Ideally, LG recommends cleaning the washer’s interior at least once a month, and you need more than Affresh, vinegar, or other cleaners. You may also need to employ the Tub Clean Cycle, and today I’ll share everything there’s to know about the LG Tub Clean Cycle.
Overall, the Tub Clean Cycle on an LG washer involves emptying the washer, pressing Power + Cycle + Tub Clean, adding a cleaner, and pressing Start/Pause.
After that, you only have to wait for the cycle to run. Typically, the power goes off 10 seconds after completion.
Note that we are talking about LG washers with the Tub Clean Cycle. Some LG washers lack this feature. So, you’ve to find other ways to clean the tub, and I’ll share one with you.
But first, here are the highlights of what we’ll look at:
- What’s the Tub Clean Cycle on an LG washing machine?
- How does the Tub Clean Cycle work?
- Why is the Tub Clean Cycle important?
- How do you use the Tub Clean Cycle on an LG washer?
- How about an LG washer with no Tub Clean Option?
Let’s jump into it!
What Is the Tub Clean Cycle On A LG Washer?
The Tub Clean Cycle is a cleaning program on LG washing machines, especially newer models, designed to clean off the detergent scums, dirt residues, and other build-ups within the washer.
This cycle eliminates these build-ups, often interfering with your washing machine’s performance and life. Remember, you can tell if it’s time to clean the tub if you identify the tcL code on the washer.
How Does LG Tub Clean Cycle Work?
Typically, a Tub Clean Cycle employs powerful cleansing jets and hot water to clean the washer’s interior, especially the tub. The process may, however, vary slightly depending on the type of LG washer.
LG Top Loaders Mechanism of Action
LG Top loaders have a vertically-oriented drum that requires the impeller or agitator’s action to create the necessary motion for pushing water around the drum. The hot water dislodges the residual detergent, dirt, and other residues.
Moreover, top loaders create water jets that forcefully spray hot water around the tub to help clean off hardened residues. After cleaning, the washer’s drain and spin cycle comes into action to remove any remaining residues or water.
In the long run, that leaves the drum spotless and dry.
LG Front Loaders Mechanism of Action
Unlike the Top loaders that employ the action of the impeller or agitator to create a forceful water action that removes residues, LG front loaders use a tumbling motion.
Simply put, the drum rotates to allow hot water to agitate and create enough force to dislodge dirt, soap residues, and other build-ups.
Some top-end front loaders, however, also feature water jets that spray water and forcefully dislodge stubborn grime and dirt from the washer’s interior. And towards the end of the cycle, the drain and spin cycle kicks in to drive out water residues and leave the drum spotless and dry.
Why Is The Tub Clean Cycle Important?
The Tub Clean Cycle is essential for an LG washing machine for different reasons, but the obvious ones are as follows:
1. Remove Bad Smell
Remember, the Tub Clean Cycle removes debris, soap residues, and other build-ups that often cause the washer to smell. So, by eliminating these residuals and leaving your washer spotless and dry, the Tub Clean Cycle gives your washer a pleasant smell.
After all, you are using cleaners with odor-masking potential, which means the washer will have a new, fresher smell.
2. Enhance the Washer’s Performance
Over time, the build-ups (when you fail to clean the washer properly) interfere with the function of components like the drain pump, filters, and detergent dispenser.
In the end, that reduces the general performance of your LG washer. However, once you clean the washer by running the Tub Clean Cycle, you can free up these components, boosting their performance and the washer’s at large.
3. Lengthens The Washer’s Life
A Tub Clean Cycle reduces the frequency of breakdowns. And since the washer doesn’t break down often, it’s likely to serve you longer.
Overall, residuals like suds and grime pressurize the motor, drain pump, and actuator and cause them to fail in the long run. So, if you can stop that by running the Tub Clean Cycle regularly, you boost the lifespan of your washer.
How to Use LG Tub Clean Cycle?
Note that not all LG washers have the Tub Clean Cycle, but if yours has this feature, here are LG Tub Clean Cycle instructions:
Step 1 (Empty The Washers Drum)
Start by ensuring there’s nothing in the drum. That includes clothes and loose foreign objects.
Step 2 (Start The Tub Clean Cycle)
First, press ‘Power’ on your washer and then the ‘Cycle’ button. After that, press ‘Tub Clean.’
Step 3 (Add Cleaner)
Now add the correct amount of Tub Cleaner powder, tablet, or liquid cleaner, and carefully follow the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines. In most cases, LG recommends ScaLGo LG Tub Clean Powder which is effective against dirt, grease, and scales and is generally machine-friendly.
