Do you put detergent in for a clean cycle?

Author: Neoma Turcotte  |  Last update: Monday, July 6, 2026

Run a Self-Cleaning Cycle Don't use laundry detergent to clean the tub of your washer. Laundry detergent is for laundry and can build up a residue inside the hoses and other components of the washer; and over time it can provide a moist environment for mold and bacteria to grow.

Do you add detergent for a clean washer cycle?

Select the longest, hottest wash cycle setting on your machine and start it, allowing the drum to completely fill with hot water a second time. Be sure you have no clothing items in the drum and no detergent or fabric softeners in any trays.

Do you put laundry detergent in a self-clean cycle?

Run a Self Clean or Pure Cycle to clean the interior
  1. To run a Self Clean cycle, first make sure the washer is empty.
  2. Press Self Clean, and then press Start.
  3. You don't need to add cleaner when running Self Clean. However, we do recommend using bleach if you already have an existing mold smell (see our guide for details).

Do you add detergent to tub clean cycle?

Don't add any laundry detergent or fabric softener when using TUB CLEAN.

How to run a clean cycle on a washing machine?

Run at the hottest temperature or use the “clean tub” setting on the washer. At the end of the cycle, add vinegar to the liquid dispenser tray or washer tub. Use 2 cups for a front-loading machine or 1 quart for a top-loading machine. Run another hot water wash cycle.

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Should I add anything to my washers self clean cycle?

Run the machine: If your washing machine is fairly new, it should have a self-cleaning cycle. If it does, simply add the amount of bleach specified in the ownership manual and run this cycle.

What to put in a washing machine to clean it?

For a homemade option, you can try cleaning your washing machine with vinegar. Just pour two cups of distilled vinegar into your detergent drawer. You can also use soda crystals (or baking soda) to clean your washing machine. Sprinkle half a cup into your drum and then let your washing machine run on a hot setting.

Do you put detergent in washing machine for drum clean?

Make sure the drum is empty. Do NOT use any cleaning agents or detergents for cleaning the drum. It can cause damage the drum of the washing machine - this applies to Tub Clean as well.

What can I use for a washing machine tub clean cycle?

Add washing machine cleaner, white vinegar, or bleach to the detergent compartment. Press and hold the “Tub Clean” button for 3-5 seconds and then press “Start.”

Can I use Tide washing machine cleaner on clean washer cycle?

In fact, the owner's manual that came with my washer (Electrolux) specifically says to run the "Clean" cycle with Tide Washing Machine Cleaner, or, in the alternative, one cup of Clorox bleach placed in the detergent cup.

How often should you use the clean washer setting?

How Often Should I Be Washing My Washer? Washing machines should be rinsed once a week by going through a “clean cycle” where the washing machine is completely empty and does not have clothes or detergent. It is recommended that every washing machine should be deep-cleaned at least once a month.

How does self clean cycle work?

Self-cleaning ovens bring the heat so you don't have to spend hours scrubbing. Traditional self-cleaning cycles heat the oven between 800°F and 900°F, helping turn soil and spills to a powdery ash you can then wipe away. They utilize only heat—no chemicals—and are built to withstand high temperatures.

Do you add detergent to self clean cycle?

No, neither detergent, bleach nor any other cleaning products are necessary to aid the Self Clean setting.

How often should I run a tub clean cycle?

If you notice that your washer smells more like a gym bag and less like the spring fresh meadow of your favorite laundry detergent, run this cycle once a week for three weeks. Otherwise, perform a tub clean cycle once a month or every 30 wash cycles.

Can I run my washer empty to clean it?

For instance, if you're transitioning from washing heavy fabrics, like towels, to lighter items, an empty cycle can help prepare the machine and eliminate any residue. It's also a great idea after washing heavily soiled clothing, as this can help clear out any lingering dirt or detergent.

How do I use the self clean cycle on my LG washing machine?

1)Press the [Power] button. 2)Press [Cycle] button and select [Tub Clean] cycle. 3)Add correct amount of washing machine cleaner by following the manufacturer's dosage instructions. 4)Press [Start/Pause] button.

Is it OK to put liquid detergent in the drum?

Dosing directly into the drum helps you to achieve outstanding results. In fact, if you pour the liquid into the drawer, the detergent could get lost in the washing machine pipes before reaching the drum, reducing effectiveness.

What to put in a drum clean cycle?

Put a quart of white vinegar and a cup of baking soda in the wash drum. Scrub the interior of the wash drum with a stiff nylon brush and vinegar. Run a wash cycle with this cleaning solution in an empty washer on the hottest temperature setting. Select the heavy-duty wash cycle if available.

What causes black gunk in the washing machine?

These fins are usually plastic and are designed to keep your clothes moving around the drum as it turns. Due to their high levels of contact with dirty clothes and high moisture levels, black mould regularly collects on washing machine drum paddles.

How to run a cleaning cycle on a washing machine?

If you don't have a sanitize cycle, turn the water to its hottest setting and add equal parts borax and washing soda to the drum, fill it, let it agitate for a minute, then let the machine sit open for an hour before continuing the cycle.

How long does a drum clean take?

How long it takes to clean your washing machine drum depends on how often you give it a wipe-down. If you keep it shiny on a regular basis, you can refresh it in as little as 15 to 20 minutes.

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