Detergent capsules danger to children
Liquid detergent capsules and laundry pods are a serious danger to young children. Their bright colours, soft packaging, and appealing texture make them highly attractive to toddlers – and the concentrated gel inside can cause severe chemical burns to skin, eyes, and the digestive tract in seconds. This article explains the risks and what parents and carers need to know.
Under-5s are most at risk, but older children have also been seriously injured. Never store capsules under the kitchen sink or in an easily accessible cupboard near the washing machine or dishwasher.
The Scale of the Problem
Tens of thousands of children have been hospitalised worldwide as a result of incidents involving liquid detergent capsules. At least one death has been reported internationally, with many hundreds of serious hospitalisations. In the UK, BBC News reported in 2012 that five children in Glasgow alone were admitted to hospital with serious chemical burns in a single year after swallowing or biting into liquid gel detergent tabs.
Among those cases, an 8-month-old baby girl spent four days in intensive care after biting into a capsule. Some burns were described as life-threatening. Most children have recovered, but this is a genuine and ongoing danger.
The most common incidents involve young children – typically under 5 – who:
- Press down on the capsule, causing it to burst and squirt gel into their eyes
- Bite into the capsule, swallowing or inhaling concentrated detergent gel which causes severe internal burns
- Handle the capsule, getting gel on their skin which burns on contact
Even older children can be attracted to the soft, bubble-wrap-like texture of capsules and accidentally pop them open, squirting gel into their eyes.
A Parent’s Account
The following warning was shared by a mother whose child was seriously injured by laundry pods:
“Warning: This is what happened to my little boys skin after bursting laundry pods. They were out of sight, however, my son has special needs and climbed up to get them. The contents of the detergent pods were only on his skin for a very short time before I showered him but the damage was already done. Please, if you have children be so careful with these products. My child has got 2nd degree chemical burns that will require weeks of treatment and he has had to be given morphine for the pain!”
This account illustrates that even with capsules stored out of visible reach, a determined or curious child can find them. “Out of sight” is not the same as safely secured. Only a locked or child-proof cupboard provides reliable protection.
Why Capsules Are So Dangerous
The gel inside liquid detergent capsules is highly concentrated – far more so than liquid or powder detergent in diluted form. It is designed to dissolve in a full machine load of water. When it comes into contact with skin, eyes, or the digestive tract in its concentrated state, the chemical burns it causes can be severe and rapid.
Most parents are unaware of the extent of the danger. The packaging is deliberately made visually appealing and pleasant to handle – which is exactly why young children find them so irresistible.
Store all capsules in a locked cupboard – not under the sink or in a low accessible drawer, regardless of whether they appear to be “out of sight”.- Never leave capsules unattended during use – take only what is needed directly to the machine and return the packaging immediately to secure storage.
- Warn older children and grandparents – grandparents who may not be aware of the danger, and older children who may be tempted to play with the packaging.
- Always read and follow the packaging instructions – particularly regarding storage and child safety.
Danger From Undissolved Gel in Laundry
There is a second, less well-known risk associated with liquid detergent capsules: an incompletely dissolved capsule trapped in laundry. If a washing machine is overloaded, laundry can become so tightly packed that the capsule cannot dissolve properly during the wash. Concentrated undiluted gel can remain trapped within folds of fabric.
If laundry washed this way is then placed on or near a child – particularly young babies in vests or babygrows – the gel in contact with skin can cause burns before it is noticed. This type of incident has been reported since capsules became widely available.
To avoid this risk: do not overload the washing machine when using capsules, and always check children’s items carefully before use, particularly if there is any doubt that the capsule fully dissolved during the cycle.
More appliance and household safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Are laundry capsules really that dangerous to children?
Yes – the risk is serious and well-documented. Tens of thousands of incidents involving children and liquid detergent capsules have been reported worldwide, including at least one death and many hundreds of hospitalisations. The concentrated gel inside can cause rapid and severe chemical burns to skin, eyes, and internally if swallowed. Young children under 5 are most at risk, but older children have also been seriously injured.
My capsules are stored out of sight – is that enough?
Not necessarily. Children, particularly those with mobility or curiosity beyond their apparent age, can find and access items that adults consider out of reach. “Out of sight” is not the same as safely secured. The only reliable protection is a locked or genuinely child-proof cupboard. Capsules should not be stored under the kitchen sink or in low, unlocked drawers near the washing machine or dishwasher.
