Maintenance in LG WM4000HBA Owner's Manual.

Cleaning the Washer Exterior and Door

Keeping the outside of the washer and the door clean helps protect the finish and reduce moisture and odor.

Safety first - Unplug the appliance before cleaning to avoid the risk of electric shock. - Do not spray water inside the washer. This may cause fire or electric shock. - Do not use volatile substances such as benzene, paint thinner, alcohol, or acetone, and do not use abrasive cleaners or detergents with strong chemical components. These can discolor or damage the appliance, or may cause a fire. - Do not touch the surface or the display with sharp objects.

After each wash When a cycle is finished: - Wipe the door and the inside of the door seal to remove moisture. - Wipe the body of the washer with a dry cloth to remove moisture. - Leave the door open so the drum interior can dry. - Remove items from the washer as soon as the cycle is complete. Leaving damp items inside can cause wrinkling, color transfer, and odor.

Cleaning the exterior and door For regular cleaning: - Use a damp cloth to wipe the washer exterior. - Use a towel or soft cloth to wipe around the washer door opening and door glass. - Wash the door on the outside and inside with a damp cloth, then dry it with a soft cloth. - Immediately wipe off any spills.

Leaving the door open After you finish using the washer, leave the door open overnight to let air circulate and dry the drum. This helps prevent odors.

Cleaning the drum with Tub Clean Over time, residue can build up in the drum and lead to mildew or a musty odor.

Use the Tub Clean cycle: - monthly to remove residue and help prevent odor, - more often if the washer is used heavily or if odor is already present, - once a week for three consecutive weeks if mildew or a musty smell already exists.

Important limits: - Run Tub Clean only when the drum is empty. - Never load laundry while using this cycle. Laundry may be damaged or contaminated with cleaning products. - Do not exceed the maximum fill line when adding bleach or powdered cleaners. - Powdered cleaners may remain in the drum after cleaning.

How to run Tub Clean 1. Remove any clothing from the drum. 2. Add cleaning agents as directed below. 3. Close the door and press the Power button. 4. Select the Tub Clean cycle and press Start/Pause. 5. When the cycle ends, open the door and allow the drum interior to dry completely.

Cleaning agents for Tub Clean Use only the method that matches the cleaner you have: - Drum cleaner or lime scale remover: add to the main detergent compartment of the detergent dispenser. - Liquid chlorine bleach: add to the bleach compartment of the detergent dispenser. - Powdered cleaner: pull out the liquid detergent cup before adding it to the main detergent compartment. - Cleaning tablets: place directly into the washer drum. - For other drum cleaning products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.

If you use a descaler If you use a descaler or drum cleaner during Tub Clean, use the Rinse+Spin option to rinse the washer drum before running your next wash cycle.

Automatic Tub Clean reminder When the power is on and the tcL message blinks on the display, it means the washer drum needs cleaning. The reminder usually appears every one to two months, depending on how often the washer is used.

Hard water and mineral buildup In areas with hard water, mineral scale can form on internal components. Periodically clean mineral buildup to extend the washer’s lifespan. A water softener is recommended in hard-water areas. - Use a descaler to remove visible mineral buildup on the washer drum. - After descaling, always run the Tub Clean cycle before washing clothing. - Mineral scale and other spots may be removed from the stainless steel drum with a soft cloth soaked in stainless steel cleaner. - Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleaners.

Child safety during cleaning Make sure children and pets do not climb into the drum. Engage the Control Lock feature if needed to prevent children from accidentally starting a wash cycle.

Clean the Detergent Drawer and Water Inlet Filters

This section covers two maintenance tasks that can help prevent filling problems, leaks, and buildup:

• Cleaning residue from the detergent drawer opening
• Cleaning the water inlet filters if the washer does not fill properly

Cleaning the detergent drawer opening

After cleaning the drawer itself, clean the drawer opening where the detergent drawer slides in.

1. Use a small, non-metal brush. 2. Clean the recess around the drawer opening. 3. Remove all residue from the upper and lower parts of the recess. 4. Replace the drawer.

Use care to remove buildup from both the top and bottom areas of the opening so the drawer can sit properly.

Cleaning the water inlet filters

The washer has inlet filter screens that protect the delicate parts of the inlet valve from particles in the water supply.

When to clean them

Clean the inlet filters if:

• The washer does not fill properly
• An error message appears on the display during filling
• You use the washer in an area with hard water, because the filter may clog more often from lime buildup

Important cautions

• Do not use the washer without the inlet filters.
• Operating the washer with the filters removed could cause a valve to open continuously, resulting in flooding and/or property damage.
• If the filters are missing, leaks and malfunction can occur.

