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How To Clean an LG Dishwasher
October 11, 2023
-
By
Ethan Clarke
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.
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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 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.
Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher
Take out everything from your dishwasher before starting.
Step 2: Add an ACTIVE Tablet
Place an ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablet directly into the dishwasher detergent dispenser tray.
Step 3: Run a Wash Cycle
Start a normal wash cycle. As soon as the tablet is exposed to water, it will automatically work its magic, eliminating residual soils and ensuring that every water jet hole is squeaky clean.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner
- Empty dishwasher
ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner
Remove limescale and mineral buildup to keep your LG dishwasher sparkling clean.
How to Properly Clean the Spray Arms
The spray arms can get clogged with food debris over time, which is why you want to clean it every six months.
Supplies:
- Toothpicks
- White vinegar (optional)
- Water
Step 1:
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.
Step 2:
Using a toothpick, carefully remove build-up from the openings.
You can also soak the spray arms in a white vinegar solution for about 20 to 30 minutes – that will dissolve any build-up and help remove odors.
Step 3:
When you’re finished, rinse both of the spray arms with clean water and reinstall them into the dishwasher.
How to Clean an LG Dishwasher Filter
The dishwasher filter can get clogged with debris, just like the spray arm. To prevent that, we recommend cleaning your filter every one to two months.
Supplies:
- Soapy water
- Old toothbrush
Step 1:
Locate the mesh filter within your washer compartment (it’s usually at the base of the spray arms or in a corner).
Step 2:
Fill a sink with warm soapy water and soak the filter for 10 minutes. Then, scrub the filter with an old toothbrush to remove any build-up.
Step 3:
Rinse the filter under running water until no soap remains on the surface and re-insert it into the dishwasher.
Make sure to lock the filter in place after cleaning – you can do this by turning the filter clockwise until it’s secure.
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.
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Ethan Clarke
Ethan Clarke is a seasoned expert in appliances and household waste systems. Referencing his extensive experience as an appliance repairman, Ethan shares his invaluable knowledge through detailed maintenance & troubleshooting manuals. Ethan’s insights help homeowners understand and maintain their appliances efficiently, ensuring longevity and optimal performance. He’s here to provide practical, easy-to-follow advice for all your appliance needs.
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