What should I do if a child comes into contact with detergent gel?
If gel contacts skin, rinse immediately with large amounts of cool water for at least 10-15 minutes. If gel contacts the eyes, rinse continuously with water. If any gel has been swallowed, do not induce vomiting – call 999 or go to A&E immediately, bringing the product packaging. Time is critical – do not wait to see if symptoms develop. Chemical burns from concentrated detergent gel can worsen rapidly.
Can detergent capsules leave gel on laundry if the machine is overloaded?
Yes. An overloaded machine can prevent a capsule from dissolving fully, leaving concentrated undiluted gel trapped in folds of laundry. This presents a particular risk with children’s clothing and babywear, where undissolved gel in contact with skin can cause burns before it is noticed. Always leave the washing machine with sufficient space for the capsule to dissolve properly, and check children’s items carefully after washing if there is any doubt.
Are dishwasher tablets or pods the same risk as laundry capsules?
The concentrated nature of the chemical gel means dishwasher pods and tablets carry similar risks if handled by young children. The same storage precautions apply: keep all concentrated dishwasher and laundry products in a locked or fully child-proof location, out of reach and out of sight.
Is it OK to dry laundry indoors?
Drying laundry indoors releases around 2 litres of moisture per load into the air, contributing to condensation, damp, and mould. If indoor drying is unavoidable, use a warm ventilated room, dry near rather than on a radiator, and keep a window slightly open. A dehumidifier with a laundry setting is the most effective solution.
Drying laundry indoors is not ideal. It can create excess moisture, condensation, and damp – and poses health risks for people prone to asthma, hay fever, and other allergies. If drying clothes indoors is unavoidable, there are steps that can reduce the impact.
There is also a strong link between indoor drying and mould spore growth.
How Much Moisture Does Drying Laundry Indoors Release?
Drying a single load of washing indoors can release around 2 litres of water into the air. This moisture accumulates slowly and often goes unnoticed, but over time it contributes to condensation on windows, damp patches on walls, and conditions that encourage dust mites and mould.
Alternatives to Drying on a Clothes Airer
In the UK climate, indoor drying is often unavoidable, particularly during colder months. A tumble dryer releases significantly less moisture into the room than an indoor airer, though it comes with higher running costs and energy consumption to consider.
If Drying Clothes Inside Is Unavoidable
Where possible, dry clothes near a radiator rather than directly on one – placing items directly on a radiator traps heat and can increase humidity more rapidly in that immediate area. A warm, sunny room is preferable to a cold, enclosed one.
Keep a window slightly open to allow moisture to escape. Even a small amount of ventilation significantly reduces condensation build-up. In cold or wet weather when opening a window is impractical, leaving the room door open allows moisture to disperse through the house rather than accumulating in one space.
Using a Dehumidifier
If drying laundry indoors is a regular necessity, a dehumidifier is worth considering. Many models include a dedicated laundry drying setting that speeds up drying while extracting excess moisture from the air. This reduces drying time, helps prevent condensation and damp, and lowers the risk of mould growth.
Which type of tumble dryer is best? – Black mould in washing machines
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to dry clothes indoors?
It is not ideal. Drying a single load of washing indoors can release around 2 litres of water into the air. Over time this contributes to condensation, damp, mould growth, and elevated dust mite populations – all of which can worsen symptoms for people with asthma, hay fever, or other respiratory conditions. Where possible, drying outdoors or using a tumble dryer is preferable.
What is the safest way to dry clothes indoors?
Dry near rather than directly on a radiator. Use a warm room with some ventilation – a slightly open window is ideal. If opening a window is not practical, leave the room door open to allow moisture to disperse. A dehumidifier with a laundry setting is particularly effective at reducing moisture while speeding up drying.
Does a tumble dryer solve the problem?
A tumble dryer releases significantly less moisture into the living space than an indoor airer, making it a better option from a damp and air quality perspective. Condenser and heat pump dryers in particular retain most of the extracted moisture internally. The trade-off is higher running costs and energy use compared to air drying. See: which type of tumble dryer is best?
Washing machines exploding
A known design and manufacturing fault in certain Hotpoint, Indesit, Hoover, and Candy washing machines produced between 2007 and 2009 can cause the inner drum to split or come apart on spin, forcing laundry and metal drum fragments through the outer plastic casing at high speed. If you own one of these machines, check whether your model is affected using the official safety notices below and reduce spin speed as a precaution.
