LG recommended maintenance for front load washers

[maypo52]

I was browsing the LG web site and found this info. Though it would be helpful.

http://us.lgservice.com/

Home > Product Support > FAQ

Question   What kind of maintenance should be performed on LG Front Load Washing Machines?  
 
Product   Laundry Washer  
 
Answer  
 
To ensure proper performance of the unit, LG recommends the following maintenance steps be performed. (1) When finished using the machine for the day, wipe the gasket (rubber seal) and door glass dry. This will keep them clean. (2) 1-2 times per month remove the detergent dispenser tray and clean it thoroughly including any attachment pieces (fabric softener and bleach). (3) 1-2 times per month manually drain unit and clean the drain filter. (4) 1-2 times per month run a hot water cycle with no clothing in the unit. Put bleach in the bleach dispenser prior to beginning the cycle. This will clean the inside of the unit. For additional information or questions regarding these steps, please contact LG Customer Service at 1-800-243-0000.

And

Question   What kind of detergent should be used in LG Front Load Washing Machines?  
 
Product   Laundry Washer  
 
Answer  
 
For optimum performance, LG strongly recommends the use of HE detergent only. HE detergent is available in a variety of brands and can be found in most grocery stores. It is available in both powder and liquid form. Do not confuse HE Compatible detergents with true HE detergent, as it is not formulated the same as true HE detergents.
HE detergents are low sudsing, with a higher concentration of soil suspending ingredients, specifically for front load washing machines that use so little water. How much HE detergent is used can vary from household to household, depending on such factors as water softness level, soil level of clothing, load size, etc. Because excessive suds can cause build up in the machine, leading to decreased cleaning performance, odor and damage to parts, reduce the amount of detergent if sudsing occurs.  

 

[Pegi]

And....use only 2-3 tablespoons of soap per load...more is NOT better in a front load, suds ruin front load washers....ruin them I say...

[maypo52]

Just out of curiosity I sent an email to LG customer support to see how they respond to customers. Here's what I got back:


-----------Original Customer Enquiry------------
Received Date : 10/23/2007 13:47:05
The type of inquiry : Customer Service
Product/Model No. : Laundry Washer/wm2496


I have recently noticed an unpleasant odor coming from inside the washer. I have run the washer with no clothes and on a hot cycle to try to clean it out but the odor remains. What can be the cause of this odor and what do you recommend to get rid of it?

Reply received at 3:45 PM today

-----------Reply to Customer Enquiry------------
Dear Customer, We are delighted to hear from you as our Valued Customer With front loading washers, the door seals so very tightly unlike a conventional machine, that it is recommended to dry the rubber door gasket when you are done with your laundry for the day to prevent an atmosphere where the mold and mildew can grow. Using too much detergent and/or fabric softener can cause a build-up on the inner drum over time, which can result in mold and even mildew growth in your washer. Should this occur, do a load of whites on the SANITARY or HOT cycle (depending upon your model). Use the extra rinse and stain options. Use the highest spin setting. Use NO detergent and use a liquid bleach in both the bleach and detergent dispensers. This will remove the build-up and any odors accompanying it. This procedure may need to be repeated two or three times depending on the degree of build-up. It is recommended to use a high efficiency or low sudsing detergent. Many of the leading detergent manufacturers have a high-efficiency (HE) selection. The HE detergents are designed for lower suds levels and enhanced cleaning performance in front-loading washers. If you must use a regular detergent, you will only need to use 1/2-1/3 the amount you would normally use in a conventional top-loading machine. However, the HE and the conventional detergents are different formulae, and your machine will not perform as efficiently or effectively. Using half the required amount of regular detergent will give half the cleaning performance. As the new LG washers accept a larger than usual load, the cleaning performance could be further reduced. In addition to the reduced cleaning, there will be oversudsing. The excess suds will cause the washer to stop and rid itself of the suds before continuing its cycle. Getting rid of the detergent will further reduce cleaning performance. When using a concentrated fabric softener, it is recommended to dilute it by half with water in the dispenser. A good rule is to load the washer until the clothes in the drum are no more than three-fourths of the way up the window of the door. This will allow them sufficient room for tumbling. The clothing having sufficient room to tumble is more important than either the weight or the number of items in the washer. It is the tumbling action that provides the washing effect. Putting in smaller loads does not promote better circulation because the microprocessor controls the amount of water in the machine based on the size of the load. A smaller load simply means less water which also means a higher concentration of detergent, hence, even more detergent build-up. To get the best results, sort clothes into loads that can be washed with the same wash cycle. Different fabrics need to be washed in different ways. Always sort dark colors from pale colors and whites. Wash separately as dye and lint transfer can occur causing discoloration of white clothing. If possible, do not wash heavily soiled items with lightly soiled ones. Combine large and small items in a load. Load large items first. Large items should not be more than half the total wash load. If you have other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us again either via email, or by calling our customer service division at 800-243-0000 at your convenience. Ms. Kristi Electronic Correspondence Executive (ECE) LG Electronics USA 800-243-0000

