LG Frontload Washer - Sanitary Cycle Not Working: Causes, Checks &

The Sanitary wash cycle involves heating up of water and using hot water for washing. Cold water is used during rinsing to protect fabrics from damage. As a result, your clothes may feel cold when you unload them from the washer. Rest assured, this is normal operation of the washer. Since these processes occur internally, external verification of their….

TroubleshootingWashers

What to Check First

  1. Only use 1/2 of the detergent manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
  2. If only the cold water hose is connected, or if the hot water faucet is closed, the water may be heated to a lower temperature than the programmed temperature.
  3. The cycle will still operate even if only the cold water hose is connected. The washer uses its own heating system to heat water.
  4. If warm water can be supplied to the washer, it will help to save energy.
  5. Suds removal function: This function could operate if too much detergent is used.
  6. Function for decreasing drain water temperature: After Sanitary-washing, cold water is supplied briefly several times to prevent damage to laundry caused by sudden supplies of cold water and to reduce the drain water temperature.
  7. The recommended amount of laundry is 3kg or less.
  8. When the washer is running on Eco Sanitary, heat may be felt from the front or around the washer.
  9. The Sanitary wash cycle involves heating up of water and using hot water for washing. Cold water is used during rinsing to protect fabrics from damage. As a result, your clothes may feel cold when you unload them from the washer. Rest assured, this is normal operation of the washer. Since these processes occur internally, external verification of their normal execution is not possible. (Due to the high water temperature, there is potential danger of burn injuries.).
  10. ➔ a tE error will be displayed if the heater element or the temperature sensor malfunctions.

Why This Can Happen

Symptoms can have more than one cause, and the correct steps depend on the exact model, installation and operating conditions. Use the checks above to narrow the issue before service.

Safety and Model-Specific Guidance

Stop troubleshooting if you notice burning, electrical damage, unsafe heat, gas odor, refrigerant concerns, or water near electrical components. Follow the official LG USA instructions for your exact model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check first for LG Frontload Washer - Sanitary Cycle Not Working?

Only use 1/2 of the detergent manufacturer’s recommended dosage.

When should I stop troubleshooting and contact LG?

Stop if the product shows signs of electrical damage, burning, leaking near electrical components, or if the recommended checks do not resolve the issue. Use LG USA support for model-specific service guidance.

Does this guidance apply to every LG model?

Not always. Controls, error codes and service steps can differ by model. Confirm the exact model number and follow the linked LG USA article for model-specific instructions.

Related LG Products

These model pages are linked because the stored category or exact model matches this Help Library topic.

Read the Official LG Guide