If the door glass has shattered or exploded, that is a separate issue covered in our guide on washing machine door glass danger. Continue reading this article only if the drum has burst through the top or sides of the machine.
Drum failure at high spin speed is a serious safety hazard. When an inner drum splits or separates at its seams at 1400 or 1600rpm, the centrifugal forces involved can project debris across a room at significant velocity. This is not a theoretical risk – incidents have been reported in the UK and internationally.
What Is Happening and Why
The inner stainless steel drums of affected machines are splitting at their seams or coming apart during high-speed spin cycles. When this happens, the laundry and fragments of the drum can burst through the plastic outer drum and through the lid and control panel of the machine.
Several factors contribute to this fault:
- Modern machines spin at much higher speeds than older designs – many at 1400 or 1600rpm – placing far greater stress on the drum and its seams
- Outer drums are now made from plastic rather than the heavier steel used in older machines. Plastic outer drums are more susceptible to being breached if the inner drum fails
- There is credible evidence that component specifications – motors, suspension, and drum construction – have not been upgraded to match the increased stress of higher spin speeds
Which Machines Are Affected?
The fault was identified primarily in Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines, with additional reports involving Hoover and Candy machines. Machines produced during periods in 2007 to 2009 have been identified as potentially affected – particularly models with 1400rpm or 1600rpm spin speeds.
Hotpoint and Indesit have issued official safety notices. Check your model number against these notices to determine whether your specific machine is listed as affected. Note that the absence of a model from the official notice does not guarantee it is completely safe – the notices were issued reactively and do not necessarily cover all affected production.
What to Do if You Own an Affected or Potentially Affected Machine
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Check your model number against the official safety notices above. If your model is listed, follow the manufacturer’s instructions – which may include a free repair or replacement. -
Keep people and pets out of the room when the machine is on spin, particularly during the final high-speed spin cycle. This is good practice for all washing machines and appliances generally. -
Reduce the spin speed if your machine allows it. Selecting 1000rpm instead of 1400 or 1600rpm significantly reduces the forces involved. At lower spin speeds a drum failure is less likely and, if it did occur, less violent. See our guide on washing machine spin speeds. -
Do not leave the machine running unattended – particularly on high-speed spin programmes. This is standard safety advice for all large appliances including dishwashers and tumble dryers.
Reducing spin speed and keeping the room clear are precautionary measures, not guaranteed prevention. If your model number appears on the official safety notice, the only certain solution is to follow the manufacturer’s remedy process.
Why This Happened: A Manufacturing and Regulatory Failure
The response from manufacturers to initial reports was inadequate. Early statements claimed UK machines were not affected, which proved incorrect. Later statements suggested only two models were involved, which also proved incorrect. Official safety notices were not issued proactively but only after sustained pressure from consumer groups and media coverage – which delayed the time at which affected owners became aware of the risk.
The broader lesson is that higher spin speeds impose significantly greater mechanical stress on all components – drums, seams, suspension, and the outer casing. When a drum seam fails at 1600rpm the consequences are categorically more serious than at 800rpm. The industry trend toward ever-higher rated spin speeds without corresponding improvements in component quality deserves scrutiny at a regulatory level.
Concerned About Appliance Safety?
Related Guides
Washing Machine Door Glass DangerExploding door glass is a separate issue to drum failure – what causes it and what to do.
Is It Safe to Leave the Washing Machine On?The genuine safety risks from unattended appliances – fire, flood, and mechanical failure.
Washing Machine Spin Speeds ExplainedWhat spin speed ratings mean, how to choose the right speed, and when lower is better.
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?An honest look at the fire, flood, and mechanical risks from domestic white goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if a washing machine “explodes”?
In this context, it refers to the inner stainless steel drum splitting at its seams or coming apart during high-speed spin. The centrifugal forces at 1400 to 1600rpm can then project the laundry and metal drum fragments through the plastic outer drum and through the machine’s lid and control panel, throwing debris across the room.
How do I know if my washing machine is affected?
Check your model number against the official Hotpoint and Indesit safety notices linked above. The affected machines were primarily produced during 2007 to 2009. If your model is listed, follow the manufacturer’s remedy process. If it is not listed, the official notice does not guarantee it is safe – the notice was issued reactively and may not cover all affected production runs.
