The Tub Clean cycle (also called Self Clean, Drum Clean, or Eco Drum Clean depending on your brand) is the machine-run cycle that cleans the drum and internal water paths — the areas you cannot physically reach. This guide covers what your washer's cycle is called, how to run it correctly, the products to use (and the ones to never use — including the widely-misunderstood bleach question), and the Saudi-specific frequency that prevents biofilm, odour, and long-term drum damage.
Tub Clean · Samsung: Eco Drum Clean · Bosch: Drum Clean · Whirlpool: Clean Washer · Daewoo: Tub Clean · Toshiba: Drum Clean · Beko: Drum Clean · Ariston: Cleaning Cycle · Hitachi: Tub Clean · Midea: Tub Clean · Panasonic: Tub Clean · Frigidaire: Clean Washer · Maytag: Clean Washer. Full brand table below ↓
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The essential facts about the Tub Clean cycle — and the complete brand-cycle reference.
The Tub Clean cycle is a machine-run deep cleaning cycle designed to remove biofilm, residue, and limescale from the areas of your washing machine you cannot physically reach.
The Tub Clean cycle is fundamentally different from a normal wash cycle. It uses much higher water temperature (60–90°C vs. 20–40°C in a normal wash), more water (higher fill level to reach more surfaces), and runs longer (1–4 hours vs. 30–90 minutes). It is designed to run empty.
Biofilm is a living organism. Killing it requires heat (60°C+ sustained for at least 20 minutes) or chemical action (acidic or alkaline cleaners). A Tub Clean cycle provides both — the heat kills the organisms while the cleaning agent dissolves the matrix. This is why a Tub Clean cycle is fundamentally different from a normal wash — a normal wash at 30°C or 40°C does not kill biofilm; it may even feed it.
The Tub Clean cycle cannot clean everything. It cleans what water can reach — but biofilm also grows on surfaces that water circulates past but does not fully wash: the door seal fold, the detergent drawer and housing, the drain filter, the pump housing behind the filter, and the internal walls of the drain hose. This is why the Tub Clean cycle is necessary but not sufficient. It must be combined with the routine cleaning tasks (door seal wipe, filter cleaning, drawer cleaning) to fully prevent biofilm.
Answer honestly. This takes 60 seconds and tells you whether to run a cycle today.
CL or tCL reminderThe complete 12-step procedure — including the critical door seal pre-clean that most guides skip.
Do not add clothes to a Tub Clean cycle. The high temperature and cleaning agents may damage fabrics. Never use bleach — it degrades rubber seals and gaskets. Do not use dish soap — it produces excess suds and can damage the washer.
You need one cleaning agent — plus basic household items for the pre-clean step.
Remove all clothes, towels, or other items from the drum. The Tub Clean cycle must run empty.
With a torch, inspect the drum for any loose debris — coins, hair clips, or small objects. Remove anything you find. Do not run a Tub Clean cycle with debris in the drum — the agitation can damage the drum perforations.
Before running the cycle, do a quick deep clean of the door seal fold using diluted vinegar and a toothbrush. This removes the majority of biofilm from the highest-density hotspot before the cycle runs. Otherwise, the Tub Clean cycle will simply redistribute the seal biofilm into the drum.
Light maintenance: Use a washing machine cleaner tablet OR 500ml of white vinegar. Moderate residue: Use a cleaner tablet. Heavy limescale: Use a commercial descaler.
If using a tablet: place it directly in the drum (or in the detergent drawer per the tablet's instructions). If using vinegar: pour 500ml directly into the drum. If using a commercial descaler: follow the product's dosage and placement instructions. Do not add detergent — the Tub Clean cycle does not use detergent.
Turn the programme selector to your washer's Tub Clean cycle (refer to the brand reference table above). If your washer does not have a Tub Clean cycle, select the hottest, longest cycle available — typically a Cotton 90°C or Boil Wash cycle.
If your washer has a hot water connection, the Tub Clean cycle will use it. If it does not, the internal heater will heat the water. If neither is available, use the hottest cycle available and accept a lower-temperature clean.
The cycle runs unattended. You do not need to be present. Depending on your brand, the cycle may take 1–4 hours.
About halfway through the cycle, open the door briefly (if the cycle allows) and check for any remaining visible residue. Do not open the door during high-temperature phases — the water may be scalding.
Once the cycle finishes, wipe the drum interior with a clean microfibre cloth. This removes any loosened residue that may have redeposited. leave it ajar to dry.
