime and mold deposits. It prevents corrosion and mechanical issues linked to residue accumulation, reducing wear and tear on moving parts. Maintaining a clean tub reduces maintenance costs and extends your LG washing machine’s operational lifespan, ensuring consistent performance for years to come.
How to Use the Tub Clean Function Properly
Use the Tub Clean function regularly to maintain your LG washing machine’s performance and hygiene. Follow the steps below to ensure effective cleaning and optimal results.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Empty the Drum: Start with an empty drum to allow the cleaning cycle to work efficiently without obstruction.
- Access the Tub Clean Cycle: Press the power button to turn on your washer. Select the Tub Clean cycle from the control panel or cycle selector.
- Add Cleaning Agents (Optional): Use a recommended washing machine cleaner or a small amount of liquid chlorine bleach if your model suggests it, pouring it into the detergent dispenser.
- Start the Cycle: Press start to initiate the Tub Clean cycle. The washer will use high-temperature water and extended agitation to remove residue and buildup.
- Wait for Completion: Allow the cycle to finish fully, which usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, ensuring thorough cleaning of drum, seals, and detergent compartments.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: After the cycle ends, wipe the door seal and detergent drawer with a dry cloth to remove any loosened grime or moisture.
Tips for Best Results
- Run Tub Clean Every 20 to 30 Washes: This frequency helps prevent buildup before it becomes difficult to remove.
- Increase Frequency When Needed: Use the feature more often if you wash mostly with cold water or detect unpleasant odors.
- Use High-Quality Cleaning Products: Choose cleaners designed for washing machines to avoid damaging internal parts.
- Leave the Door Open After Cleaning: Allow air circulation to dry the drum and reduce moisture buildup.
- Avoid Overusing Detergent: Excess detergent leads to faster residue accumulation, requiring more frequent cleanings.
When to Use Tub Clean and Troubleshooting
Knowing when to run the Tub Clean cycle keeps your LG washing machine fresh and operating efficiently. Recognizing signs of buildup and understanding common issues helps you maintain optimal washer performance.
Signs You Need to Run Tub Clean
- Unpleasant odors: Detect sour or musty smells from the drum or door seal after washing cycles.
- Residue buildup: Notice visible detergent or grime deposits inside the drum or dispenser.
- Laundry feels less clean: Experience clothes coming out less fresh or with traces of detergent.
- Frequent use of cold water cycles: Use mostly cold water loads, which can increase residue accumulation.
- Error messages: Observe alerts on your machine indicating a need for maintenance or cleaning.
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent odors after washing | Mold and mildew buildup | Run Tub Clean cycle with recommended cleaning agents. Leave door open to dry. |
| Drum residue | Excess detergent or fabric softener use | Use correct detergent amounts. Run Tub Clean regularly every 20 to 30 washes. |
| Water not draining properly | Clogged drain filter or buildup | Clean drain filter. Run Tub Clean to clear residue. |
| Error codes related to hygiene | Detected internal residue or sensor alert | Execute Tub Clean cycle promptly as indicated. |
| Visible mold on door seal | Moisture trapped, promoting mold growth | Wipe seals dry after use. Allow door to remain open between washes. |
Running Tub Clean regularly preserves your washer’s function and hygiene, preventing costly repairs and maintaining superior wash outcomes.
Conclusion
Keeping your LG washing machine fresh and efficient is easier when you use the Tub Clean feature regularly. It’s designed to tackle hidden buildup that regular washes can’t reach, helping you avoid odors and maintain optimal performance.
By incorporating this cycle into your routine, you protect your machine and ensure your laundry always comes out clean and fresh. Taking a few extra minutes to run Tub Clean every so often saves you time and money on repairs down the road.
Make it a habit to use this feature and enjoy the long-term benefits of a well-maintained washer that works just like new.