Can I make my machine safer without replacing it?
Partially. Reducing the spin speed to 1000rpm or lower significantly reduces the mechanical stress on the drum and the consequences if a failure does occur. Keeping the room clear of people and pets during spin provides a margin of safety if something does go wrong. These are precautions, not guarantees. If the model appears on the official notice, the manufacturer’s remedy is the only certain solution.
Why weren’t customers warned sooner?
Manufacturers initially disputed that UK machines were affected, then later claimed only two models were involved – both of which proved incorrect. Official safety notices were not issued proactively but only after sustained pressure from consumer groups and media coverage including BBC Watchdog. The delayed response meant many owners of affected machines remained unaware of the risk for a significant period.
Dishwasher Fire Risks to Pets
If your Bosch, Neff, or Siemens dishwasher is subject to the fire risk safety notice, stop using it until an engineer has inspected and cleared it. The manufacturer’s guidance to not leave it “unattended” is not adequate protection – a fire can develop faster than anyone in the house can safely respond. Check your model number against the official safety notice and arrange an engineer visit as a priority.
If you have a Bosch, Neff, or Siemens dishwasher, check whether your appliance is covered by the official safety notice. See our guide on the Bosch, Neff and Siemens dishwasher fire risk safety notice for full details of affected models and the manufacturer’s guidance.
A couple in Norfolk lost their pet dogs when their Bosch dishwasher caught fire. According to ITV News coverage of the incident, there had already been 259 reported fire incidents at the time. The couple say they were not advised to stop using the appliance while awaiting an engineer visit – and it caught fire while in use.
What Happened
The couple contacted Bosch after becoming aware their appliance was on the affected list. They were told an engineer would visit within 14 days. Crucially, they report that they were not advised to stop using the dishwasher in the interim. They continued using it during that period, and it caught fire – destroying part of the property and killing their pets.
The official Bosch guidance at the time of the incident advised owners with affected appliances that they could continue using them – but should not leave them “unattended.” In practice this means not leaving the house or going to sleep while the appliance is running.
If your appliance is subject to a fire risk safety notice, stop using it until it has been inspected and cleared by an engineer. Being present in the house while it runs is not adequate protection – a fire can take hold faster than a person can respond, and kitchen fires are among the most dangerous. An appliance we can comfortably manage without for a few weeks is not worth the risk of a house fire or injury to people or animals in the home.
The Problem With “Do Not Leave Unattended” Advice
Manufacturers frequently issue guidance telling owners to not leave affected appliances unattended rather than advising them to stop using the appliance entirely. This is inadequate for several reasons:
- Being in the same house as a running appliance provides very limited protection against a fire that starts suddenly
- Smelling smoke from another room and finding an appliance on fire leaves very limited time to respond safely
- Few domestic kitchens have fire extinguishers or other suppression equipment
- Unplugging or pulling out an appliance that is already on fire is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted
The capacity argument – that visiting and modifying tens of thousands of affected appliances takes time and an engineer cannot always attend within a day – is understandable as a logistical reality. It does not, however, change the risk to an individual household while they wait. The only genuinely safe course is to stop using the appliance until the repair has been carried out.
A Note on Manufacturer Safety Responses
When appliance fire risks emerge, manufacturers typically emphasise that only a small percentage of appliances are affected. Statistically this may be true. The relevant question is not the percentage of the production run that might be affected, but the consequences for the specific household where a failure does occur. House fires cause fatalities, serious injuries, and devastating losses. That context should drive the response, not the percentage figure.
Even for appliances not subject to a specific safety notice, Whitegoods Help strongly recommends not running washing machines, dishwashers, or tumble dryers overnight or when the house is unoccupied. For appliances with a known fire risk safety notice, stop using the appliance until it has been inspected and confirmed safe by an engineer.
Check All Appliance Safety Notices
Related Safety Guides
How Dangerous Are Our Appliances?Fire, flood, and electrical risks from white goods – what the data shows and how to reduce your risk.
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce the risk of fire, flood, and electrical faults.
Is It Safe to Leave the Washing Machine On?The risks of running washing machines unattended – what the statistics show and how to weigh them.
Tumble Dryer Fire Risk Safety NoticesWhich tumble dryer brands and models have been subject to fire risk safety notices in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Bosch dishwasher is on the affected list – can I still use it?
