What Does the CL Code on Your LG Dishwasher Mean (And How to Fix It)
Picture this you’re ready to tackle the aftermath of a delicious dinner party, you load up your trusty LG dishwasher, press the start button, and… CL. What’s happening?! Is your dishwasher throwing a tantrum? Don’t worry; it isn’t broken, and we’re here to break it all down for you!
The “CL” code on your LG dishwasher might look intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. It’s not an error code meant to ruin your evening; it’s just your dishwasher letting you know that the Child Lock feature is on. Yes, your LG dishwasher is acting as a responsible guardian, preventing any sneaky little fingers (or accidental button pressing) from starting or stopping a cycle. Pretty thoughtful, right?
Now, the big question is how do you turn off the CL code? Breathe easy! We’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions so you can get back to sparkling dishes in no time.

How to Turn Off the CL Code (Child Lock) on Your LG Dishwasher
You’ll be happy to know that turning off the CL code is a breeze! Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the Child Lock Button
On most LG dishwasher models, the Child Lock function is controlled by either a dedicated button or a combination of buttons like “Rinse” and “Spray” or “Dual Zone” and “Energy Saver.” Check your dishwasher’s control panel this should be labeled clearly.
- Press and Hold
Once you’ve spotted the correct button(s), press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds. You might hear a little beep or see the CL icon disappear from the display, letting you know the Child Lock is now turned off.
- Test the Buttons
Try pressing other buttons to see if they respond. All good? You’ve successfully disabled the Child Lock! If the buttons are still unresponsive, repeat the steps you may have missed holding the button long enough.
- Refer to Your Manual
Can’t locate the right button or combination? Check the user manual for your specific LG dishwasher model. No manual? No problem! Head to LG’s website and search for your model online.
How to Turn the Child Lock Back On
Child Lock may be a hero for families with curious kids, so don’t forget to re-activate it if needed! The steps are the same just press and hold the same button(s) for 3 to 5 seconds until the CL code reappears on the display. Your dishwasher will once again play bouncer to those control panel buttons.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Power Cycling Won’t Help: Turning your dishwasher off and on won’t remove the CL code—this setting stays in place even if the power is cut.
- Not Just for Kids: Child Lock is also handy if you want to prevent accidental button presses during a wash cycle. Think of it as a safeguard for hustle-proof cleanups!
When to Call for Help
If you’ve tried turning off the Child Lock and the CL code still won’t budge, there might be another issue at play. Try the trusty manual once again or reach out to LG’s customer service team. They’ll help you troubleshoot further (and maybe even save you from doing dishes by hand!).
Unlock Sparkling Dishes with Ease!
There you have it your LG dishwasher is back to business, ready to handle whatever mess you throw at it. The next time “CL” flashes on the screen, you’ll know exactly what to do. Got any other quirky dishwasher codes or appliance mysteries you’d like us to decode? Drop them in the comments below.
And hey, if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow LG dishwasher owners! Now go enjoy that sparkling kitchen of yours you totally earned it!