Does your LG washing machine sometimes smell a little… funky? You run a load, and instead of fresh laundry, you get a faint, musty odor. That smell isn’t just annoying; it means gunk, soap scum, and mildew are building up inside your machine’s hidden parts.
Keeping your LG washer sparkling clean is important for its life and the freshness of your clothes. But here’s the tricky part: not every tub cleaner works well with LG machines. Using the wrong product can be a waste of money or, worse, might damage the delicate components inside your expensive appliance. You need a cleaner specifically designed to tackle the buildup in LG drum systems without causing harm.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best, most effective tub cleaners made for your LG washing machine. You will learn exactly what ingredients to look for and which products independent users recommend most. Get ready to say goodbye to odors and hello to a truly clean wash.
Top Washing Machine Tub Cleaner For Lg Recommendations
- One 4-count box of OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters to help remove odor-causing residues from your washing machine
- This washing machine cleaner and odor eliminator helps keep your machine looking and smelling clean, coming in a pre-measured, no-mess pouch, so cleaning your laundry machine is a breeze
- Standard and HE washer cleaner and odor remover works in all washing machines; not intended to be used with clothing or other laundry items
- Simply remove clothes and items from machine, toss one appliance cleaner pouch into washer, run on Clean Washer Cycle or in a normal hot water cycle; wipe away any remaining residue with a towel when cycle is complete
- Use this septic tank-safe washing machine cleaner once a month to help maintain a clean washing machine; for existing odors or residue, use once a week for three consecutive weeks, then once a month for maintenance
- NO. 1 WASHING MACHINE CLEANER TABLET*. *Whirlpool Corporation calculation based on US Whirlpool (Synd) database for the Washing Machine Cleaner category for 52 Weeks Ending 3/22/2025 time period. Copyright 2025, Nielsen Consumer.
- HELPS POWER AWAY SMELLS created by odor causing bacteria, soap scum and stinky grime hiding deep inside the washing machine’s pump, valve, drum, basket/tub and filter to help optimize appliance performance.
- TIME RELEASE TABLET. Affresh time release tablets are scientifically designed to deliver extended cleaning action throughout the wash cycle, working deep inside important washer components for an exceptional clean.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. With over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh appliance care gets the tough jobs done right!
- SAFER FOR PEOPLE. SAFER FOR PLANET. Affresh washing machine cleaner is EPA Safer Choice Certified and is septic safe.
- YOU WILL RECEIVE: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner powder packets, activating 20% faster than tablets, for 5 months of cleaning. Made by Nehemiah Manufacturing. Certain trademarks used under license from The P&G Company or its affiliates
- ODOR ELIMINATOR: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner lifts away & eliminates odor causing residues and deposits with its specially designed surface active ingredients and the cleaning power of Oxi plus TAED
- POWDER WORKS MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN TABLETS: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner is a powder that creates a cleaning action that gets to work faster than tablets. Deep cleaning and septic safe formula
- OXI + TAED FORMULA: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner has the cleaning power of Oxi + TAED, to boost the cleaning action on your washing machine by over 20% .TAED creates a cleaning superboost that works even in hard water which other cleaners can’t do
- AN EVEN BETTER, MILDER, FRESH CLEAN SCENT: The same supercharged cleaning power in a new scent to leave your washer clean and fresh
- High-Quality: Our heavy-duty washing machine cleaner tablets are professionally made to be of high-quality to change your washing machine cleaning experience for the better.
- Fast Cleaning: Our washer machine cleaner tablets breakdown easily into deep scrubbing powder when exposed to water. The tablets clean your washing machine Quickly
- Perfect For All Washers: The washing machine deep cleaning tablets are designed to work for all types of machine washers. You don’t have to worry about the type or brand. Our clean washing machine cleaner front loader works perfectly for any machine regardless of size, type or brand. The washing machine tablets are suitable for Standard or High Efficiency Top loader, Front Loader washing machines compatible with LG, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, Electrolux, Maytag and much more.
- How To Use: Our washing machine cleaning tablets are very easy to use. Just drop one tablet into the washer tub and run a normal cycle. After the cycle is completed, use a towel to wipe away any leftover residue.
- Use our Descaler and cleaner tablets once a month to keep your machine clean and fresh.
- Large 40-gram cleaning tablets; Cleans up to 3 times as much as smaller tabs; No need to use multiple tablets. Perfect For Front Loading or Top Loader.
- Heavy-duty time release effervescent tabs dissolve slowly for maximum efficiency. Cleans inside pump, drum, tub, valve, agitator, filter and hose.