Whitegoods Help’s recommendation is to stop using any appliance that is subject to a fire risk safety notice until an engineer has inspected and cleared it. The manufacturer’s guidance of “do not leave unattended” is not adequate protection – a fire can start and spread faster than a person in another room can respond. Check the official safety notice for your model number and contact Bosch to arrange an engineer visit as a priority.
How do I know if my dishwasher is affected by the Bosch fire risk notice?
Check your model number against the official safety notice. See our guide on the Bosch, Neff and Siemens dishwasher safety notice for details of how to find and check your model number. Affected models include Bosch, Neff, and Siemens branded dishwashers.
Is it safe to run any large appliance overnight or when the house is empty?
Whitegoods Help does not recommend running washing machines, dishwashers, or tumble dryers overnight or when no one is home – regardless of whether the specific appliance is subject to a safety notice. Fire risks can arise from faults that develop without warning, and having someone present significantly improves the chance of catching a problem early.
Children & pets dying in washing machines and tumble dryers
Always look inside the drum before loading and starting any cycle – this single habit prevents most child and pet entrapment incidents. Use the machine’s child lock when children are in the house, switch the appliance off at the socket when not in use, and never leave children or pets unsupervised near large appliances with doors large enough to enter.
This is a genuine and serious risk that is easy to overlook. A child can climb inside an appliance and be accidentally started up by another child, or remain hidden inside without being noticed before the door is closed and a cycle is started. The precautions below are simple and could prevent a tragedy.
Washing machines, tumble dryers, and other large appliances with doors large enough for a child to enter present a specific safety risk that most adults do not routinely think about. Awareness and a small number of consistent habits significantly reduce this risk.
How Children Are Put at Risk
Children are put at risk in appliances in two main ways. First, a child climbs inside voluntarily – thinking it is a hiding place – and a sibling or playmate closes the door and starts the machine. Second, a child is simply not seen inside the drum before the door is closed and the cycle started. A small child who thinks they are playing hide and seek may deliberately stay quiet and still even if they are aware an adult is looking for them.
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Always look inside the drum before starting any cycle. Make this a non-negotiable habit, not an occasional check. Open the door, physically look inside, then load and start. -
Use the child lock if your machine has one. Many modern washing machines have an electronic child lock that prevents the machine being started with a specific button combination. Check the instruction manual and use it whenever children are in the house. Some also have physical door locks. -
Switch the appliance off at the socket when not in use. A machine that is unplugged or switched off at the wall cannot be started by a child playing with the controls – even if another child is inside the drum. This is especially important for tumble dryers, which run for extended periods. -
Do not leave children unsupervised near large appliances. Children are drawn to appliances with large doors by curiosity. Supervise access to the kitchen or utility room where appliances are installed.
Pets Inside Appliances
Cats in particular are drawn to the warmth and enclosed space of a washing machine drum. Pets have been seriously injured and killed after being accidentally started in washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers when owners have thrown items in and started the machine without checking inside first. This is not a theoretical risk – it happens with enough regularity to appear in news reports.
BBC News has reported incidents including a kitten who survived a 10-minute wash cycle and a kitten who survived an hour-long spin cycle in Aberdeen. Modern machines use significantly less water than older models, which is the main reason cats in these incidents survived – a washing machine from 20 years ago would have filled with enough water to drown a trapped animal.
This single habit prevents the majority of pet-in-appliance incidents. Open the door, look inside, then load. This takes approximately two seconds and could save your pet’s life.
Do Not Leave Pets in a Room With a Running Appliance
Beyond the risk of pets climbing inside, appliances can injure or kill pets in other ways:
- Fires started by dishwashers, washing machines, or tumble dryers have killed pets left in the room during a cycle. For a specific case, see our guide on dishwasher fire risks and pets
- Door glass explosions on certain washing machine models have thrown glass across a room at significant velocity. See our guide on washing machine door glass danger
- Pets chewing through gas hoses or electrical cables connected to appliances present a serious risk to the animal and to the property
The recommendation not to leave any appliance running unattended applies doubly when pets are in the same room. This is not overcautious – these are documented causes of animal deaths and house fires.
More Appliance Safety Guidance
Related Safety Guides
8 Ways to Make Appliances SaferPractical steps every household can take to reduce fire, electrical, and physical risks from large appliances.
