Is it possible to run an empty washing machine?

Many people are afraid to turn on an empty washing machine, fearing that the drum will become unbalanced and is not burdened with the required kilograms of laundry. But this approach is fundamentally wrong, since, on the contrary, “idle” launches are not only allowed, but also necessary. When it is better to remove things from the tank and in what mode to wash them - we will tell you in detail below.

First launch rules

Experts recommend running the machine idle in at least two cases: an additional cycle at the end of the wash or when starting the machine for the first time. If you can still do without cleaning the drum, then it’s better not to neglect the “test run”. This is explained simply - you need to check the equipment and remove the factory grease without risking your personal belongings.

In a store, even the most expensive and famous, no one will wash the washing machine before selling it. Therefore, technical oils and dirt remaining after production and testing can easily stain the items loaded into the drum. The first idle wash will help you avoid unnecessary troubles. In order for the first start to be as effective as possible, you should follow the instructions.

1. Without loading laundry, close the machine hatch door.
2. Pour detergent into the tray. It can be any powder or gel intended for machine washing and marked “automatic” on the label. Mixtures for hand washing are prohibited, as these compositions cause increased foaming. It is also allowed to first wash with a special cleaner that can remove factory grease faster and better (we give specific examples below).

For an empty cycle, half the detergent dosage is sufficient.

3. We connect equipment to electricity directly, without using tees or extension cords.
4. Select a program. It is advisable to use a long-term mode with strong water heating, for example, “Cotton 60”.

Now you need to check whether the purchased washing machine works properly. To do this, we do not leave the machine, but observe the washing process. The following signs indicate normal functioning:

• The drum unwinds gradually, changes direction of movement, accelerates during spinning and slows down when draining water.
• The water heated up within 10 minutes after starting the machine (the hatch door should become significantly warmer).
• No visible leaks.
• There are no extraneous knocks and no increased vibration.

If any malfunction is detected in the operation of the machine, you must press the “Start/Cancel” button, disconnect the unit from the power supply and drain the water manually through the emergency drain. Next, we immediately report the problem to the technical support center and wait for the technician to arrive.

Don’t forget to prepare the warranty card and accompanying documentation for the machine so that a specialist can carry out diagnostics for free. But a free check is possible only if all the rules for installation and connection to communications are observed, as well as the timely removal of transportation bolts. The main thing is not to try to fix the problem yourself, as inept experiments will only worsen the situation.

Detergent for “idle” washing

Particular attention should be paid to the detergent. Sometimes residual lubricant is so difficult to remove that standard powders cannot cope with the oil and unpleasant odor.Then a special technical cleaner, for example, Helfer Start HLR0054, will come to the rescue.

Helfer Start HLR0054 contains strong surfactants that can degrease metal surfaces and clean the drum and internal parts of the washing machine from fuel oil, oil, carbon deposits, lime deposits and much more. Thanks to this, one cycle is enough for excess lubricant to go down the drain. The versatility of the product is also pleasing, allowing the powder to be used in any model of machine. It's easy to use too.

1. Pour the powder into the main compartment of the tray (there is no need to measure the dosage, since one package is designed for one cycle).
2. We set the mode to “Cotton 60”.
3. Let's start the wash.

No additional cycle is required. The main thing is not to rush and not turn on the mode quickly. After completing the program, you can safely load a batch of laundry and not worry about the quality of their washing.

Tips for beginners

The first launch will go smoothly if you approach it responsibly and patiently. It will not hurt to be careful in the future - knowing a few simple tips, you can not risk your things and extend the life of the washing machine. For example, do not neglect the following recommendations:

• Always after finishing the machine, run the wash without laundry to wash off any remaining powder from the surface of the drum.
• After finishing washing, wipe the body, drum, tray and rubber seals from moisture to prevent the appearance of mold and rust.
• Leave the hatch door and powder receptacle open, ensuring free flow of air inside the unit.
• Regularly clean the debris filter and the drain system as a whole.
• Do not exceed the permissible dosage of detergents.
• Choose high-quality washing powders and gels.

Carefully check the pockets of items loaded into the drum to ensure that no foreign hard or sharp objects get into the jar.

Idle washes are a mandatory step when operating a washing machine, which will ensure high-quality cleaning and a long service life. The main thing is not to neglect them and other recommendations for caring for the machine.

4 reader comments

1. 03.10.2020 at 11:50

   Vladimir:

   What if there is no way to connect directly?

   Answer
2. 04/10/2022 at 15:05

   Vladimir:

   Will have to sell ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

   Answer
3. 04/19/2022 at 09:19

   Vitaly:

   The LG wash does not start empty, there must be something in the drum.

   Answer
4. 02.10.2022 at 19:18

   Yuri:

   In Cotton mode 60 gr. with an empty drum using Tiret cleaning agent, the program time decreased after some operating time. From 2 hours 30 minutes to 30 minutes. That is, it decreased by 2 hours. Why? Did the car have time to clean itself?

   Answer