After the Tub Clean cycle, clean the drain filter. Biofilm and residue loosened during the cycle often end up in the filter trap. Cleaning the filter immediately after the cycle captures this material before it re-establishes. See the full filter cleaning guide →
Mark the date on your calendar — you'll want to run the next Tub Clean cycle in 1 month (inland) or 2 weeks (coastal).
Some washers (particularly LG and Samsung models) have a specific slot in the detergent drawer for Tub Clean tablets. If your washer has this slot, place the tablet there instead of in the drum. The slot is designed to release the tablet at the correct time.
If your washer does not have a Tub Clean or Self Clean cycle:
This DIY version is less effective than a dedicated Tub Clean cycle but is much better than nothing.
Conflicting advice about Tub Clean products is everywhere. Here is the honest, evidence-based guide.
The products that genuinely remove biofilm and limescale from the drum and internal water paths.
| Product | What It Does | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine cleaner tablet | Removes biofilm, residue, and light limescale | Monthly routine |
| White vinegar (500ml) | Removes biofilm, light limescale, odour | Monthly routine; DIY |
| Commercial descaler | Removes heavy limescale | Every 3–6 months |
| Baking soda (100g) | Mild residue removal, odour absorption | With vinegar, moderate residue |
| Citric acid (100g) | Removes limescale | Alternative to vinegar |
These products damage your washer or do not address biofilm at all.
| Product | Why It's Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Bleach | Degrades rubber door seals, gaskets, and hoses. Does NOT remove biofilm. Produces harmful vapours. The single most common Tub Clean mistake. |
| Dish soap | Produces excess suds that can overflow the washer and damage electronics. |
| Laundry detergent | Foams excessively in a Tub Clean cycle. Does not remove biofilm. |
| Fabric softener | Leaves a waxy residue that feeds biofilm. |
| Abrasive cleaners | Scratch the drum surface, creating places for biofilm to attach. |
| Toilet bowl cleaner | Highly caustic; damages rubber components and the drum finish. |
| Essential oils | Degrade rubber; leave residue. |
| Drain cleaner | Too harsh for pump seals and internal components. |
Should you use bleach in a Tub Clean cycle? No. Here is why:
The bleach myth persists because bleach is a powerful disinfectant. It does kill surface bacteria — but biofilm is not surface bacteria. It is a structured community that requires a different approach. Vinegar, hot water, and agitation are the correct tools.
| Factor | Vinegar | Cleaner Tablet |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per cycle | — | — |
| Biofilm removal | Good | Very good |
| Limescale removal | Moderate | Good (in dedicated tablets) |
| Odour neutralisation | Good | Good |
| Convenience | Requires measuring | Pre-dosed |
| Availability | Every supermarket | Supermarkets, online |
| Best for | Routine monthly maintenance | Heavier residue; convenience |
The right frequency depends on your city, your household, and your washer. Here is the complete guide.
| Household | — | Coastal (Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard household, 4–7 loads/week | Monthly | Every 2 weeks |
| Family of 5+, 8+ loads/week | Every 2 weeks | Weekly |
| Household with pets | Every 2 weeks | Weekly |
| Household that uses fabric softener | Every 2 weeks | Weekly |
| Household that washes heavily soiled clothes | Every 2 weeks | Weekly |
| Washer over 8 years old | Every 2 weeks | Weekly |
| Washer-dryer combo | Every 2 weeks | Weekly |
| Seasonal property (light use) | Before each season of use | Before each season of use |
| Rental apartment, unknown history | — | Same |
| Minimum for any household | Monthly | Every 2 weeks |
If you live in Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran. This is more aggressive than any manufacturer recommendation — because no manufacturer recommendation is written for 60–85% year-round humidity. A Tub Clean cycle that runs monthly in a coastal home will not prevent biofilm.
Every 2 weeks is the correct frequency for coastal Saudi Arabia.
Can you run a Tub Clean cycle too often? Technically, no — the cycle is designed to be gentle on the drum and internal components. Running it every 2 weeks (or even weekly in extreme cases) does not damage the washer. That said, if you are running it more than weekly, there may be an underlying issue (chronic odour, heavy residue, or excess detergent use) that should be diagnosed. If you feel you need to run the cycle weekly to prevent smell, see the Bad Smell page.
This is the most important section on the page. The Tub Clean cycle cleans the drum and internal water paths — and nothing else. Users who run a Tub Clean cycle and assume everything is clean miss 5 of 6 biofilm hotspots. Here is what to clean separately.
