LG Washer tcL Code: What It Means and What to Do About It
Updated · from manufacturer service documentation
tcL on an LG washer isn't an error code at all — it means the Tub Clean cycle is running. This is a maintenance cycle LG recommends running about once a month, using extra-hot water and a long wash to clear soap scum and residue from inside the tub, and to prevent mildew and odor.
Why You're Seeing tcL
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| You (or someone) started the Tub Clean cycle intentionally | Most common | Not applicable — normal operation |
| Tub Clean started accidentally by holding the button | Common | Easy — let it finish or cancel |
What to Do, Step by Step
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Confirm nothing is loaded in the tub
Tub Clean is meant to run empty — per LG's own instructions, don't put laundry in during this cycle.
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Let the cycle run its course, or cancel it if it was started by mistake
Since tcL isn't a fault, there's nothing to repair — simply wait it out or stop the cycle if you didn't mean to start it.
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If you want to run Tub Clean intentionally
Press POWER and select any cycle, then press and hold TUB CLEAN for three seconds. The PRE-WASH indicator lights up and the display shows tcL. You can add a scum-removing additive via the dispenser before pressing START.
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Understand what happens during the cycle
After pressing START, the door locks and the display counts down from 1:26. The steam generator runs until the display reaches 0:53, with the water level shown at approximately 225, while the tub rotates and the recirculation pump runs throughout.
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Expect a hard spin at the end
Near the end of the cycle the washer pumps the water out and spins at 960 rpm until the cycle finishes. A Tub Clean that gets loud at the end is behaving exactly as documented — it's the drain-and-spin phase, not a balance problem.
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Drain the sump before your next load
This is the step most people miss. LG's service documentation recommends draining the water from the sump after a Tub Clean cycle, to make sure no residual cleaner or chemicals are left behind that might damage the next load of laundry. If you ran Tub Clean with an additive, this matters more, not less.
Which Models This Applies To
Documented for the LG WM0742HGA front-load washer. The Tub Clean cycle and its tcL display code are a standard maintenance feature, not model-specific to a particular fault-diagnostic table.
See also: LG washer reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tcL an error I need to fix?
No — it simply means the Tub Clean maintenance cycle is running. There's nothing wrong with the washer.
Can I add laundry during the Tub Clean cycle?
No — LG's instructions specifically say not to put laundry in the tub during this cycle; it's meant to run empty.
How often should I run Tub Clean?
LG recommends running it about once a month to prevent soap scum buildup, mildew, and odor inside the tub.
How long does the Tub Clean cycle take?
Per the display countdown documented for this cycle, it runs from about 1:26 down through 0:53 while the steam generator is active, continuing after that with the tub rotating and the recirculation pump running.
Based on the LG WM0742HGA washer training/service documentation. Last updated: .