If your LG Washer display is showing tCL, the machine is prompting you to run a Tub Clean cycle. The tCL notification is not an error code — it is a maintenance reminder that appears after a set number of wash cycles to remind you to clean the drum, preventing mould, mildew, and detergent residue buildup. Here is what to do.

⚡ Quick Fix – Top 3 Steps

1. Run the Tub Clean cycle to clear the notification. Press the Tub Clean button on your LG Washer panel (the exact button name varies by model — look for “Tub Clean”, “Drum Clean”, or “Clean Washer”). Add a tub cleaning tablet or 250ml of white vinegar to the drum. Start the cycle and allow it to complete fully. Once the Tub Clean cycle finishes, the tCL notification will be cleared automatically.
2. Use a dedicated washer cleaning product. LG recommends using a washing machine cleaner tablet (such as the LG Tub Clean tablet or an equivalent brand) rather than bleach or regular detergent for the Tub Clean cycle. Place the tablet in the drum (not the detergent drawer) and run the cycle at the highest available temperature to dissolve residue effectively.
3. If tCL persists after the Tub Clean cycle, repeat the process. In some cases, particularly if the first Tub Clean cycle was run with the machine not fully empty or without a cleaning agent, the counter does not reset. Run a second Tub Clean cycle with a cleaning tablet to ensure the counter clears.

What Does LG Washer tCL Mean?

tCL stands for Tub CLean. It is a maintenance reminder, not a fault code. LG Washers track the number of wash cycles completed and display tCL at set intervals (typically every 30 cycles) to prompt the user to clean the drum interior. The reminder is designed to prevent the buildup of detergent residue, limescale, mould, and odour-causing bacteria inside the drum and tub.

Running the Tub Clean cycle regularly keeps the drum hygienic, extends the life of the drum seal and bearings, and prevents unpleasant odours from transferring to laundry. LG recommends running Tub Clean at least once a month for machines in regular use.

How to Run the LG Washer Tub Clean Cycle

1. Ensure the drum is completely empty — no laundry, no items of any kind.
2. Add one LG Tub Clean tablet (or equivalent) directly into the drum. Do not add any laundry detergent to the drawer during Tub Clean.
3. Press the Tub Clean button, or select the Tub Clean / Drum Clean program from the cycle selector.
4. Press Start and allow the cycle to run to completion without interruption. The cycle typically takes 60–90 minutes.
5. When the cycle ends, leave the door open for 30 minutes to allow the drum interior to air dry. This prevents moisture from accumulating and causing mould.

Related LG Washer Information

• LG Washer Error CL — Child lock active (similar looking code)
• LG Washer Error OE — Drain error
• LG Washer Error Codes – Complete Guide