- Works with all washer machine types and HE high efficiency; Major manufacturers recommend cleaning your washing machine once a month to extend its life; Renuv's high-quality ingredients require no need for scrubbing.
- Renuv's unscented washer cleaner pods contain no added and unnecessary scents, leaving your washer squeaky clean and smelling finally fresh; Compatible with all brands.
- Colored tablets may leach colors and scents into onto your laundry; Renuv’s white tablets preserve your laundry where blue and green tablets may not. Compatible With LG, Maytag, Whirlpool, Samsung, GE, Electrolux, Amana, Frigidaire and more.
- Efficient Cleaning for Your Washing Machine: Keep your washing machine fresh and clean with Tide washer machine cleaner. This box includes 7 individually packaged powder packets that activate 20% faster than tablets. Designed for both front and top loader washers, this Tide washer cleaner packets provides a deep cleaning and odor elimination.
- Odor and Residue Removal Made Easy: Eliminate odors and residue build-up in your washer with Tide oxy washing machine cleaner. With it's special surface active ingredients and the powerful combination of Oxi and TAED, this washer cleaner and deodorizer lifts away and remove odor-causing deposits, ensuring your washing machine stays fresh and clean.
- Faster, More Efficient Cleaning: Tide oxiclean washing machine cleaner works more efficiently than tablets. As a powder, it creates a rapid cleaning action that starts working faster. This front and top load washing machine cleaner deep-cleaning formula is also septic-safe, ensuring thorough cleaning without harming your septic system.
- Enhanced Cleaning Power with Oxi & TAED Formula: Experience the superior cleaning with the Tide oxiclean washer machine cleaner. This powerful combination works wonders to tackle tough residues, ensuring every part of your washer is thoroughly cleaned. This washing machine deep cleaner performs well even in hard water conditions, giving your washing machine the deep clean it deserves while keeping it spotless and fresh.
- Fresh, Clean Scent with Powerful Cleaning Action: Enjoy a fresher, milder clean scent with Tide oxi washing machine cleaner and deodorizer. The powerful cleaning action now comes with a new scent, leaving your washing machine smelling clean and fresh. Use one packet monthly of this Tide washing machine cleaner with oxy to maintain optimal cleanliness and odor-free performance.
- YOU WILL RECEIVE: 1 box of 3 individually packaged Tide Washing Machine Cleaner powder packets designed to activate 20% faster than tablets, enough for 5 months of cleaning from Tide, the #1 Laundry Brand. Brought to you by Nehemiah Manufacturing.
- ODOR ELIMINATOR: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner lifts away & eliminates odor causing residues and deposits with its specially designed surface active ingredients and the cleaning power of Oxi plus TAED
- POWDER WORKS MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN TABLETS: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner is a powder that creates a cleaning action that gets to work faster than tablets. Deep cleaning and septic safe formula
- OXI + TAED FORMULA: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner has the cleaning power of Oxi + TAED, to boost the cleaning action on your washing machine by over 20% .TAED creates a cleaning superboost that works even in hard water which other cleaners can’t do
- AN EVEN BETTER, MILDER, FRESH CLEAN SCENT: The same supercharged cleaning power in a new scent to leave your washer clean and fresh
- NO. 1 WASHING MACHINE CLEANER TABLET*. *Whirlpool Corporation calculation based on US Whirlpool (Synd) database for the Washing Machine Cleaner category for 52 Weeks Ending 3/22/2025 time period. Copyright 2025, Nielsen Consumer.
- HELPS POWER AWAY SMELLS created by odor causing bacteria, soap scum and stinky grime hiding deep inside the washing machine’s pump, valve, drum, basket/tub and filter to help optimize appliance performance.
- TIME RELEASE TABLET. Affresh time release tablets are scientifically designed to deliver extended cleaning action throughout the wash cycle, working deep inside important washer components for an exceptional clean.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. With over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh appliance care gets the tough jobs done right!
- SAFER FOR PEOPLE. SAFER FOR PLANET. Affresh washing machine cleaner is EPA Safer Choice Certified and is septic safe.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for LG Washing Machine Tub Cleaners
Your LG washing machine works hard. It cleans your clothes week after week. Over time, soap scum, lint, and mold can build up inside the drum. This build-up makes your washer smell bad and can even stop it from cleaning well. A good tub cleaner brings your machine back to life! This guide helps you pick the best one for your LG washer.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a cleaner, look for these important features:
- Compatibility: Make sure the cleaner clearly states it works with LG washing machines. Some cleaners are only for top-loaders, while others are for front-loaders.
