To keep the dishwasher performing at it’s best, periodic maintenance is recommended. Over time, minerals and food particles can build up in the machine and leave residue on the inside of the tub, door, and even internal parts. This can reduce cleaning performance and leave dishes cloudy as well.
Spray arms require cleaning to ensure there are no food particles blocking the water pathways. Cleaning can be as often as every 2 weeks to as little as once every 6 months depending on how much you prewash your dishes. Blockages will reduce cleaning performance and therefore cleaning the dishwasher’s spray arms are important to ensure there is no debris blocking the water jet holes. If necessary, you may open any blocked jets in the spray arm with a pin or similar tool.
-
Cleaning the Lower Spray Arms
-
Be sure that the water jet holes are not blocked by food particles.
-
If cleaning is needed, lift up on the lower spray arm in order to remove it.
-
Clean the spray arm by removing any food particles that are blocking the water jet holes, and rinsing with water until water flows freely through the water jet holes.
-
After cleaning the lower spray arm, replace it by pushing down until it clips into place. Be sure that the spray arm is able to turn freely.
-
-
Cleaning the Upper Spray Arm
-
Pull the upper rack forward. Be sure that the water jet holes are not blocked by any food particles.
-
When cleaning is necessary, remove the upper spray arm by turning the nut on the bottom of the spray arm 1/8 turn counterclockwise and pulling it down.
-
Once the upper spray arm has been cleaned, press it up into place. Turn the nut 1/8 turn clockwise to make sure that the nut has locked back into place.
-
-
Cleaning the Top Spray Arm
-
Check the water jet holes to be sure they are not blocked by any food particles.
-
When cleaning is needed, remove the spray arm by disassembling the hook from the bracket which holds the top spray arm assembly to the tub. Use a flat-head screwdriver if needed to remove the top spray arm.
-
Clean the spray arm and replace it by sliding it into place. MAKE SURE the retainer clip engages.
Note: Spray arm disassembly and reassembly instructions may vary depending on your model. Refer to your owner's manual here for specific instructions for your model.
For more information on cleaning your dishwasher's spray arm, refer to our Video Library video LG Dishwasher Spray Arm Maintenance. -
Note: Some models do not have a 3-stage filter in the bottom of the tub. Instead, some models have a self-cleaning filter system that continuously cleans the water as it circulates. The self-cleaning filter grinds food into small particles before going down the drain. In this case, cleaning the filters is not necessary.
For models with filters in the bottom of the tub:
-
Remove the lower rack.
-
Turn the mesh filter counterclockwise.
-
Take out the mesh filter, upper STS filter, and the outer filter.
-
Clean the filters using non-abrasive materials and warm water.
-
Replace the filters in reverse order.
For more information on cleaning your dishwasher's spray arm, refer to our Video Library video LG Dishwasher - Cleaning The Filters.
Note:
-
For best wash performance, clean the filter after each load. If food debris remains in the filter, it may cause an odor.
-
In areas with hard water, it is recommended to clean this filter at least once a month with a soft brush to prevent poor wash performance.
-
Clean the filters using non-abrasive materials and warm running water.
-
Before starting a cycle, make sure that the filter is assembled correctly. If the filter is not assembled correctly you may experience poor cleaning results. When assembling, rotate it firmly until it clicks.
Recommended Filter Cleaning Chart:
| Number of Loads Per Week | If you wash dishes before loading | If you crape and risnse dishes before loading | If you only scrape dishes before loading | If you do not scrape or rinse dishes beflre loading |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Every 6 months | Once a year | Four times a year | Once a month |
| 4-7 | Every 6 months | Once a year | Four times a year | Twice a month (every 15 days) |
| 8-12 | Every 6 months | Once a year | Every 1.5 months | Every week |
| 13-14 | Every 6 months | Once a year | Every 1.5 months | Twice a week |
When running a maintenance cycle, be sure that all of the dishes have been removed. Leave the racks in the dishwasher.
-
Place a cup with 1-2 cups of white vinegar on the bottom rack.
-
Select the NORMAL cycle.
-
Close the door.
This cycle may also be performed with a dishwasher cleaner instead of vinegar.
With Machine Clean Cycle Option
The Machine Clean icon flashes every 30 cycles. This cycle is for cleaning the inside of the dishwasher. Use the cycle without dishes in the machine. It eliminates residual soils, odor, white spots, and other dirt.
To clean the inside of the unit, you can use white vinegar, citric acid, or an actual dishwasher cleaner. Before starting your cleaning cycle, remove all dishes and silverware from the dishwasher. Only the racks should remain in the tub.
Using Citric Acid
To use citric acid powder (can be found in canning sections of most grocery stores or online). Measure 3 tablespoons (40 g) of citric acid powder. Fill main wash compartment with measured powder. Run Machine Clean cycle. Do not use detergent.
Using Vinegar
To use white vinegar, pour approximately one cup (200-300 mL) of white vinegar into shallow bowl and place in upper rack. Run Machine Clean cycle. Do not use detergent.
Using a Dishwasher Cleaner
To use a dishwasher cleaner in the dishwasher, simply follow the instructions on the packaging of the cleaner. Do not use detergent.
Dishwasher washing machine cleaners are available in multiple brands and come as a powder, liquid, pod, or tablet.
Without Machine Clean Cycle Option
Before starting your cleaning cycle, remove all dishes and silverware from the dishwasher. Only the racks should remain in the tub. Place the selected cleaner into the unit. Select the NORMAL Cycle. Start and run the unit.
Using Citric Acid
To use citric acid powder (can be found in canning sections of most grocery stores or online). Measure 3 tablespoons (40 g) of citric acid powder. Fill main wash compartment with measured powder. Run Machine Clean cycle. Do not use detergent.
Using Vinegar
To use white vinegar, pour approximately one cup (200-300 mL) of white vinegar into shallow bowl and place in upper rack. Run Machine Clean cycle. Do not use detergent.
Using a Dishwasher Cleaner
To use a dishwasher cleaner in the dishwasher, simply follow the instructions on the packaging of the cleaner. Do not use detergent. Dishwasher washing machine cleaners are available in multiple brands and come as a powder, liquid, pod, or tablet.
Note: Be cautious of sharp edges when handling the stainless steel filter.
Remove food residue caught in filters to prevent the build up of odor-causing bacteria and
possible drainage problems.
A.
Turn unit OFF.
Press the POWER button to turn off the washing machine.
B.
Remove cover and cap.
Remove the air gap cover and the plastic cap underneath it.
C.
Clean the gap.
Looking down into the air gap, clean out any debris with a toothpick or brush.
Use a turkey basker to pour hot water into the air gap to clean it.
D.
Replace cover and cap.
Replace the plastic cap and the air gap cover.
The drain air gap and disposal are external plumbing devices that are not part of the dishwasher.
The warranty provided with the dishwasher does not cover service costs directly associated with the cleaning or repair of the external drain air gap and disposal.
