How to Start a Top Load LG Washer: Easy Steps

To start your LG top load washer, simply press the Power button, select your cycle, and hit Start/Pause. That’s the whole secret. You don’t need to press anything else to get the water flowing.

The LG top load washer is built for easy, everyday laundry. You have plenty of cycle options, from Normal to Heavy Duty, plus handy features like Wi-Fi connectivity and Smart Dial controls. We found that the key is picking the right cycle for your clothes and letting the machine do the heavy lifting.

• Press Power to wake up the machine.
• Select a cycle using the dial or the buttons on the panel.
• Adjust settings like water temperature or spin speed if you want to.
• Add your detergent and clothes, then hit Start/Pause.
• Wait for the door to lock—that means the wash has begun.

Below, we break down every step in detail, including what all those buttons do and how to use the smart features. Let’s walk through getting your laundry done the easy way.

Getting Your LG Top Load Washer Started Step by Step

You’ve got your detergent ready and a pile of clothes waiting. The only thing standing between you and fresh laundry is that control panel. It looks busy, but we found that it’s actually pretty straightforward once you break it down.

Let’s walk through the process from the moment you load your machine to the moment it starts washing. We’ll keep it simple so you can get back to your day.

Before You Press Anything: Quick Prep Work

First things first. Are the hoses connected and the water valves turned on? We found that many “broken” washers are just not hooked up properly. Make sure the machine is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.

Sort your laundry by color and fabric type. Check pockets for loose change or tissues. That sounds obvious, but a red pen in a white load can ruin your whole day. We found that a quick 30-second check saves you from a mess later.

Loading the Drum Without Overfilling

Drop your clothes in loosely. Don’t cram them in. A good rule of thumb is to leave a little space at the top of the drum. If you pack it tight, the washer can’t clean effectively, and the machine might even throw an error code.

Also, check the drum for any pet hair or debris from the last load. A quick wipe keeps things fresh and prevents buildup. You want the clothes to tumble freely, so give them room to move.

Powering On and Selecting the Right Cycle

Hit the Power button once. The panel will light up, and you’ll hear a little chime. This wakes the machine up. Now, you’re ready to choose how you want to clean your clothes.

The Smart Dial is your main control. Turn it to scroll through options like Normal, Heavy Duty, and Delicates. The display will show you the default settings for each cycle, like water temperature and spin speed. You can take those defaults or tweak them to your liking.

What Each Cycle Actually Means

We found that people often stick to “Normal” out of habit. But using the right cycle makes a real difference. Your clothes last longer, and your stains actually come out. Here is what you need to know about the most common options on LG top loaders.

Cycle Name	Best For	Key Details
Normal	Everyday cottons and mixed loads	Good default. Balanced wash action.
Heavy Duty	Towels, jeans, sturdy fabrics	Uses more water and a longer wash time.
Delicates	Lingerie, silk, lightweight items	Gentler agitation and slower spin.
Bulky	Comforters, sleeping bags, pillows	Higher water level to soak thick items.
Speed Wash	Small, lightly soiled loads	Gets the job done in about 30 minutes.

You’ll also see options like Bedding and Allergen on some models. The Allergen cycle uses hotter water to kill dust mites (Allergy UK). We found that it’s great if someone in your house has sensitive skin or allergies.

Customizing Temperature and Spin Speed

Don’t like the default settings? No problem. Press the Wash Temp button to cycle through cold, warm, and hot water options. Hot water works best for whites and oily stains, but it can shrink some fabrics, so check your care tags.

The Spin Speed button changes how fast the drum spins to dry your clothes. Higher spin means less time in the dryer but more wrinkles. Lower spin is gentler on delicate items. We found that a medium spin is a safe bet for most loads.

Adding Detergent in the Right Order

Now you add the soap. If you’re using a liquid detergent, pour it straight into the drum or into the dispenser drawer if your model has one. Our research found that putting detergent directly on top of your clothes can leave residue marks.

For a top load LG washer with a dispenser, look for the Main Wash slot. Add your detergent there. If you’re using fabric softener, pour it into the dedicated softener cup until it reaches the MAX fill line. Do not overfill, or it will just pour out into the wash early.

