LG dryer HS means Humidity Sensor error—NOT “Heater Short” as commonly believed. The moisture sensor bars inside the drum have buildup from fabric softener or dryer sheets. Clean the two curved metal bars below the lint filter with warm soapy water to fix this. When sensors are dirty, the dryer defaults to 2.5-hour cycles.
| Error Code | HS |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Humidity Sensor malfunction |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Time to Fix | 10-15 minutes |
| Tools Needed | Soft cloth, Warm water, Mild dish soap |
| DIY Fixable | Yes |
| Official Source | LG Support |
The HS code on LG dryers indicates the humidity (moisture) sensor isn’t reading properly. This is almost always caused by residue buildup on the sensor bars—a simple cleaning fixes it.
Important: HS Does NOT Mean “Heater Short”
A common misconception is that HS stands for “Heater Short.” This is incorrect.
HS = Humidity Sensor
The code indicates the moisture-sensing system isn’t working properly, not a heating element problem.
How the Humidity Sensor Works
LG dryers use two metal bars inside the drum to sense moisture:
- As clothes tumble, they contact the sensor bars
- Wet clothes conduct electricity between the bars
- Dry clothes don’t conduct
- The control board monitors this to determine when clothes are dry
When buildup coats the sensor bars, they can’t detect moisture properly. The dryer then:
- Runs for exactly 2.5 hours regardless of load
- Over-dries or under-dries clothes
- May display the HS error
Locating the Sensor Bars
The humidity sensor consists of two curved metal bars inside the drum:
- Open the dryer door
- Look below the lint filter opening (inside the drum)
- You’ll see two parallel metal bars or strips
- They’re positioned where tumbling clothes naturally contact them
The bars may be smooth or slightly ridged, and are typically 3-4 inches long.
Cleaning Procedure
What You Need
- Soft cloth (microfiber works well)
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Rubbing alcohol (optional, for stubborn buildup)
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Dampen a soft cloth with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap.
Step 2: Locate the two metal sensor bars inside the drum below the lint filter.
Step 3: Wipe each bar thoroughly, making 4-5 passes per bar. Apply light pressure to remove the invisible film.
Step 4: For stubborn buildup, use rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth.
Step 5: Wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue.
Step 6: Dry completely with a dry cloth before using the dryer.
You may not see visible buildup on the sensor bars, but there’s likely an invisible film from fabric softener. Clean them even if they look clean—the difference in sensor accuracy is significant.
Preventing Future Buildup
Reduce Dryer Sheet Use
Dryer sheets and fabric softener are the primary causes of sensor buildup:
- Use half a dryer sheet instead of a full one
- Try wool dryer balls as an alternative
- Use liquid fabric softener in the washer instead (it rinses out)
- Some HE detergents include softening agents—you may not need separate softener
Clean Sensors Regularly
Add sensor cleaning to your maintenance routine:
| Usage Level | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| With dryer sheets | Monthly |
| With wool balls | Every 3 months |
| No fabric softener | Every 6 months |
Clean the Lint Filter Properly
Monthly, wash the lint filter with warm water and dish soap:
- Remove the filter
- Wet it under running water
- Apply dish soap and scrub gently
- Rinse thoroughly
- Allow to dry completely before reinstalling
This removes the fabric softener residue that builds up on the filter mesh.
The 2.5-Hour Default Cycle
When the humidity sensor can’t function:
- Auto Dry cycles ignore actual moisture levels
- The dryer runs for exactly 2.5 hours (150 minutes)
- This happens with or without the HS code displayed
If your dryer consistently runs 2.5 hours regardless of load size, the sensors need cleaning even if no error appears.
Model Coverage
HS applies to all LG dryers with Auto Dry/Sensor Dry features:
Electric (DLE/DLEX): All models with moisture sensors
Gas (DLG/DLGX): All models with moisture sensors
Heat Pump (DLHC): All models
Budget models with timed-only cycles don’t have humidity sensors and won’t show this code.
When to Call a Tech
Contact LG support (1-800-243-0000) if:
- HS persists after thorough cleaning
- Sensor bars appear damaged or corroded
- Auto Dry never ends regardless of sensor condition
- You’ve cleaned sensors multiple times without improvement
The humidity sensor assembly can be replaced, but it’s rarely necessary if cleaning is done properly.
Typical repair cost: Humidity sensor replacement $100-150
Sources
For official LG support: