You might have been washing your dishes when suddenly, the letters CL appeared on your LG dishwasher screen. You may wonder, “What does CL mean on LG dishwasher?” I was confused too when I saw this message for the first time. Luckily, I learned that CL means the Child Lock is turned on. This feature stops the dishwasher buttons from working, so kids or pets don’t accidentally change settings or open the door. In this article, I will explain everything about the CL sign, how to turn it off, and why it is useful.
Understanding the CL Code on Your LG Dishwasher
The CL on your LG dishwasher is a sign that the Child Lock feature is active. This feature is designed to keep your dishwasher safe from kids pressing buttons or opening the door while it’s running. It is a safety lock that protects your dishwasher from unwanted changes. When CL appears, none of the buttons will work until you turn off the Child Lock.
Child Lock helps in many ways. For example, if you have small kids around who love to press buttons, it stops them from pausing or stopping the dishwasher in the middle of a cleaning cycle. Also, it prevents the door from opening by mistake, which could cause hot water to spill and cause injuries.
Sometimes, you may see the CL code if the dishwasher’s control panel was touched in a certain way by accident, or if the Child Lock was turned on by someone in your family without you knowing. It is not an error or a problem with your dishwasher, just a safety feature working as it should.
Here’s what you need to know about the Child Lock:
- It stops all buttons from working except the power button.
- The dishwasher will keep running if the Child Lock is on.
- It prevents the dishwasher door from opening during a cycle.
- The CL code appears on the screen to let you know the lock is active.
If you want to continue washing dishes and use the control buttons, you need to turn off the Child Lock. This is easy to do, and I will explain it next.
- CL means Child Lock is on.
- It keeps the dishwasher safe from kids or pets.
- Buttons stop working except power button.
- Door cannot be opened when locked.
- Dishwasher keeps running normally.
- No error, just a safety feature.
How to Turn Off the CL on LG Dishwasher Quickly
When you see CL on your dishwasher, you might feel stuck. Don’t worry! Turning off the Child Lock is very simple and does not need any tools or calling a technician.
Most LG dishwashers have a specific button or combination of buttons to turn off the Child Lock. The most common way is to press and hold the “Child Lock” button for 3 to 5 seconds until CL disappears from the screen. On some models, you might need to press and hold two buttons at the same time, like “Heated Dry” and “Delay Start.”
If your dishwasher doesn’t have a labeled Child Lock button, look for a lock icon on one of the buttons. Press and hold that button or follow the instructions in your user manual.
Here are the easy steps to turn off the CL:
- Find the Child Lock button or buttons.
- Press and hold for a few seconds.
- Wait until the CL sign disappears.
- Test if other buttons are working.
- Start or stop the dishwasher as needed.
If the CL code does not go away, try turning off the dishwasher power from the wall switch or unplugging it for 1 minute. This can reset the control panel and clear the Child Lock. Then turn it back on and check again.
Sometimes, a quick reset helps if the dishwasher control panel is not responding properly.
- Find Child Lock button or combination.
- Press and hold for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Wait for CL to disappear.
- Reset power if needed.
- Check buttons work again.
- Dishwasher ready for use.
Why LG Dishwasher Has Child Lock and When to Use It
LG dishwasher’s Child Lock is there for your safety and peace of mind. It prevents children or pets from accidentally stopping the dishwasher, changing settings, or opening the door when hot water and steam are inside. This is very important in busy homes where kids are curious and like to touch things.
Child Lock is also helpful if you have small children helping in the kitchen but don’t want them to mess with the dishwasher controls. It gives you control over the dishwasher without worrying about accidents.
You should use Child Lock in these situations:
- When you have young children around the dishwasher.
- If you want to clean dishes without interruption.
- To avoid accidental changes in the wash cycle.
- When you leave the dishwasher running and want safety.
- To prevent door from opening during washing.
Many parents find Child Lock very useful because it keeps the dishwasher safe and running smoothly. It also stops kids from opening the dishwasher door, which could lead to slips or burns.
You can turn Child Lock on when you start a wash cycle, or anytime you want to keep the control panel locked. Just follow the same steps as turning it off, but press the button once or hold to activate.
- Child Lock keeps dishwasher safe.
- Protects children from accidents.
- Stops accidental button presses.
- Prevents door opening mid-cycle.
- Good for busy homes with kids.
- Easy to turn on or off.
Troubleshooting When CL Stays on LG Dishwasher
If you try to turn off the Child Lock but CL stays on the screen, it can be a little frustrating. There are a few reasons this might happen and easy ways to fix it.
First, make sure you are holding the right buttons long enough. Some models need a full 5 seconds or pressing two buttons at once. Try again carefully.
If that does not work, try resetting your dishwasher by turning it off at the power source or unplugging it for one minute. This can clear any glitches in the control panel.
Another reason might be that the control panel is dirty or wet. Sometimes water drops on buttons can confuse the control panel. Clean and dry the panel gently with a soft cloth.
If your dishwasher is older or has a control panel problem, the Child Lock might get stuck. In this case, you may need to call LG customer service or a technician to check it.
