|
Chris Shaw
Editor |
| Home> | INDUSTRIAL CLEANING | >Industrial Cleaning machines | >How to clean a commercial washing machine |
How to clean a commercial washing machine
15 August 2023
COMMERCIAL WASHING machines are known for their heavy-duty capabilities for cleaning laundry. Due to the nature of continuous washing, commercial laundry rooms naturally face the likes of infected linens, potentially contaminated work surfaces, multiple staff handling and a variety of detergents and chemicals so it’s easy to see how quickly they can become a holding area for bacteria.
To ensure optimum hygiene in your facility and for your appliances to work as effectively as possible, they need a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule.
How to clean a commercial washer
The following steps will help you ensure the washer is clean and hygienic.
-
Ensure the power is turned off before cleaning
-
Remove any debris or dirt from the washing machine’s exterior
-
Wipe down the washing machine’s drum, seals and gaskets to ensure there is no build up of detergents or bacteria. Do this with a soft cloth to reduce the risk of tears on the door seals
-
Run an empty hot water cycle
-
Ensure the machine’s door is left open after the cycle is complete to help air it out and remain fresh
How often should a commercial washing machine be cleaned?
A weekly hot wash is recommended to ensure all bacteria is removed from the inside of the washing machine, however this may be required more frequently for machines regularly dealing with soiled materials. The exterior of a washing machine should ideally be wiped down after each cycle to ensure clean laundry doesn’t come into contact with dirt upon unloading.
Inlet filters require checking and cleaning after every few cycles so they are not filled with dust and fluff. If blocked, the water efficiency to the machine will be reduced, causing the wrong water usage levels to be calculated, increasing utility costs.
Airing out washing machines by leaving the door open after each wash can help keep the drum dry, reducing the chance of mould and mildew building up inside.
All of the above actions should be complemented by a maintenance schedule for your team to check the condition of inlet and outlet hoses and belts for cracks, wear and tear.
Should commercial laundry equipment be serviced?
Yes. We recommend regular servicing and preventative maintenance of all commercial laundry equipment to ensure they operate optimally.
As part of the JLA Total Care package, we provide service contracts for professional laundry equipment to include maintenance and repairs, including regular servicing, emergency repairs and replacements of parts as needed.
Contact JLA for advice on your commercial laundry equipment.
