How To Clean Lg Washing Machine Top Loader
Stop the Stink. Seriously.
Look, your LG top loader washer ain’t goa clean itself. You bought it to get your clothes fresh, not to make ’em smell like a forgotten gym bag. Honestly, most people let these things go way too long. Then you get that brown goop. Gross. Let’s fix that. This ain’t rocket science, but it takes five minutes and some elbow grease. You want to know How To Clean Lg Washing Machine Top Loader? Pay attention.
My old Whirlpool started spewing this black gunk all over my whites. Cost me a fortune in ruined shirts. Never again. LGs are better, sure, but they still get grimy. The thing is, damp environments breed mold and mildew. It’s just science. And soap scum. Lots of soap scum.
The Drum Needs Some Love
First off, the drum. That’s where the magic (and the grime) happens. You gotta give it a good scrub down. Empty the damn thing. No clothes. No fabric softener. Just you and the machine.
You’ll Need:
- White Vinegar (The cheap stuff is fine)
- Baking Soda
- A soft cloth or sponge
- Maybe an old toothbrush for tight spots
Step 1: The Vinegar Wash
Pour about 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Don’t dilute it. Let it sit there for maybe 30 minutes. This starts breaking down the mineral deposits and soap scum.
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Step 2: The Baking Soda Scrub
Now, sprinkle about half a cup of baking soda over the vinegar in the drum. It’ll fizz. That’s good. It means it’s working. Use your damp cloth or sponge to gently scrub any visible grime. Get into the corners. Get under the agitator if you can reach.
Step 3: Run a Hot Cycle
Close the lid. Set your machine to the hottest water setting available. Use the ‘Clean Washer’ cycle if your LG has one. If not, just a heavy-duty hot wash will do. Let it run its full cycle. This rinses out all that loosened gunk.
Don’t Forget the Nooks and Craies
The drum ain’t the only place gunk hides. You gotta check the dispenser drawers and the lid seal. These are prime real estate for mold.
The Dispenser Drawers
Pull out those little plastic drawers where you put detergent and softener. Mine always look disgusting. Wash ’em in the sink with hot, soapy water. Use that toothbrush to get into the small compartments. Rinse ’em well and dry ’em before putting them back.
The Lid Seal
This is crucial. For front loaders, it’s obvious. But top loaders get gunk in the lid edge too. Wipe down the entire lid, inside and out. Pay attention to where the lid meets the machine body. Use your vinegar-dampened cloth. Get it all. A few minutes here saves you headaches later.
When To Do This
Honestly? Once a month is ideal. If you do a lot of heavy-duty washing, maybe every 3 weeks. I forgot about mine for like, 2 months last fall. Had to do a double clean. Paid the price in wasted time. To be fair, life gets busy. But seriously, set a reminder on your phone.
Troubleshooting Stubborn Stains
Got that stubborn brown gunk? Sometimes vinegar and baking soda ain’t enough. Try a specialized washer cleaner. I used Affresh once. Worked like a charm. Just follow the instructions on the package. It usually involves ruing a hot cycle with the tablet.
LG Top Loader Cleaning Cheat Sheet
| Step | What To Do | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vinegar Soak (Drum) | Monthly |
| 2 | Baking Soda Scrub (Drum) | Monthly |
| 3 | Hot Water Cycle | Monthly |
| 4 | Clean Dispenser Drawers | Monthly |
| 5 | Wipe Lid Seal | Monthly |
| 6 | Deep Clean (Optional, Stubborn Gunk) | As Needed |
This whole process takes maybe 30-45 minutes, tops. And that includes the wash cycle ruing. Worth it for a clean machine. I remember a friend telling me their LG started making this awful grinding noise. Turned out it was a sock stuck somewhere deep. Most of the time, though, it’s just built-up gunk causing issues. Keep it clean, keep it quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my LG top loader washing machine?
Aim for once a month. If you wash a lot of heavy loads or notice any odors, bump it up to every three weeks.
Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
While bleach can clean, it’s harsh and can damage rubber seals over time. Vinegar and baking soda are safer alternatives for regular cleaning.
What if my washing machine still smells after cleaning?
Try ruing another hot cycle with a dedicated washing machine cleaner tablet, like Affresh. Ensure the dispenser drawers are thoroughly cleaned and dry.
Should I leave the washing machine door open after use?
Yes. Leaving the lid open allows the interior to air out and dry completely, which helps prevent mold and mildew growth.
What is the ‘Clean Washer’ cycle on LG washing machines?
This is a specific cycle designed to clean the inside of the washer drum using hot water and often includes a sanitizing agent. Consult your LG manual for exact usage instructions.
Watch: How to Deep Clean an LG Top Load Washer