Also, check your dishwasher’s manual for your model’s exact Child Lock instructions. Each model can be a little different.
- Hold buttons correctly for 5 seconds.
- Try unplugging dishwasher for 1 minute.
- Clean and dry control panel.
- Check manual for your model.
- Call technician if problem continues.
- Don’t panic, solutions exist.
How to Use Child Lock Properly on LG Dishwasher
Using the Child Lock feature correctly can keep your dishwasher safe and make your life easier. Once you know how to turn it on and off, it becomes a useful tool for your kitchen.
When starting a wash, press the Child Lock button or combination after setting the wash cycle. This locks the control panel, so no one can change the settings. The CL sign will appear on the screen to show it’s active.
If you want to stop the dishwasher during a cycle, you will need to unlock it first. This protects your dishes and prevents accidents.
If you have kids, explain to them why the lock is there. It helps them understand they cannot press buttons or open the door while the dishwasher runs.
Remember to unlock the dishwasher after the cycle finishes to allow you to open the door and unload dishes.
Using Child Lock properly:
- Turn on after setting wash cycle.
- Keep locked during the wash.
- Unlock before stopping or opening door.
- Explain to kids why it’s needed.
- Use every time for safety.
- Makes dishwasher safe and easy.
Extra Tips for LG Dishwasher Users About CL and Safety
Besides the Child Lock, LG dishwashers have other safety features to protect your home and family. Here are some extra tips to get the best from your dishwasher and keep it safe.
Always read your dishwasher manual carefully. Each LG model can have slightly different buttons and features, so knowing your model helps a lot.
Keep the dishwasher clean and dry, especially the control panel. Water or soap buildup can cause buttons to stick or display errors.
If you have kids, teach them not to play with the dishwasher. Show them the Child Lock feature so they know it is there to keep them safe.
Regularly check the door seal and hinges. A loose door can be dangerous and cause water leaks.
If you ever see CL and the dishwasher won’t work properly, don’t force the buttons. Turn off the power, wait a bit, and try again.
By using the Child Lock and following these tips, you protect your dishwasher and family, and make your kitchen safer.
- Read dishwasher manual carefully.
- Keep control panel dry and clean.
- Teach kids about Child Lock.
- Check door seal and hinges.
- Don’t force buttons if CL stays.
- Use safety features every time.
Final Thoughts
The CL message on your LG dishwasher is just a safety feature called Child Lock. It stops buttons from working and prevents the door from opening to keep children safe. Turning it on and off is easy once you know the right buttons. Using Child Lock helps avoid accidents and keeps your dishwasher running smoothly. If the lock doesn’t turn off, simple steps like unplugging or cleaning the panel often fix the problem. Remember to always use this feature for safety, especially if you have kids at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for CL to show on LG dishwasher?
Yes, it is normal. CL means the Child Lock is active. It is a safety feature to stop buttons from being pressed accidentally. When CL shows, the dishwasher is locked, but it still works fine. This helps prevent kids from changing settings or opening the door during a wash cycle. The CL sign stays on until you turn off the lock by pressing the right buttons.
Can I use the dishwasher with CL on?
Yes, you can. The dishwasher will keep running normally with CL on. The Child Lock only stops the control buttons from working, except the power button. This means you cannot change settings or pause the wash until you unlock it. But the cleaning cycle will finish as planned, and the dishwasher will run safely.
Do I need to worry if CL appears during washing?
No need to worry. CL just means the Child Lock is on to keep the dishwasher safe. It protects kids from pressing buttons or opening the door with hot water inside. Your dishwasher is working as it should. If you want to change settings or open the door, you must first unlock the dishwasher.
Is it hard to turn off the CL code on LG dishwasher?
No, it is easy. Usually, you just press and hold the Child Lock button for a few seconds, and CL disappears. If there is no Child Lock button, press two specific buttons together. If it doesn’t work, try turning off the power for a minute to reset the control panel. This unlocks the dishwasher quickly.
Can water or dirt cause CL to stay on?
Yes, sometimes. If the control panel gets wet or dirty, the buttons might not work properly, causing CL to stay on. Clean the panel gently and dry it with a soft cloth. This can help the dishwasher read the button presses correctly and remove the Child Lock.
Do I need to call a technician if CL won’t turn off?
Usually, no. Most problems fix with button presses or power reset. But if CL stays on after trying these fixes, there might be a control panel issue. In that case, calling LG customer service or a repair technician is a good idea to avoid damage.
Is the Child Lock feature available on all LG dishwasher models?
Most LG dishwashers have the Child Lock feature, but it may look different on some models. Always check your user manual for exact instructions for your dishwasher. If you don’t find a Child Lock button, your model might have a different way to activate the lock or may not have this feature.
Can Child Lock protect dishwasher from pets as well?
Yes, Child Lock helps protect the dishwasher from pets pressing buttons or opening the door. Pets like curious dogs or cats can accidentally change dishwasher settings or open the door. Child Lock keeps the control panel locked and door closed, so your pets stay safe, and your dishwasher works without interruptions.
