What Happens If You Run A Washing Machine Empty

A Repair Technician’s Guide

Running an empty washing machine is something that people occasionally do and in most cases running an empty cycle is harmless and can help for cleaning the machine or flushing out detergent residue. However, there are situations where running an empty washing machine can cause unnecessary wear, it can waste energy and even contribute to long-term faults.

In this guide you will learn

• Whether running a washing machine empty is safe
• When an empty cycle is actually recommended
• Potential risks you should be aware of and  how to run an empty cycle correctly
• When you may requires professional attention

Is It Safe To Run A Washing Machine Empty?

Running a washing machine empty can be safe when done occasionally and correctly. Most washing machines are designed to handle empty cycles part of routine maintenance such as cleaning the drum, removing detergent build-up and eliminating unpleasant odours.

Problems however occur when empty cycles are run unnecessarily and too frequently, and here is why – without the resistance created by laundry inside the drum, some washing machine components start to behave differently, especially during spin cycles. While this rarely causes immediate damage, repeated empty runs at high speeds can contribute to unnecessary mechanical strain over time which can result in damages.

Can Running A Washing Machine Empty Cause Damage?

Occasional empty cycles are unlikely to cause harm, but repeated use without purpose may cause minor wear over time – unnecessary vibration may place additional stress on bearings, suspension components, and drum supports. This is not likely to result in immediate fault, however unnecessary empty cycles should be avoided unless there is a specific maintenance purpose for them.

Another potential issue is your water usage. Many washing machines would automatically adjust their water levels based on your load size. Therefore running frequent empty cycles will increase your water and energy consumption without providing any real benefit.

When Running An Empty Cycle Is Actually Recommended

There are several situations where running a washing machine empty is actually advisable – one of the most important uses is routine cleaning. Running an empty cycle at a high temperature helps remove grease and detergent residue that may collect inside the drum and pipework. This is particularly useful if you use low temperature programmes and cooler cycles are less effective at breaking down build-up.

Empty cycles can also be useful when trying to remove unpleasant odours from inside the appliance. Hot empty cycles can flush out trapped residue inside your machine and help clear the unpleasant smells.

Another recommended use is after you have put too much detergent – running a rinse cycle without laundry can help remove the excess and help prevent future problems.

How To Run An Empty Cycle Correctly

If you need to run an empty wash you should use the correct programme setting – a hot wash cycle is recommended when cleaning the machine as higher temperatures are more effective at breaking down residue and killing bacteria. If you use cleaning products please ensure that they are suitable for your machine, and that they are being used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

We advise you not to run unnecessary spin-only cycles without any laundry – high-speed spinning with an empty drum provides little benefit and may significantly increase vibration and cause damage to your machine.  Our recommendation is to run an empty maintenance wash only once a month.

When To Seek Professional Assistance

If running an empty cycle does not help resolve unpleasant smells or poor drainage, please book a professional review to prevent damage and ensure your washing machine continues to operate safely.