How to Clean an LG Dishwasher: Filter, Cleaning Cycle and Smells
Quick answer: Turn the filter in the tub floor counterclockwise, lift it out, rinse it and lock it back. Then run Machine Clean with the dishwasher empty and a cleaner in the detergent dispenser: on many models you start it by holding Heavy for 3 seconds, on others it's a cycle downloaded through the LG ThinQ app. LG says to run it once a month or every 30 cycles. One BLITZ tablet goes in the dispenser.
We pick BLITZ for the inside of an LG dishwasher: one tablet in the empty dishwasher on a normal cycle removes grease, grime and limescale from the walls, racks and spray arms, for about $1.04 a clean. Septic-safe, like every BLITZ product, from a Québec company in Laval, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Shop BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner, $24.95
How to clean an LG dishwasher, step by step
- Remove everything from the racks: Machine Clean runs empty.
- Clean the filter: lower rack out, filter turned counterclockwise and lifted, rinsed and brushed, then locked back in.
- Add the cleaner to the detergent dispenser: one BLITZ tablet. LG's manuals allow citric acid (about 40 g) or a dishwasher cleaner used as its maker directs, and say not to use detergent for this cycle.
- Start Machine Clean: on many models, press and hold Heavy for 3 seconds; on ThinQ models, download Machine Clean (P1) in the app.
- Let it finish and leave the door open a crack to dry.
- Wipe the gasket and door edge while the tub is still warm.
The LG dishwasher filter
LG's filter turns counterclockwise and lifts out of the floor of the tub. LG warns that a filter left uncleaned may generate an offensive odour, and food trapped in it can land back on your dishes. Rinse it under the tap, brush the mesh gently from both sides and make sure it locks fully when you turn it back.
Check it every time you run Machine Clean, and sooner if you see water left in the bottom or grit on clean dishes.
LG Machine Clean: how to start it and how often
LG's manuals say to run Machine Clean once a month or after every 30 cycles to clear residue, odour and white spots, and again after a long period without use. The Machine Clean icon resets by itself once the cycle has run.
Vinegar isn't the shortcut: an LG manual warns that vinegar is an acid and, with constant use, could damage the appliance. A citric acid dishwasher tablet like BLITZ does the job in the dispenser, and if your model has no Machine Clean, a normal cycle with the tablet works too.
Cleaning the inside of an LG dishwasher with BLITZ
The filter stops new food from going around; the grease and scale already on the walls, racks and spray arms need a cleaning cycle. BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner removes grease, grime and limescale buildup and helps get rid of the smell at the source:
- Clean the filter first.
- Put one tablet in the detergent compartment of the empty dishwasher.
- Run a normal cycle.
It works in every household dishwasher, stainless steel or plastic inside, and it's septic-safe, like every BLITZ product. A box of 24 is $24.95, about $1.04 a clean, a year at one tablet every two weeks.
More help: LG dishwasher not draining, how to clean a dishwasher filter, every brand, dishwasher not cleaning dishes, dishwasher smells bad, how to clean a Bosch dishwasher, and the whole routine on our dishwasher care page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start Machine Clean on my LG dishwasher?
Empty the dishwasher, add a cleaner to the dispenser, then on many models press and hold Heavy for 3 seconds. ThinQ models download Machine Clean (P1) in the LG app.
How often should I run Machine Clean?
LG says once a month or every 30 cycles, and after a long period of non-use.
Can I use a BLITZ tablet in LG Machine Clean?
Yes. LG's manuals allow a dishwasher cleaner in the dispenser, used as its maker directs: one BLITZ tablet, dishwasher empty.
Why does my LG dishwasher smell?
LG links odour to a filter that isn't cleaned. Clean the filter, then run Machine Clean with a BLITZ tablet.
Sources
LG, Cleaning the filter (dishwasher); LG, Dishwasher ThinQ features and settings; LG dishwasher owner's manuals (Machine Clean: monthly or every 30 cycles, citric acid or cleaner, no detergent, vinegar caution); BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner product page and directions. Checked October 2026.
LG is a trademark of its owner. BLITZ is not affiliated with LG.
ONE TABLET, ONE NORMAL CYCLE
BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer
One tablet in the detergent compartment of an empty dishwasher removes grease, grime and limescale from the walls, racks and spray arms. 24 tablets for $24.95, a year at one every two weeks.
Free shipping across Canada on orders of $40 or more, 10% back in store credit, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