How to clean the inlet filters

1. Turn off the washer and unplug the power cord. 2. Turn off the hot and cold water faucets. 3. Unscrew the hot and cold water hoses from the back of the washer. 4. Carefully remove the filters from the water valves. - Use pliers to pull out the filters from the water valves. 5. Remove any foreign objects from the filters. 6. Soak the filters in white vinegar or a lime scale remover. - If you use a lime scale remover, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. - Be careful not to damage the filters while cleaning them. 7. Rinse the filters thoroughly. 8. Press the filters back into place.

What the washer is telling you

If the washer does not fill properly, an error message will appear on the display. This can happen when the inlet valve filter screens are clogged by:

• Hard water scale
• Sediment in the water supply
• Other debris

Helpful note for hard water

If you use the washer in an area with hard water, the inlet filter may clog due to lime buildup and may need more frequent cleaning.

Clean the drain pump filter

The washer can fail to drain if the drain pump filter becomes clogged. LG recommends cleaning the drain filter periodically to help prevent clogging from foreign objects.

Before you start - Turn off the washer and unplug the power cord. - Be careful: if there is water in the drum, opening the drain filter can cause water to overflow. - Use a bucket if the drum is not completely drained before you open the drain filter. - Do not use the washer without the drain filter, and do not use it with the drain filter assembled incorrectly. This can cause leaks or malfunction.

Steps to clean the drain pump filter 1. Open the drain pump filter cover. 2. Drain any remaining water. - Unclip the drain hose and remove the plug from the drain hose to let the remaining water drain out. 3. Remove the pump filter. - Twist the pump filter counterclockwise to remove it. 4. Clean the pump filter and the opening. 5. Reassemble the plug onto the drain hose and reclip the drain hose. 6. Insert the drain pump filter and twist it clockwise. 7. Close the drain pump filter cover.

Helpful note - If an OE message blinks on the display, the drain pump filter is clogged with dirt. Clean the drain pump filter.

Prepare the washer for storage or freezing

If the washer will not be used for a long time and may be exposed to freezing temperatures, follow these steps to protect it from damage. Make sure the drum is empty before you begin.

Storing the washer 1. Turn off the washer and unplug the power cord. 2. Turn off the water faucets. 3. Disconnect the water inlet hoses and drain any water from the hoses. 4. Plug the power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet. 5. Add 1 gallon of nontoxic recreational vehicle (RV) antifreeze to the empty drum and close the door. - Never use automotive antifreeze. 6. Turn on the washer and press the Spin button. 7. Press Start/Pause to start the drain pump for 1 minute. - This expels some of the antifreeze and leaves enough to protect the washer from damage. 8. Turn off the washer and unplug the power cord. 9. Dry the drum interior with a soft cloth and close the door. 10. Store the washer in an upright position. 11. Remove the inserts from the dispenser, drain any water from the compartments, and let them dry.

After storage - To remove the antifreeze from the washer after storage, run the Rinse+Spin cycle using detergent. - Do not add laundry to this cycle.

When the water inlet hoses are frozen 1. Turn off the washer and unplug the power cord. 2. Turn off the faucets connected to the water inlet hoses. 3. Pour hot water on the frozen faucets to thaw the water inlet hoses and remove the water inlet hoses.

If the Washer or Hose Freezes

If the washer will not drain or spin because the water inlet hoses or drain hose are frozen, thaw the frozen parts first and then try draining and spinning again.

If the water inlet hoses are frozen

1. Immerse the water inlet hoses in hot water to thaw them. 2. Reconnect the water inlet hoses to the water inlets of the washer and to the faucets. - See Connecting the Water Inlet Hoses for details. 3. Turn on the faucets. 4. Press the Power button to turn on the washer. 5. Press the Spin button to operate the spin only cycle for draining and spinning. 6. Press the Start/Pause button.

If the drain hose is frozen

1. Pour hot water into the washer drum and close the door. 2. Wait for 1 to 2 hours. 3. Press the Power button. 4. Press the Spin button to operate the spin only cycle for draining and spinning. 5. Press the Start/Pause button to make sure the water drains.

Helpful notes

• Use the Spin button to start a spin-only cycle when you want the washer to drain and spin after thawing.
• If the water inlet hoses are frozen, make sure they are reconnected and the faucets are turned on before starting the washer.
• If the drain hose is frozen, the manual instructs you to wait 1 to 2 hours after pouring hot water into the drum before trying again.