[john63]

Just out of curiosity I sent an email to LG customer support to see how they respond to customers. Here's what I got back:


-----------Original Customer Enquiry------------
Received Date : 10/23/2007 13:47:05
The type of inquiry : Customer Service
Product/Model No. : Laundry Washer/wm2496


I have recently noticed an unpleasant odor coming from inside the washer. I have run the washer with no clothes and on a hot cycle to try to clean it out but the odor remains. What can be the cause of this odor and what do you recommend to get rid of it?

Reply received at 3:45 PM today

-----------Reply to Customer Enquiry------------
Dear Customer, We are delighted to hear from you as our Valued Customer With front loading washers, the door seals so very tightly unlike a conventional machine, that it is recommended to dry the rubber door gasket when you are done with your laundry for the day to prevent an atmosphere where the mold and mildew can grow. Using too much detergent and/or fabric softener can cause a build-up on the inner drum over time, which can result in mold and even mildew growth in your washer. Should this occur, do a load of whites on the SANITARY or HOT cycle (depending upon your model). Use the extra rinse and stain options. Use the highest spin setting. Use NO detergent and use a liquid bleach in both the bleach and detergent dispensers. This will remove the build-up and any odors accompanying it. This procedure may need to be repeated two or three times depending on the degree of build-up. It is recommended to use a high efficiency or low sudsing detergent. Many of the leading detergent manufacturers have a high-efficiency (HE) selection. The HE detergents are designed for lower suds levels and enhanced cleaning performance in front-loading washers. If you must use a regular detergent, you will only need to use 1/2-1/3 the amount you would normally use in a conventional top-loading machine. However, the HE and the conventional detergents are different formulae, and your machine will not perform as efficiently or effectively. Using half the required amount of regular detergent will give half the cleaning performance. As the new LG washers accept a larger than usual load, the cleaning performance could be further reduced. In addition to the reduced cleaning, there will be oversudsing. The excess suds will cause the washer to stop and rid itself of the suds before continuing its cycle. Getting rid of the detergent will further reduce cleaning performance. When using a concentrated fabric softener, it is recommended to dilute it by half with water in the dispenser. A good rule is to load the washer until the clothes in the drum are no more than three-fourths of the way up the window of the door. This will allow them sufficient room for tumbling. The clothing having sufficient room to tumble is more important than either the weight or the number of items in the washer. It is the tumbling action that provides the washing effect. Putting in smaller loads does not promote better circulation because the microprocessor controls the amount of water in the machine based on the size of the load. A smaller load simply means less water which also means a higher concentration of detergent, hence, even more detergent build-up. To get the best results, sort clothes into loads that can be washed with the same wash cycle. Different fabrics need to be washed in different ways. Always sort dark colors from pale colors and whites. Wash separately as dye and lint transfer can occur causing discoloration of white clothing. If possible, do not wash heavily soiled items with lightly soiled ones. Combine large and small items in a load. Load large items first. Large items should not be more than half the total wash load. If you have other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us again either via email, or by calling our customer service division at 800-243-0000 at your convenience. Ms. Kristi Electronic Correspondence Executive (ECE) LG Electronics USA 800-243-0000

This is an older LG prepared statement for addressing concerns about proper use and care of the washer.

Technical information is an ever-changing thing. All manufacturers are constantly updating information relating to repairs or procedures for solving problems.

Bleach may remove odor-causing bacteria but does nothing to remove soap curd/scum accumulation in the tub. Bacteria grows on this build-up very quickly.
Late model LG washers now have a TUB CLEAN cycle.
This cycle adds much more water to the tub than any wash cycle and places the fill water above the scum-line in the tub.
Using a cleaner called TIDE WASHING MACHINE CLEANER every 4 months in a Tub Clean Cycle will remove stubborn/smelly scum build up.

The statement also fails to indicate the *correct* amount of detergent to be used. It also fails to mention that three concentrations of HE type detergent are commonly sold.

Today--it is strongly advised that the following amounts of HE detergent should be used:

HE : (2) Tablespoons Per Was Load

HE 2X (double concentrated) : (1) Tablespoon

HE 3X (triple concentrated) " (1) Teaspoon

Perform a TUB CLEAN cycle every 4 months using "Tide Washing Machine Cleaner".

Consumers with an older LG washer that does not have the newer TUB CLEAN cycle can follow the directions on the package for performing this useful maintenance cycle.