Powder vs. Liquid vs. Pods

All three work in an LG top loader. Powdered detergent is good for basic loads and tends to be cheaper. Liquid works well on greasy stains and dissolves instantly, even in cold water. Pods are convenient, but you need to toss them into the drum first, not the dispenser.

If you use a pod, place it at the bottom of the drum before adding your clothes. That way, it dissolves properly and doesn’t get stuck to a dry shirt. We found that this simple step prevents those annoying white streaks on dark clothes.

Hitting Start and Watching It Lock

Once everything is loaded and the settings look good, close the lid. Press the Start/Pause button. You’ll hear a beep, and the door lock indicator will light up. This is normal. The washer is checking the load and filling with water.

Don’t panic if it takes a minute or two before you see water. The machine is sensing the load size to determine how much water to use. It’s also a safety feature, so the lid stays locked while the drum spins.

What If It Doesn’t Start? Quick Troubleshooting

Sometimes, you press start and nothing happens. We found that the most common culprit is the lid. If the lid isn’t fully shut, the washer refuses to run. Give it a firm push until you hear it click.

There’s also often a feature called Remote Start or Delay Wash. If that’s active, the machine will wait for a specific time before starting. Look at the display. If you see a countdown timer, that’s your answer. Press and hold the Delay Wash button to clear it.

Using the Smart Features on Newer Models

Many newer LG washers connect to Wi-Fi and work with the LG ThinQ app. You don’t need the app to run the washer, but it adds a lot of convenience. We found that you can control the machine from your couch or check how much time is left in the cycle.

To set this up, download the LG ThinQ app on your phone. Follow the in-app instructions to pair the washer with your home network. Once it’s connected, you can start cycles remotely and get notifications when the wash is done. It’s a nice touch that helps you stay organized.

Activating the Child Lock Safely

If you have kids, the Control Lock feature is your best friend. It disables the buttons so a curious toddler can’t mess with a running cycle. To turn it on, press and hold the Control Lock or a button with a padlock icon for three seconds.

We found that this lock stays active until you hold the button again. Don’t forget to turn it off before your next load, or you’ll wonder why the buttons aren’t responding. It’s a simple safety feature that gives you one less thing to worry about.

A Quick Pre-Wash Checklist for a Smooth Start

Here is a quick rundown to keep handy for your first tries. Print this out or save it on your phone. We found that these five steps cover just about every situation.

• Ensure the lid is closed firmly until you hear a click.
• Check that you selected the right cycle for your fabric type.
• Verify the water supply valves are open behind the machine.
• Clear the Delay Wash timer if you see a countdown on the display.
• Confirm you pressed Start/Pause until the chime sounds.
• Listen for the door lock sound before walking away.

That’s it. Once you hear the lock click, your washer is officially working. You can relax, fold that other pile of laundry, or watch your favorite show while the machine does its thing.

Conclusion

Starting your LG top load washer really comes down to three simple steps: power on, pick a cycle, and press start. We walked through the prep work, the settings, and even the smart features, so you have everything you need. You don’t need to memorize every button to get clean clothes.

Our best advice is to keep it simple at first. Use the Normal cycle and let the machine do its job. Once you’re comfortable, try the other cycles and see what works best for your family’s laundry.

Your next step is easy. Head to your washer, load a small load of everyday clothes, and run through the steps we covered. You’ll have the process down in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG top load washer not filling with water?

Check that the water supply valves behind the machine are fully open. A kinked inlet hose can also stop the flow. We found that pressing Start/Pause again after closing the lid usually gets things moving.

Can I open the lid after my LG washer starts?

Once the door locks, you cannot open the lid for safety reasons. If you need to add an item, press Start/Pause to pause the cycle. Wait for the lock to release, then you can open the lid.

How long does an LG top load wash cycle take?

A standard Normal cycle usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Speed Wash is your best bet for a quick load, finishing in around 30 minutes. The exact time depends on your selected settings and load size.

Do I need to use the LG ThinQ app to start my washer?

No, the app is completely optional. You can run every cycle using the buttons on the machine. The app just adds remote start features and notifications if you want them.

Why does my LG washer keep beeping and not starting?

This usually means the lid is not closed properly. Push down firmly until you hear a click. Also, check the display for a Delay Wash timer, as that will pause the start until the set time.