Alternatively, you can use Affresh, which most washer manufacturers recommend for cleaning washers and dishwashers and is available in foam and tablet versions.
If you opt for an LG Tub Clean Cycle bleach cleaner, it’s essential to dilute it or mix it with vinegar before pouring it into the washer so as not to damage the tub.
Step 4 (Wait for The Cycle to Run)
Wait for some time for the washer to complete the Tub Cleaning. In most cases, it takes up to one hour. You can, however, know if the cycle is over when the power goes off. It does so within 10 minutes of completing the Tub Clean Cycle.
What of A No Tub Clean Option On LG Washer?
As I mentioned, not every LG washing machine features the Tub Clean Cycle, especially older models. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot clean the tub, as there are ways to go around it.
Here are the steps for cleaning the tub without the Tub Clean Cycle:
- Empty the washer’s drum
- Add the correct dose of cleaner
- Fill up the washer’s tub 2/3 full
- Run the wash cycle for 2 – 3 minutes to allow the cleaner to mix and act
- Turn off the washer and wait for 2 – 4 hours to turn it back on
- Rerun the wash cycle to rinse the washer off
LG Tub Clean Cycle Temperature
The LG Tub Clean Cycle works better with hot water than cold water. In fact, the water temperature should be the hottest possible to forcefully dislodge stubborn residues from the washer.
Moreover, water easily dissolves the cleaner, enabling it to work faster and more effectively.
LG Tub Clean Cycle Time
The LG Tub Clean Cycle duration varies depending on whether your washer has the Tub Clean Cycle. If it has the feature, it’ll take you about two minutes to empty the drum and run the Tub Clean Cycle, and after that, you may have to wait about an hour for the cycle to end.
However, if your washer doesn’t have the Tub Clean Cycle feature, you may have to wait 2 – 4 hours before turning back the washer once you add the cleaner and run the wash cycle. So, ideally, the Tub Clean Cycle feature shortens the time to clean the tub.
People Also Ask
1. What Do You Put in an LG Tub Clean Cycle?
Before running the Tub Clean Cycle, you should put a cleaner on an LG washer. LG recommends LG ScaLGo Antiscalant powder, but you can still use Affresh foam or powder, borax, or a vinegar-baking soda mixture.
2. Do I Need to Add Anything to Tub Clean Cycle?
Adding a washing machine cleaner before running the Tub Clean Cycle is essential. While at it, ensure you follow the cleaner’s dosage instructions not to damage the washer and for better cleaning results. The cleaner can be in the form of powder, tablet, or foam.
3. How Long Is A LG Tub Clean?
Typically, it takes 2-3 minutes to empty the washer and run the Tub Clean Cycle. However, you must wait an hour or so for the Tub Clean Cycle to complete.
Sometimes, when the washer lacks the Tub Clean Cycle, you may have to wait at least 2 hours before powering it back on and using it.
4. Can I Use Vinegar in LG Tub Clean Cycle?
LG recommends regular white distilled vinegar for cleaning the tub, which you’ll need to pour into the detergent dispenser before running the cycle.
Generally, white distilled vinegar is recommended for laundry because it doesn’t damage the clothes but softens and brightens them and reduces odor.
5. Does LG Tub Clean Cycle Use Hot Water?
The LG Tub Clean Cycle uses hot water to dislodge hardened grime, debris, and soap residues. The hot water, however, does not work alone as the water jet sprays’ action and a cleaner are involved.
6. What Is the Tub Clean Mode On the LG washer?
The Tub Clean Mode is a cleaning setting or cycle on an LG washer that removes stubborn dirt, grime, and soap residues. In the long run, it gives the washer a fresher look and boosts its performance and life.
7. Is Tub Clean Necessary?
Yes, Tub Clean is necessary. Not only does it get rid of bad smells from the washer, but it also improves the washer’s performance. But even better, the routine cleaning program boosts the washer’s lifespan.
8. What Can I Use in My Tub Clean Cycle?
There are many cleaners you can use during a Tub Clean Cycle. For example, LG recommends the LG ScaLGo scale remover, but you can also use Affresh, vinegar, baking soda mixture, or even borax.
Closing Thought
Above is everything to know about the LG Tub Clean Cycle. As shared, it’s easy to perform this cleaning routine with or without the Tub Clean feature, and when you do, you can improve your washer’s performance and life and give it a cleaner and fresher look.
So, learn to do it monthly or anytime the code tcL pops up on the washer.
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