Is It Safe to Leave the Washing Machine On?The genuine risks from unattended appliances – and what the evidence says about running them while out or overnight.
Washing Machine Door Glass DangerExploding door glass – causes, which machines are affected, and what to do.
Dishwasher Fire Risks and PetsA documented case of pets killed in a dishwasher fire – and the broader fire risk from unattended appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a child get trapped inside a washing machine?
Children climb into washing machines and tumble dryers through curiosity or as part of play – treating the drum as a hiding place. A sibling can then close the door and press start. A child already inside can also be missed when an adult loads the machine without checking the drum first. Children may deliberately stay hidden if they think it is a game, even when they are aware an adult is present.
How do I prevent my cat from getting into the washing machine?
Always look inside the drum before loading and starting any cycle – this one habit prevents the majority of pet-in-appliance incidents. Cats are attracted to the warmth and enclosed space of a drum and may enter in the seconds between you opening the machine and loading it. Keep the machine door closed when not actively loading or unloading. Do not leave the machine running in a room where a cat has unsupervised access.
Is it safe to leave a washing machine or tumble dryer running if pets are in the house?
It is not recommended to leave any large appliance running when no person is in the room to respond to a problem – whether or not pets are present. Fires from dishwashers, washing machines, and tumble dryers have killed pets left in the same room. Do not leave pets locked in a room with a running appliance.
LG error code CL
CL on an LG washing machine means Child Lock – the machine’s controls have been locked to prevent accidental operation. It is not a fault. On most LG machines, holding down the Temperature and Eco/Rapid buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds deactivates the child lock. If this does not work on your specific model, check the instruction manual for the correct button combination.
What CL Means on an LG Washing Machine
CL stands for Child Lock. When the child lock is active, the machine displays CL on its panel and will not respond to button presses or programme changes. The child lock can be activated accidentally – by a child pressing buttons, or by a combination of buttons being held during normal use.
This is not a fault or error code in the usual sense. There is nothing wrong with the machine – it simply needs the child lock deactivated before it will accept commands again.
How to Turn Off Child Lock on an LG Washing Machine
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Locate the Temperature and Eco (or Rapid) buttons on the control panel.
The exact button labels vary by model. Look for a button labelled Eco, Rapid, or a similar option button that sits alongside the Temperature button.
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Hold both buttons down simultaneously for approximately 3 seconds.
The CL indicator should clear from the display and normal operation will resume. The machine may beep to confirm the lock has been deactivated.
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If this does not work, check the instruction manual for your specific model.
The button combination to activate and deactivate the child lock varies between LG models. The correct combination for your specific machine is in the instruction manual. If the manual is not available, download it from our washing machine user manuals page using the model number on the machine’s door frame sticker.
If the CL indicator returns repeatedly and there is no obvious reason why the child lock is being activated, check whether a specific button is sticking or being inadvertently held during operation. A button with a faulty contact can trigger the lock combination without deliberate input.
Can’t find your manual?
Related Guides
Washing Machine Won’t StartWhen a machine that won’t start has a genuine fault rather than an activated child lock or door issue.
Washing Machine User ManualsLinks to official manual download pages for all major UK washing machine brands.
Children and Pets Around AppliancesSafety guidance on child locks, unsupervised access to appliances, and keeping children and pets safe.
Washing Machine Lights FlashingHow to read and interpret flashing indicator lights and display codes on washing machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CL mean on an LG washing machine?
CL means Child Lock. The machine’s control panel has been locked and will not accept button presses or programme changes until the child lock is deactivated. It is not a fault. Hold the Temperature and Eco or Rapid buttons simultaneously for approximately 3 seconds to deactivate it, or check the instruction manual for the correct combination for your specific model.
How do I turn off child lock on an LG washing machine?
On most LG models, hold the Temperature button and the Eco or Rapid button simultaneously for 3 seconds. The CL display should clear and the machine will respond to commands normally again. If this does not work, the correct button combination for your model is in the instruction manual. Download the manual using the model number on the machine if the original is not available.
Why does my LG washing machine keep showing CL?
If the child lock is being activated repeatedly without you intentionally pressing the combination, check whether any buttons on the control panel are sticking or intermittently making contact. A faulty button contact can trigger the lock combination without deliberate input. If the machine is otherwise working normally when the child lock is not active, this is likely the cause.