What does cold wash do on an LG washer?
On our LG WD100CW washer, Cold Wash is designed to clean effectively using cold water by adjusting the wash action and cycle profile so you can get strong cleaning with less hot-water energy use. For exact cycle behavior and options, use the WD100CW washer manual.
What to expect when you select Cold Wash
- The washer targets a cold-water wash temperature (it does not rely on hot water for cleaning performance).
- The cycle may use different drum motions and timing than a standard cold cycle.
- Wash time can be longer than a warm wash, depending on load size and settings.
- Results depend heavily on detergent choice and load type.
Best practices for better cleaning in cold water
- Use a high-efficiency (HE) detergent; many detergents are formulated to work well in cold water.
- Sort by soil level; heavily soiled items may need a different cycle or a pre-treat.
- Avoid overloading; proper tumbling helps detergent penetrate fabrics.
- Consider an extra rinse if you notice leftover suds or residue.
Cold Wash vs. regular cold: quick comparison
| Setting | Water temp goal | Typical benefit | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Wash | Cold | Better cleaning than basic cold with lower energy use | Mixed everyday loads, colors |
| Regular Cold | Cold | Fast, gentle, lowest energy | Lightly soiled items, delicates |
| Warm/Hot | Warm to hot | Strongest soil removal | Whites, towels, heavy soil |
Why it matters
Heating water is one of the biggest energy costs in laundry. Using Cold Wash on the LG WD100CW can reduce energy use while still aiming for good stain removal, especially when you pair it with the right detergent and loading habits.
Last updated: January 2026
What does the LG sidekick do?
The LG SideKick for model WD100CW is a compact pedestal washer designed to handle small loads between regular wash days and provide gentler, specialty cycles for items like delicates and activewear. For cycle names and operating steps, use the WD100CW user manual.
What you can use it for
- Quick, small loads that cannot wait (gym clothes, kids’ uniforms)
- Delicates and lingerie that need gentler action
- Hand-wash type items that you prefer not to run in a full-size washer
- Separating lightly soiled items from heavier laundry
- Adding a “second washer” function without taking extra floor space
Typical cycle types you will see
Exact cycle options can vary by version, but SideKick pedestal washers commonly include specialty cycles such as:
| Laundry need | What the SideKick is meant to do | Good examples |
|---|---|---|
| Delicate care | Lower agitation and controlled spin | Intimates, lace, knits |
| Hand-wash style | Gentle wash pattern | Sweaters, “hand wash” labels |
| Activewear refresh | Designed for performance fabrics | Leggings, jerseys |
| Small everyday loads | Fast turnaround | Socks, tees, undergarments |
If performance seems off
Because WD100CW is a small-capacity washer, issues like no drain, slow drain, or unusual water temperature control are often tied to installation, hoses, or sensors.
- Confirm the drawer closes fully and the unit is level
- Check for kinks or restrictions in the drain hose
- Verify water supply valves are fully open
- If it will not drain, inspect the pump and drain path
- If water temperature readings seem wrong, a sensor issue is possible
If you are troubleshooting a drain problem, the washer drain pump assembly AHA74453902 is one of the model-specific parts we list for WD100CW.
Why it matters
Using the SideKick as intended helps protect delicate fabrics, reduces odor from letting small loads sit too long, and can extend the life of your main washer by offloading frequent mini-loads.
Last updated: January 2026
Can you use LG Sidekick by itself?
Yes. The LG WD100CW (LG SideKick pedestal washer) is designed to run by itself as a standalone washer, and it can also run at the same time as a compatible LG washer or dryer without interrupting the other appliance. See the operating details in the WD100CW owner’s manual.
How standalone operation works
When you use WD100CW by itself, you select a cycle on the SideKick control panel and start it just like a regular washer. It fills, washes, drains, and spins independently.
Typical standalone setup checks
- Confirm the pedestal washer is plugged into power and the outlet is working.
- Verify hot and cold water supply valves are fully open.
- Make sure the drain hose is secured and not kinked.
- Load small items only; do not overload the drawer.
- Use HE detergent in the amount recommended for small loads.
Using SideKick with a main washer or dryer
SideKick is commonly installed under a full-size washer (and in some setups, under a dryer). In those stacked configurations, each unit still runs its own cycle.
| What you want to do | SideKick (WD100CW) | Main washer/dryer |
|---|---|---|
| Run only the pedestal washer | Runs normally | Can stay off |
| Run both at the same time | Runs normally | Runs normally |
| Stop one cycle | Stops that unit only | Other unit continues |
If it will not start by itself
If WD100CW powers on but will not start a cycle, these are the most common causes to check first:
- Drawer not fully closed or not latching
- Household breaker or outlet issue
- Water supply turned off
- Drain hose installation problem
- Control not responding (power reset may help)
Parts that may be involved (when symptoms point to them)
If you confirm power and water are good but the unit still will not run or drain, a failed component can be the cause. For example, a no-drain condition can involve the washer drain pump assembly AHA74453902.
Why it matters
Knowing SideKick can operate independently helps you troubleshoot correctly: if the main washer is down, you can still wash small loads in WD100CW, and if one unit stops mid-cycle, it does not automatically mean the other unit has a problem.
Last updated: January 2026