The seal fold is a physical crevice that water cannot access during the cycle.
Clean separately: Wipe the seal dry after every wash; deep clean the fold monthly.
Full guideThe cycle flushes water through but does not remove caked residue from the drawer or the housing behind it.
Clean separately: Remove and clean the drawer monthly; clean the housing monthly.
Full guideThe cycle loosens residue that can accumulate in the filter trap, but does not remove the filter itself.
Clean separately: Monthly.
Full guideThe cycle flushes water through but does not remove debris behind the filter trap.
Clean separately: Inspect visually every 6 months; consider a professional descale annually.
Full guideThe cycle does not flush the drain hose with cleaning agents.
Clean separately: Flush internally every 6 months; run a vinegar flush quarterly.
Full guideThe cycle does not touch the water inlet side.
Clean separately: Every 3 months.
Full guideThe Tub Clean cycle is one task in a system of six tasks. All six are required to fully prevent biofilm in coastal Saudi Arabia:
Doing only the Tub Clean cycle is better than nothing — but it misses the majority of the biofilm hotspots. The complete system is what actually prevents odour and drum damage.
Twelve mistakes we see repeatedly in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran — and how to avoid each one.
The #1 Tub Clean mistake. Bleach degrades rubber components and does not remove biofilm. Use vinegar or a cleaner tablet.
Tub Clean cycles are designed for an empty drum. Adding clothes risks damage from high temperatures and cleaning agents.
Detergent foams excessively in a Tub Clean cycle and does not remove biofilm. Do not add detergent.
If you run a Tub Clean cycle without first cleaning the door seal, the cycle redistributes seal biofilm into the drum. Clean the seal first.
Loosened residue ends up in the filter trap. Clean the filter immediately after the cycle.
The drum is still moist after the cycle. Leave the door ajar to dry.
Inland, monthly is the minimum. In coastal cities, every 2 weeks.
These produce excessive suds that can damage the washer. Use vinegar or a dedicated tablet.
Running a Tub Clean cycle immediately after a hot wash can cause thermal stress. Allow the drum to cool first.
The cycle cleans the drum and internal water paths only. See the routing section above for what to clean separately.
The cycle is a supplement, not a replacement, for routine cleaning. All six tasks are required.
These are reminders to run the Tub Clean cycle — not faults. Run the cycle when you see the reminder.
The honest distinction between what you should do yourself and when a professional service is actually worth it.
Running a Tub Clean cycle is genuinely DIY-friendly:
A professional service is worth it in specific situations:
For 90% of users, the Tub Clean cycle is genuinely DIY. Professional drum cleaning is worth it when there is established biofilm or heavy limescale that the cycle has not resolved. You do not need professional drum cleaning monthly or even quarterly. If a service tells you that, they are overselling.
The Tub Clean cycle is one task in a system of six. Here is what it prevents — and how it fits with the other tasks.
| Tub Clean Task | Prevents |
|---|---|
| Monthly (inland) / Bi-weekly (coastal) Tub Clean cycle | Biofilm in drum and internal water paths |
| Quarterly deep descale | Hardened limescale in drum and pump |
| Post-cycle filter clean | Biofilm and residue re-establishing in filter |
| Post-cycle drum wipe | Residue redepositing on drum surfaces |
| Combined with door seal cleaning | Seal biofilm (Tub Clean alone does not remove) |
| Combined with drain maintenance | Drain hose biofilm (Tub Clean alone does not remove) |
The Tub Clean cycle is one of six tasks in the complete prevention system. Alone, it prevents roughly 20% of biofilm-related problems. Combined with the other five tasks, it prevents the vast majority of odour, drum damage, and biofilm-related failures. The Tub Clean cycle is necessary but not sufficient.
We offer professional drum cleaning in Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran — typically recommended when DIY Tub Clean cycles have not resolved a persistent issue, or as an annual reset for coastal households.
Send us a photo of your control panel on WhatsApp — we will identify your Tub Clean cycle in minutes, free. No pressure, no upselling — just the honest advice we would give a friend.
Every question matches a real search query. Every answer is standalone
The Tub Clean cycle (also called Self Clean, Drum Clean, or Eco Drum Clean depending on the brand) is a machine-run deep cleaning cycle. It uses high water temperature (60–90°C), more water, and longer duration (1–4 hours) to remove biofilm, residue, and limescale from the drum and internal water paths — the areas you cannot physically reach. It must be run empty, with a cleaner tablet or white vinegar — never with detergent or bleach. See the brand reference table.
