Many people consider running an empty washing machine a waste of water and electricity. It would seem that the equipment should only work when there is dirty laundry in the drum. However, service specialists claim that single wash is a critical procedure that can extend the life of your device by several years and save things from damage.
The main reason lies in the peculiarities of modern washing modes. In order to save money and take care of fabrics, we increasingly choose low temperatures (30–40 degrees) and short cycles. Under such conditions, an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and mold is created inside the machine.
Hidden threat inside the drum
Visually, the drum may be sparkling clean, but the main contaminants accumulate where they are not visible: on the back of the tank, in the rubber seals and pipes. Over time, a layer of detergent residuelint and fat from clothes.
If you ignore preventive cleaning, the following problems arise:
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Unpleasant musty smellwhich is transferred to freshly washed laundry.
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The appearance of gray or black spots on clothing.
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Deterioration of water heating due to scale on the heating element.
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Risk of failure of the drain pump due to accumulated dirt.
How to properly perform a service wash
For the procedure to bring maximum benefit, it is not enough to simply spin the drum without things. It is necessary to create conditions that are harmful to microorganisms and plaque.
Basic rules of “hygiene” for a washing machine:
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Choose mode with the highest possible temperature (usually 90–95 degrees). Boiling water effectively kills fungus and dissolves fat deposits.
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Use special tools. It can be a professional cleaner for washing machines, citric acid or regular powder with bleach.
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Turn off spin. At idle, high speeds are not needed and can create unnecessary vibration.
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Clean the powder tray and filter. Before starting the cycle, be sure to rinse the cuvette, since this is where mold often begins its journey into the unit.
The regularity of this procedure depends on the frequency of use of the equipment. If you wash daily or use a lot of gels and rinse aids, a service wash is recommended once a month. This will keep the internal parts clean and prevent costly repairs in the future.
A clean washing machine not only removes stains better, but also uses less electricity due to a clean heating element.
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