How to clean your commercial washing machines

Commercial washing machines are the backbone of businesses like hotels, care homes and independent schools. Used everyday for repeated cycles, they require proper maintenance to perform well. Clean machines don’t just last longer, they’re more hygienic, efficient and less likely to break down, saving you time and money in the long run.

If your business relies on getting a quality finish with your laundry, this guide will provide everything you need to know about cleaning your commercial washing machines effectively.

Why clean your commercial washing machine?

Cleaning your washing machines isn’t just about appearances. It’s crucial for maintaining both the longevity of your machines and the quality of your output.

Hygiene standards  

Commercial washing machines often handle heavily soiled items, including linens, clothes, or towels potentially contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or dirt. Without proper cleaning, bacteria and mould can build up inside your machines over time. This leads to unpleasant odours, or worse, unsanitary conditions which can affect the cleanliness of your laundry.  

Staying on top of hygiene also helps your business comply with health and safety standards, ensuring customer satisfaction and safeguarding your brand’s reputation. Cleaning your washing machines isn’t just about appearances. It’s crucial for maintaining both the longevity of your machines and the quality of your output. 

Reduce cross contamination  

Cross-contamination is a major concern in facilities that handle a high volume of laundry, such as hospitals and care homes. By regularly disinfecting the drum, seals and external surfaces, you minimise the risk of spreading contaminants between loads.  

Increase lifespan of machinery  

Machine breakdowns can be costly and inconvenient. Without proper cleaning, dirt and detergent residue can build up and cause damage to key components like seals and filters. A clean machine is less likely to suffer wear and tear, helping it operate efficiently for longer.  

Ensure efficient cleaning  

Residue build-up inside commercial washing machines can interfere with their ability to clean effectively. Soap scum, lint and debris can block pipes and drums, meaning washes, rinses and spins can’t run as they should. 

This leads to poor wash quality due to soap deposits left on clothing or items coming out very wet. A clean machine ensures every load comes out spotless, maintaining high standards.  

How often should you clean commercial laundry equipment?

When it comes to cleaning frequency, consistency is key. However, the exact schedule depends on the volume and type of laundry your machines process daily. Taking these small steps regularly can prevent issues from snowballing into larger problems:

• Weekly hot wash: Running an empty cycle at 60C or above every week kills bacteria and keeps the interior clean. For heavily-used machines handling soiled loads, this might need to be done more frequently.
• After each cycle: Wipe down the machine’s exterior and seals to prevent dirt or fluff from accumulating and contaminating clean laundry.
• Regular filter checks: Clean inlet and outlet filters every few cycles to ensure they aren’t clogged with fluff or debris. Clogged filters can disrupt water flow, leading to inefficiency or higher utility costs.

How to clean your washing machine

A systematic approach will help keep your machines looking and working spotlessly. This ensures thorough cleanliness while safeguarding machine components from damage.  

Preparations

Before cleaning your machines, follow these steps to keep your equipment, premises and team safe:

• Clean during off-peak hours: Choose a time when the machine use is low to avoid disrupting business operations.
• Turn off at mains: For safety, ensure the machine is powered off before starting any cleaning activity.
• Pull it away from walls or counters: If possible, move the machine slightly to access all sides for a thorough clean.
• Remove dirt or debris: Empty lint filters and remove obvious dirt from tray ports or other accessible areas.  

Cleaning tips

• Wipe down seals and door: Use a damp cloth with mild detergent to clean the rubber seals and the drum opening. These areas are prone to detergent build-up and bacteria.
• Scrub detergent drawers: Remove the detergent drawers and scrub them with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry before replacing them.
• Clean the drum: Run a hot cycle or use a ‘self-cleaning’ feature if your machine has one. Adding a cup of cleaning product can help deodorise and sanitise the drum further.
• Sanitise external surfaces: Wipe down control panels, buttons, knobs and handles with an anti-bacterial solution to kill germs that accumulate from regular handling.

Drying tips

• Wipe away excess water: Use a dry cloth to absorb any remaining water in and around the drum to prevent mould growth.
• Leave the door open to air dry: Allow the drum and seals to air dry naturally (and keep germs at bay) by keeping the door ajar after cleaning.
• Record date of last deep clean: Maintain a log to track when machines were last deep-cleaned to ensure consistent sanitisation routines.

Record all deep cleans  

Keep a cleaning log for each machine, noting the date and details of deep cleans. This not only ensures accountability among staff but helps identify patterns that may indicate maintenance issues. A well-documented maintenance schedule can be invaluable if you require third-party support or compliance reports for inspections. 

Use a physical logbook in the washing machine area or, for larger operations, consider a digital solution or spreadsheet shared across teams. 

Book your laundry equipment service with WASHCO  

Maintaining clean and efficient washing machines can feel like a daunting task when running a busy operation. That’s where expert support can make all the difference.  At WASHCO, our experienced technicians deliver tailored servicing packages that keep your business running smoothly.

From emergency repairs to preventative maintenance and staff training, we’re here to support every aspect of your laundry operation. Get in touch today to schedule a service or to learn more about our comprehensive care plans.