Coastal Saudi Arabia (Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran): every 2 weeks. Households with pets, fabric softener use, or heavily soiled clothes: every 2 weeks inland, weekly coastal. Washers over 8 years old: every 2 weeks inland, weekly coastal. This is more aggressive than manufacturer recommendations — because manufacturer recommendations are written for temperate climates, not 60–85% year-round humidity. See the full frequency table.
No. Bleach degrades rubber door seals, gaskets, and hoses — shortening their life by years. Bleach does NOT remove biofilm: the biofilm matrix is a protective layer that resists bleach, so the organisms inside survive. Bleach also produces harmful vapours at high temperature. Vinegar and cleaner tablets are more effective. See the products section for the definitive answer.
Both work. and is available in every supermarket. Our recommendation: use vinegar for routine monthly cycles; use a dedicated tablet for quarterly deep cleans or when residue is visible. You do not need to use both. See the vinegar vs. tablet comparison.
Set your washer to the hottest wash cycle available (Cotton 90°C or Boil Wash). Add 500ml white vinegar OR a cleaner tablet. Run the cycle empty. Follow with a Rinse+Spin cycle. Wipe the drum dry. Clean the filter. This DIY version is less effective than a dedicated Tub Clean cycle but is much better than nothing. See the exceptions section.
No. The Tub Clean cycle does not use detergent. Laundry detergent foams excessively in a Tub Clean cycle (which uses more water and agitation) and can overflow the washer or damage electronics. It also does not remove biofilm. Add only a cleaner tablet, white vinegar, or a commercial descaler.
The Tub Clean cycle cleans: the drum interior surface (perforated stainless steel drum walls), the outer tub (the plastic housing surrounding the inner drum), internal water channels (paths water takes between drum, pump, and drain), detergent path remnants, the pump housing (partially) — hot water circulates through, and limescale deposits on internal surfaces. See the full explanation.
The Tub Clean cycle does NOT clean: the door seal fold (a physical crevice water cannot access), the detergent drawer and housing (caked residue remains), the drain filter (loosened residue ends up here but the filter must be removed manually), the pump housing behind the filter (debris remains), the internal walls of the drain hose, or the inlet mesh filter. Users who run a Tub Clean cycle and assume the washer is fully clean miss 5 of 6 biofilm hotspots. See the routing section.
The most common cause is biofilm in the door seal fold — the Tub Clean cycle does not touch this. If you run the cycle without first cleaning the seal, the cycle redistributes seal biofilm into the drum. Other causes: biofilm in the filter trap or drain hose (both need separate cleaning), or established biofilm in areas the cycle cannot reach. Clean the seal first, then run the cycle, then clean the filter immediately after. See the Bad Smell page.
CL (or tCL) is a reminder — not a fault. Many washers track the number of cycles since the last Tub Clean and display CL after 20–40 wash cycles. Running a Tub Clean cycle clears the reminder. If you see CL and have not run a Tub Clean cycle in over a month, run one now. check your manual or call us.
No. Tub Clean cycles are designed for an empty drum. The high temperature (60–90°C) and cleaning agents may damage fabrics, and agitation with clothes present can damage the drum perforations. Always remove all items before running a Tub Clean cycle.
1–4 hours depending on brand. LG Tub Clean: 1–3 hours. Samsung Eco Drum Clean: 1.5–3 hours. Bosch Drum Clean: 1–2 hours. Whirlpool Clean Washer: 1–2 hours. Most cycles run unattended. Do not interrupt the cycle — the high-temperature phase is the point.
Dedicated washing machine cleaner tablets (LG Tub Clean, Samsung Eco Drum Clean, Affresh, Whirlpool Affresh). These are formulated for the Tub Clean cycle and remove biofilm and limescale effectively. effective for routine maintenance. Avoid bleach, dish soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, and abrasive cleaners. See the products section.
No. Semi-automatic (twin-tub) washers do not have a Tub Clean cycle. For these washers, manually fill the tub with hot water and 500ml white vinegar, run the wash cycle for 15–20 minutes, drain, then run a clean water rinse cycle. Repeat every 2 weeks in coastal areas. The outer tub of a semi-automatic is also more accessible — you can manually scrub the visible surfaces.
Yes — we cover Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran. We offer free cycle identification (send us a photo of your control panel), honest DIY guidance. All professional drum cleanings include full descaling, drain flush, pump housing inspection, and written condition report. See all service areas →