What Is a Maintenance Wash and How Often Should I Run This Programme?

A maintenance wash is an empty wash cycle designed to clean the inside of your washing machine, helping to remove detergent residue, dirt and other build-up that can contribute to unpleasant smells and poor washing results.

Even if your laundry looks clean, residue can gradually build up inside the machine, particularly if you regularly use low temperature or shorter wash programmes.

Over time, this build-up can contribute to musty smells and can be transferred to your laundry. Regular maintenance helps keep the drum fresh and your machine working effectively. Bosch, for example, recommends carrying out a maintenance wash at least every three months.

As a general guide, once a month is a good routine for many households, but always check your washing machine's manual first, as recommendations vary between models.

Some manufacturers recommend different intervals. Samsung, for example, recommends using its Eco Drum Clean programme every 40 washes, while Bosch recommends a maintenance wash at least every three months.

You may want to clean your machine more frequently if:

• You wash several loads every week.
• You mainly use low temperature programmes.
• Your machine has started to develop a musty smell.
• You regularly wash heavily soiled clothes.
• You live in a hard-water area and experience limescale build-up.

Tip: If your washing machine has a dedicated Drum Clean, Tub Clean or Maintenance Wash programme, use that rather than choosing a standard wash cycle.

The exact process depends on your appliance, so your manufacturer's instructions should always take priority.

As a general guide:

1. Empty the washing machine. There shouldn't be any clothes inside.
2. Select the dedicated cleaning programme, if your machine has one.
3. Use a washing-machine cleaner if recommended by your appliance manufacturer. Some dedicated cleaning programmes are designed to be used without detergent or additional cleaning products.
4. Allow the programme to finish completely.
5. Leave the door open afterwards so the drum can dry naturally.

Avoid adding your normal laundry detergent unless your appliance instructions specifically tell you to. For example, Samsung advises not to use ordinary laundry detergent with its Eco Drum Clean programmes.

A maintenance wash works best as part of a simple cleaning routine.

If your machine has developed a noticeable odour, don't simply add more detergent to your next wash. Start by checking the door seal, detergent drawer and filter for trapped dirt or residue, then run the appropriate cleaning programme.

If the smell persists after cleaning, check your appliance manual for further troubleshooting advice.

A maintenance wash is a simple habit that can help keep your washing machine cleaner, fresher and performing at its best.

For most households, adding a maintenance wash to your cleaning routine about once a month is an easy way to stay on top of build up, but always follow the specific recommendations for your appliance.

Clean machine. Fresh laundry. Better care.