How To Clean an LG Dishwasher

Ever had that moment when you open your LG dishwasher, ready to unload gleaming dishes, only to find them speckled with food particles or streaked with soap residue? So what went wrong?

The answer is – dishwashers need regular TLC, just like anything else in our homes that works hard for us (think HVACs and washing machines). That’s right, they need to be cleaned regularly too. If anything, that’s key to maintaining their performance.

Importance of Maintaining Your LG Dishwasher

Left unattended, tiny bits of food particles can become lodged in hard-to-see places such as the spray arms and that can lead to clogs. And if that happens, water won’t be able to flow properly, meaning that your dishwasher won’t be able to do a good job of cleaning your dishes.

What’s worse, is that it can also lead to leaks and that can be costly to fix. On top of all that, the mineral buildup from the water can leave unsightly spots on your dishes as well.

That’s why it’s so important to keep up with periodic maintenance – that way, it’ll be able to stay at peak performance.

Not only that but it’ll extend the life of the machine as well. The reason? Build-up from mineral deposits and lingering food debris can reduce cleaning efficiency over time.

How Regular Cleaning Helps Your Dishwasher

Routine care will help ensure that water flows freely through the spray arms while reducing residual build-up inside.

It’s also important to clean and maintain the filter as that will help catch the sneaky bits that try to get onto your sparkling plates (refer to the owner’s manual on how to locate the filter).

Consequences of Having a Dirty LG Dishwasher

Mineral Buildup

A major culprit is mineral buildup. Hard water can leave white spots on your dishes and cloud their appearance over time. But what you may not realize is these minerals don’t just affect how clean your plates look; they also compromise the efficiency of your LG dishwasher.

You see, when food particles mix with hard water minerals in a warm environment (like inside a running dishwasher), it leads to residue forming in places you might overlook such as inside the spray arms.

Reduction in Cleaning Performance

The buildup will also reduce the machine’s cleaning performance over time. To give you a better idea, studies have shown that mineral and food particle accumulation can reduce wash effectiveness by up to 20%.

That means one out of every five dishwashing cycles could essentially be a wasted effort. Now there’s an unsettling thought…

How to Properly Clean the Spray Arms

Remove the screws to detach the upper spray arm. From there, remove the clip and lift away the bottom spray arm. Rinse them both thoroughly with water.

If necessary, you can use a toothpick or tweezers to remove build-up from the opening. You can also soak the spray arms in white vinegar for about 20 to 30 minutes – that will dissolve any build-up and remove odors.

When you’re finished, rinse both of the spray arms with clean water and reinstall them into the dishwasher. Do that regularly, and you won’t have to deal with any clogs.

How to Clean an LG Dishwasher Filter

To clean the filter, you want to first turn off your appliance’s power supply. From there, locate the mesh filter within your washer compartment (it’s usually at the base of the spray arms or in a corner).

You’ll need warm soapy water and a soft brush – use them to clean away any residual soils thoroughly before rinsing these components under running tap water until no soap remains on their surface.

Note: Make sure to lock the filter in place after cleaning (turn the filter clockwise until it’s secure).

How to Use ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets

ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets can give your LG dishwasher a deep clean. They’re powered by citric acid powder, known to be highly effective in eliminating residual soils and food debris.

Running a Maintenance Cycle with ACTIVE Tablets

Take out the dishes from your dishwasher before beginning. Then pop one of the ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets into the main wash compartment of your empty dishwasher.

The magic starts when you run a “machine clean cycle”. This high-temperature rinse cycle, combined with our specially formulated tablet eliminates residual soils and ensures every water jet hole is squeaky clean. The result? A sparklingly fresh washer filter.

This isn’t just about aesthetics though. By using the tablets regularly, you’ll improve both its cleaning performance and wash efficiency—just like that annual service keeps your car running smoothly. After all, who doesn’t love their glassware shining like new?

Benefits of Using ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets for LG

Filled with citric acid and other ingredients, these tablets work wonders on stubborn mineral deposits clogging up water jet holes in the top spray arm.

• Maintenance cycles become effortless as they’re specifically designed for the machine clean cycle.
• Regular use helps enhance wash performance by ensuring that water flows through all sections including the main wash compartment.
• No risk involved, unlike excessive use of white vinegar which may cause damage to certain components inside your dishwasher.
• They’re an affordable and effective way of cleaning your LG dishwasher.

At the end of the day, the choice between DIY and ACTIVE Dishwashing Cleaner tablets is yours, but keep in mind that the ultimate goal is a clean, efficient dishwasher. Now you’re equipped with all the facts.

How to Clean an LG Dishwasher – FAQs

How do I clean the filter on my LG dishwasher?

To clean your LG dishwasher’s filter, pull it out gently from its base (you may or may not to remove the retainer clip). Rinse it under warm water and use a soft brush to scrub off any food particles. Allow it to dry before reinstalling the filter.

Generally speaking, you can get away with cleaning the filter once a year if you scrape and rinse your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. If you don’t scrape or rinse beforehand, it’s a good idea to clean it every two to three months to prevent food particles from building up.

How do I clean my LG dishwasher with white vinegar?

You can pour white vinegar into a cup and place it upright in the top rack of your empty LG dishwasher. Run wash dishes on a normal cycle for deep cleaning. You can also soak the spray arm in vinegar to remove residue.

How do I turn on the machine clean function on my LG dishwasher?

Select ‘Machine Clean’ or similar option in your LG Dishwasher settings menu. Follow the instructions displayed on the screen for the best results – this usually involves running an empty cycle with nothing in the dishwasher.

How do I clean the top spray arm on my LG dishwasher?

Clean the upper spray arm and lower spray arm well by removing it from its location, rinsing under warm tap water and using a toothpick to clear nozzle holes if they’re blocked with debris.