If the door seal on your LG washing machine (also known as the gasket) is leaking or visibly damaged, it will need to be replaced to get your washing machine working properly again. In this article, we're going to show you how to replace the door seal on an LG washing machine step by step so you can return your appliance to working order.
The machine we'll be using for this replacement guide is an LG washing machine. However, the process should generally be the same for most kinds of washing machines.
If you have a different make of washing machine, we also have articles to help you fit the door seal on Indesit, Hoover, Bosch, Samsung and Zanussi machines too.
How to know if your door seal needs replacing
You will know your door seal needs replacing if your washing machine is leaking from the front. If you find this is happening, inspect the gasket for any rips, tears or other clear signs of wear and tear. If it is damaged in any way, it will need to be replaced.
What you will need
To carry out this replacement, you will need the following:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Replacement door seal
- Washing up liquid (optional)
Finding your model number
Before you begin, you will need to find out your washing machine's model number to make sure you purchase the correct door seal for your particular appliance. On the model we're using for this guide, the model number can be found on a rating plate on the frame behind the door. On many appliances, this number may also be found on the removable kickplate panel at the bottom of the appliance. The number may be a combination of letters and numbers and could also include characters such as a dash (-) or a slash (/). For more help finding the washing machine model number or for what to do if it has rubbed off or you can't find it, take a look at our article.
How to replace the door seal on an LG washing machine
Let's dive in! To learn all there is to replacing an LG washing machine door seal step by step, simply watch our video below or follow the guide beneath.
Safety first
Remember, you should always make sure your appliance is switched off and unplugged from the wall before carrying out any work, repairs or part replacements.
Step 1: Remove the top panel
First, remove the washing machine's top panel. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws that keep the panel in place from the back. Then slide the top panel back and lift it off of the appliance before placing it aside.
Step 2: Remove the control panel
Next, you'll need to remove the control panel, also known as the fascia. To remove this, you'll first need to remove the detergent drawer by sliding it out and pressing the quick-release catch at the top.
Using your Phillips screwdriver, you can then remove the two screws that are located behind the detergent drawer on either side of the drawer frame.
You'll then need to remove the two clips that can be found on the inner side of the control panel at the opposite end of the detergent drawer. Using a screwdriver, pop the clips out and the control panel will disconnect from the front of the washing machine.
The fascia will still be connected by its electrical connections, but you can move it out of the way by resting it on top of the washing machine.
Step 3: Remove the kickplate
To remove the kickplate, also known as the plinth, use a flathead screwdriver, coin or similar item to release the filter flap.
Then disconnect the front drain hose behind the flap and remove the screw above it using your Phillips screwdriver.
With the screw removed, you will be able to pull the kickplate off the washing machine.
Step 4: Release the outer retaining band
You can then open the washing machine door and remove the outer retaining band from around the door seal. You can use a flathead screwdriver or a blunt knife to ease the band from around the seal.
With the retaining band removed, release the door seal from the door frame's outer lip and fold it entirely inside the drum.
Step 5: Release the door lock
Next, it's time to release the door lock. Using your Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws that can be found above and below the door lock.
Step 6: Remove the front panel
Then you're going to want to remove the front panel. Using your Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws that hold the panel in place at the top...
And then the three screws that hold the panel in place at the bottom.
With these five screws removed, you will be able to lift the front panel away from the machine and place it safely to one side.
Step 7: Remove the old door seal
Now it's time to go ahead and remove the old gasket. First, remove the hose that's connected to the top of the seal by simply pulling it free.
You will then be able to see the inner sprung band that holds the seal in place from the inside. To remove this, work a flathead screwdriver or similar tool beneath the band and pry it free. This may take some time, so be patient and careful as you do this.
With the inner sprung band removed, you can now remove the old door seal by pulling it off the frame.
Step 8: Clean the area around the seal
Before fitting the new seal, it's a good idea to give the frame beneath the door seal a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to clean it. This will ensure that the frame is nice and clean before you fit your new seal.
Step 9: Fit the new door seal
When fitting the new door seal, you'll first want to make sure you keep the small pipe that can be found at the top of the old gasket. This is because the pipe won't be included with your new seal. You can fit this pipe to the new seal by sliding it into its hole from underneath and clipping it into place with its circular bearing.
Before fitting the new seal, it's important to make sure you have it in the correct position. The drain hole should be positioned at the bottom of the drum in the 6 o'clock position...
And the little arrow at the top of the seal should match up with the little arrow at the top of the drum.
It's a good idea to rub some washing-up liquid around the door seal's inner lip to lubricate it and make it easier to fit onto the drum as it can be quite stiff.
You can then fit the door seal (in the correct position) by working the lip around the edge of the drum, making sure it's securely fitted all the way around.
Step 10: Refit the inner sprung band
With the new gasket fitted, it's time to secure it by refitting the inner sprung band. For this, you may need a second pair of hands as it can be quite tricky to fit. Alternatively, you can use two flathead screwdrivers (or similar tools) to fit the band with the following technique. First, get the sprung part of the band into position at the top of the seal, then manually work as much of the band around the seal as you can.
Then, when it gets tight and tricky to fit, use the two flathead screwdrivers to finish working the band into position around the seal. When doing this, be careful not to puncture the door seal itself.
With the sprung band connected, you can go ahead and reconnect the hose to the small pipe at the top of the seal.
Now that your new door seal is securely in place, you can put your washing machine back together again by reversing the disassembly steps outlined earlier on in this guide.
And that's all there is to replacing the door seal on an LG washing machine step by step! Your washing machine should now be leak-free and working properly once again.
Now that your appliance is back in working order, it's also a good idea to make sure you're keeping it as clean as possible too. Our article on how to clean a washing machine will help you do just that, ensuring the best performance and optimal cleaning results from your washer.
Before you go, don't forget to also sign up to our mailing list below for more appliance maintenance advice, repair guides, exclusive discounts on appliance spares and accessories and much more.
Print this article