How often should I run an empty maintenance wash in my washing machine?

It is recommended to run a maintenance wash once a month to remove buildup and keep your washing machine smelling fresh and performing efficiently.

Can running a washing machine empty damage the machine?

Running a washing machine empty is generally safe and beneficial. It helps clean internal components and prevent mold buildup, as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions.

What cycle should I use for an empty washing machine maintenance wash?

Use the hottest and longest cycle available on your machine, often a special cleaning or maintenance cycle if your model includes one.

Is It Bad to Run a Washing Machine Empty? Benefits of Maintenance Washes Explained

Discover why running your washing machine empty is beneficial and how regular maintenance washes keep it clean and efficient.

150 views

Sep 4, 2026

Running a washing machine empty, commonly referred to as a maintenance wash, is not bad; in fact, it's encouraged. This practice, which involves running the machine on its hottest cycle without any clothes, helps remove buildup of mold, detergent, and fabric softener from parts you can't easily clean. Carrying out a maintenance wash at least once a month helps keep your machine running efficiently and smelling fresh. Just be sure to check your manual for any specific manufacturer's recommendations or preset cleaning cycles.

FAQs & Answers

How often should I run an empty maintenance wash in my washing machine? It is recommended to run a maintenance wash once a month to remove buildup and keep your washing machine smelling fresh and performing efficiently.
Can running a washing machine empty damage the machine? Running a washing machine empty is generally safe and beneficial. It helps clean internal components and prevent mold buildup, as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions.
What cycle should I use for an empty washing machine maintenance wash? Use the hottest and longest cycle available on your machine, often a special cleaning or maintenance cycle if your model includes one.

Watch More

For more tips on keeping your household appliances in top condition, explore our videos on deep cleaning your dryer and best practices for refrigerator maintenance. These guides help extend the life of your appliances and improve their efficiency.

Is It Safe and Beneficial to Run a Washer Empty? Maintenance Tips Explained Learn why running your washing machine empty is safe and how it helps with cleaning and maintenance. Monthly care tips included.
How Often Should You Perform a Maintenance Wash on Your Washing Machine? Learn how often to do a maintenance wash on your washing machine to keep it clean, efficient, and extend its lifespan.
How to Effectively Clean Your Washing Machine: Can You Run It Empty? Learn how to clean your washing machine by running it empty with vinegar or cleaner tablets to remove odors and buildup.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine for Optimal Performance? Discover how often to clean your washing machine and ensure efficiency with our expert tips on maintenance and hygiene.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Washing Machine? Essential Maintenance Tips Learn why neglecting washing machine cleaning causes odors, mold, and reduced efficiency. Discover simple monthly cleaning tips.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine for Optimal Performance? Learn the best practices for cleaning your washing machine to prevent mold and buildup. Find out how often to clean it!
What Happens If You Don't Clean Your Washing Machine? Risks and Solutions Discover the risks of not cleaning your washing machine and how regular maintenance prevents odors, mold, and performance issues.
Is Using Washing Machine Cleaner Worth It for Appliance Maintenance? Discover why using washing machine cleaner is important to remove residue, mold, and odors, ensuring efficient operation and longer lifespan.
Is Using a Washing Machine Cleaner Worth It for Maintenance? Discover why using a washing machine cleaner is essential to remove residue, prevent odors, and extend your appliance's lifespan.
When and How Often Should You Use Washing Machine Cleaner? Learn when to use washing machine cleaner monthly to prevent mold, mildew, and detergent build-up for a fresh, efficient machine.
Does Running a Hot Wash Clean Your Washing Machine Effectively? Learn how a hot wash cycle with vinegar or baking soda cleans your washing machine by removing buildup, mold, and odors.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Washing Machine? Effects and Maintenance Tips Learn why cleaning your washing machine is essential to prevent mold, odors, and maintain efficiency for fresh laundry every time.
Should You Clean the Inside of Your Washing Machine? Essential Tips for Maintenance Learn why and how to clean your washing machine to prevent mold, odors, and residue buildup, keeping your machine efficient and clothes fresh.
How Often Should You Self-Clean Your Washing Machine for Best Performance? Learn how often to self-clean your washing machine to prevent mold, residue, and maintain efficiency. Monthly cleaning is recommended.
Should I Self Clean My Washer? Essential Tips for Washer Maintenance Learn why self-cleaning your washer monthly is crucial to prevent mold, mildew, and buildup, ensuring fresh and efficient laundry every time.
Is Washing Machine Cleaner Really Necessary? How Often Should You Use It? Learn why washing machine cleaner is essential to remove residue and mildew, improve efficiency, and extend your appliance's lifespan.
How Often Should You Use Washing Machine Cleaner for Best Results? Learn how often to use washing machine cleaner to prevent mold, odors, and maintain optimal washing machine performance.
How Often Should You Self-Clean Your Washing Machine for Optimal Performance? Learn how often to self-clean your washing machine to prevent odors and buildup with simple tips using vinegar and baking soda.