- Cleaning Power: The best cleaners use powerful ingredients to fight tough grime, mold, and mildew. Look for terms like “heavy-duty” or “deep cleaning.”
- Odor Elimination: A great cleaner doesn’t just remove dirt; it kills the smelly bacteria causing the odor.
- Rinsing Ability: The cleaner must dissolve completely during the wash cycle. If it leaves residue behind, you have a new mess to clean!
- Safety: Ensure the product is safe for the rubber seals, hoses, and metal parts inside your LG machine.
Important Materials Inside the Cleaner
What is actually in the bottle or packet matters a lot. Most effective cleaners use one or a combination of these ingredients:
- Sodium Percarbonate: This is like oxygen bleach. It cleans and brightens without harsh chlorine. It is very popular for deep cleaning.
- Citric Acid: This natural acid works well to dissolve mineral buildup (like hard water stains) and soap scum.
- Surfactants: These are the soap-like ingredients that help lift and suspend dirt so the water can wash it away.
- Enzymes: These special cleaners break down organic matter, like body oils and detergent residue.
Avoid cleaners with very strong chlorine bleach if you are worried about damaging rubber parts over time, though many modern cleaners balance safety and strength.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a tub cleaner varies widely based on how it is made and packaged.
Quality Boosters:
- Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas usually work better because they pack more active cleaning ingredients into a small dose.
- Tablet/Pod Format: Single-use tablets or pods often keep the ingredients fresh and potent until you use them.
- Brand Reputation: Established brands that specialize in appliance care often invest more in effective, safe formulas.
Quality Reducers:
- Too Much Filler: Cheap cleaners sometimes use too much non-active material, meaning you need to run the cycle multiple times to see results.
- Poor Packaging: If the product is not sealed well, the active ingredients can lose their power before you open the container.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a tub cleaner should be simple. Most LG cleaners require you to run an empty, hot water cycle. You usually place the tablet or powder directly into the drum, not the dispenser drawer.
When Should You Use It?
- Monthly Maintenance: Running a cycle once a month keeps odors from setting in, especially if you wash many sweaty gym clothes or use a lot of liquid detergent.
- Smell Removal: If you notice a musty or sour smell when you open the washer door, it is time for a deep clean immediately.
- After Long Storage: If your machine sat unused for several months, clean it before washing clothes again.
A good user experience means the instructions are clear and the cleaner does its job without needing manual scrubbing afterward. You should see dirty water drain out during the cleaning cycle!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About LG Washing Machine Tub Cleaners
Q: How often should I clean my LG washer tub?
A: We suggest cleaning your machine once every 1 to 3 months. If you use it daily or wash heavily soiled items, clean it monthly.
Q: Can I use regular bleach instead of a special cleaner?
A: You can use bleach for sanitizing, but special cleaners are better at breaking down the sticky soap scum and mineral deposits that bleach alone cannot remove.
Q: Do these cleaners work on both top-load and front-load LG washers?
A: Many are designed for both, but always check the label! Front-loaders sometimes need specific formulas because of how they seal.
Q: Where do I put the tub cleaner tablet?
A: Most manufacturers tell you to put the tablet or powder directly into the empty drum. Do not put it in the detergent dispenser.
Q: Will this damage the rubber gasket on my front-loader?
A: Quality cleaners are made to be safe. If you are worried, choose a cleaner specifically labeled as safe for rubber seals.
Q: My washer has a “Tub Clean” cycle. Should I use that?
A: Yes! Use the cleaner along with your machine’s built-in “Tub Clean” or “Clean Washer” cycle for the best results.
Q: Is it okay if the cleaner leaves a white residue?
A: If a small, chalky residue remains, run a quick rinse cycle afterward. Heavy residue means the cleaner did not dissolve properly or you used too much.
Q: Can I wash clothes right after cleaning the tub?
A: Yes, but running an extra rinse cycle first is a good idea to wash away any leftover cleaner chemicals.
Q: Are powder cleaners better than liquid or tablet cleaners?
A: It depends on the ingredients. Tablets are convenient. Powders often contain strong oxygen boosters. Look for strong cleaning agents rather than focusing only on the format.
Q: My washer still smells bad after using the cleaner. What now?
A: Run a second cycle, perhaps using a cleaner with a different main ingredient (like switching from an acid cleaner to an oxygen booster). Also, always leave the door ajar after use to let it dry.