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Keeping It Clean: Essential Washing Machine Maintenance
Tips for High-Laundry Workplaces
In professional environments where hygiene is non-negotiable—like spas, care homes, therapy clinics, and hospitality venues—the washing machine is one of the hardest-working tools on site. Bed linens, towels, pillowcases, and blankets go through constant cycles of cleaning. But how often do we think about cleaning the machine doing the cleaning?
A poorly maintained washing machine doesn’t just run inefficiently—it can also harbour bacteria, reduce the quality of your washes, and shorten the lifespan of your linens. Here’s how to keep your commercial or high-use washing machine in peak condition, reduce maintenance issues, and prevent the dreaded musty smell of mould and mildew.
🧼 1. Routine Maintenance: Scheduled Essentials
Regular maintenance is your best insurance policy against breakdowns and hygiene problems. Build these into your weekly or monthly schedule:
Wipe down gaskets and seals: Moisture collects around the door seals, especially in front-loading machines. Use a clean cloth and mild disinfectant to wipe away soap residue and moisture after the last load of the day.
Check and clean lint filters: Not just for dryers! Many washing machines have internal lint traps that can clog over time. Refer to the manual for access.
Inspect hoses: Look for bulges, cracks, or leaks. A ruptured hose can flood a treatment room or guest laundry area quickly. Replace hoses every 3–5 years, even if they appear intact.
🌀 2. Deep Cleaning the Washer: A Monthly Must
Even the best detergent leaves behind residue. Over time, that buildup—combined with moisture and body oils from linens—can lead to a funky-smelling machine and less-than-fresh results.
Monthly deep clean process:
- Empty the drum.
- Run a hot cycle with no laundry, using:
- White vinegar (2 cups) in the detergent drawer, and/or
- A washing machine cleaner (check that it's septic- and linen-safe).
- After the cycle, wipe down the drum, door, and seals.
- Pull out and clean detergent drawers—they’re a hotspot for mould and gunk.
- Optional: Run a second hot cycle with baking soda (1/2 cup) directly in the drum to neutralize odours.
🌬️ 3. Fighting Mould and Mildew: Prevention Is Key
High-humidity environments, long working hours, and multiple daily cycles make your machine a prime target for mould. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Leave the door open between loads and overnight to help dry the drum.
- Keep detergent drawers slightly ajar after use to ventilate.
- Avoid overusing detergent—especially with high-efficiency (HE) machines. Too much soap means more residue, which leads to mildew.
- Dry towels and linens thoroughly before storage, or they’ll reintroduce dampness and odours into freshly cleaned loads.
⚠️ 4. Know the Warning Signs of a Dirty or Failing Machine
Watch for these early signs that maintenance is overdue:
- Persistent musty smells
- Residue or grey marks on “clean” linens
- Longer cycle times or failure to drain fully
- Excess vibration or noise during spin cycles
These signs aren’t just a nuisance—they can lead to client dissatisfaction, poor hygiene ratings, or machine failure during your busiest season.
🛠️ 5. Professional Servicing: Don't Skip It
In high-use settings, it’s wise to schedule annual or biannual servicing by a certified technician. They’ll:
- Check internal components
- Calibrate sensors and thermostats
- Ensure the drum is balanced
- Spot small problems before they become major repairs
If your facility has multiple machines, rotate deep cleaning and inspections so each unit is maintained without interrupting daily workflow.
🧽 Final Tip: Clean Machines = Cleaner Linens
Clients, guests, and residents may not see your laundry room, but they can feel the difference in every fresh sheet and towel. A well-maintained washing machine helps extend the life of your linens, improve hygiene, and protect your investment—whether you’re running a luxury spa, a senior care facility, or a busy clinic.
Don’t let a neglected washer become the weakest link in your hygiene chain. Schedule a quick check-in with your laundry setup this week—it might just save you from a costly breakdown down the road.
Need high-quality linens that stand up to frequent washing? Explore our bulk bedding and towel options designed for care and hospitality professionals.
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