It’s easy to assume that a machine designed to clean doesn’t need cleaning itself, but that’s a costly mistake. Regular maintenance and cleaning are critical for keeping commercial laundry equipment running smoothly.
This isn’t just about keeping machines looking neat; neglecting routine cleaning can lead to poor performance, safety risks, unexpected breakdowns, and higher long-term costs.
If your business relies on clean, efficient laundry service, cleaning your equipment should never be an afterthought.
What Happens When You Skip Cleaning
Skipping regular cleaning may seem like a small thing at first, but it creates serious risks over time. When commercial laundry machines are left unmaintained, performance suffers, safety declines, and repair costs can escalate quickly.
Here’s what you risk when cleaning is ignored:
- Lint buildup increases fire risk and clogs drainage systems: When lint collects in dryer vents or exhaust ducts, it blocks airflow and creates heat buildup. This is one of the most common causes of dryer fires in commercial laundry settings. Lint can clog drainage lines even in washers, leading to overflows or system pressure issues. Clearing lint regularly is critical not just for performance, but for safety.
- Mold and detergent residue hurt performance and hygiene: Leftover detergent and moisture provide the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to thrive inside drums, seals, and dispensers. This doesn’t just cause musty odors, it also affects how well clothes are cleaned. Contaminated machines can transfer unwanted smells and even bacteria to fresh laundry. Over time, this hurts customer satisfaction and raises health concerns in sensitive environments like healthcare or hospitality.
- Poorly cleaned machines lead to unsatisfactory laundry results: If internal parts are coated with grime or buildup, cycles won’t run as intended; rinses may be uneven, and detergent may not distribute properly. Clothes can come out with streaks, stains, or still smell off. That often means re-running loads, wasting water, energy, and staff time.
- Neglecting maintenance leads to expensive repairs or replacements: Minor problems like clogged filters, tight valves, or hidden debris can cause bigger mechanical failures if left unresolved. Emergency repairs often cost far more than scheduled maintenance, and unexpected breakdowns can disrupt your entire laundry workflow. In severe cases, the damage may require complete replacement of the unit.
Smart Cleaning Habits That Protect Your Equipment
You don’t need industrial-grade tools or advanced training to keep commercial laundry machines running efficiently; you need consistency. A few smart habits, spaced throughout the week and month, can prevent long-term wear, improve safety, and save thousands in repair costs.
These aren’t time-consuming tasks, but when skipped, they allow buildup and small issues to grow into expensive problems.
Below is a simple routine any team can follow, no deep cleaning manuals required.
1. Daily Surface and Lint Trap Checks
Daily maintenance might seem minor, but it plays a big role in machine health. These quick tasks help catch early warning signs and prevent dirt, lint, and detergent residue from taking over.
- Wipe down exterior surfaces: Use a clean cloth to remove detergent splashes, lint dust, and moisture from control panels and doors. This helps preserve the machine’s finish, keeps buttons from sticking, and stops small spills from causing corrosion or mold. It also gives you a chance to spot leaks or warning indicators early.
- Clear lint traps and screens: Lint should be cleared after every load, especially in busy commercial dryers. When left unchecked, it restricts airflow, traps heat, and becomes a serious fire hazard. It also forces the dryer to work harder, which increases energy use and shortens machine lifespan. A 30-second habit can prevent thousands in fire or repair costs.
2. Weekly Drum and Dispenser Rinses
Some of the most overlooked places for buildup are inside the machine itself. Leftover detergent, softener, and grime can cause mold, mildew, and poor performance. A few simple steps once a week help flush out the inside, keeping cycles clean and preventing anything from transferring onto your next load.
- Flush out detergent drawers and dispensers: Remove and rinse out any detergent or softener trays with warm water to remove sticky residue. Buildup in these compartments clogs the flow and prevents proper mixing during cycles. Weekly rinsing also prevents mold growth and reduces foul smells that can impact laundry quality. Clean dispensers mean better wash results with every load.
- Wipe inside the drum and door seals: Use a soft cloth or mild cleaner to wipe around the drum and rubber gaskets. These areas are prone to trapping moisture and lint, making them common spots for mildew and mold. Cleaning them weekly keeps the interior fresh and helps maintain machine hygiene. It also lets you spot signs of wear or damage early.
Monthly Deep Cleaning and Inspection
Once a month, take your maintenance one step further. Deep cleaning and quick inspections help you catch minor issues before they grow and clear internal components of debris, residue, and hidden blockages. These tasks don’t take long but drastically reduce the risk of performance dips or emergency breakdowns.
- Run a full machine cleaning cycle: Use a washer-cleaning tablet or manufacturer-recommended cleaner and run a dedicated cleaning cycle with no laundry. This helps dissolve internal buildup inside the drum, filters, and piping. A monthly clean cycle prevents odor-causing residue and keeps wash quality consistent. If your machine doesn’t have a cleaning cycle, you can still run a hot wash with a safe cleaner as an alternative.
- Inspect hoses, filters, and dryer vents: Check all water hoses, inlet filters, and dryer vent connections for cracks, clogs, or wear. A quick inspection takes just minutes and can catch leaks or safety risks before they lead to bigger issues. Make sure filters are free of lint and water lines are properly secured.
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning cleaning routines can miss the mark if they’re not done correctly. Many operators assume quick wipe-downs or occasional checks are enough, but certain habits do more harm than good, or leave machines vulnerable in the long run.
Below are the most common cleaning missteps that can sabotage your equipment’s health and efficiency.
- Only cleaning the outside of the machine: Surface cleaning may make machines look presentable, but it does nothing for internal buildup. Dirt, detergent, and moisture inside the drum, vents, or dispensers still linger and quietly cause damage over time. Internal areas need just as much attention as exterior panels. Neglecting them leads to odor, hygiene, and performance issues that aren’t visible at first glance.
- Using the wrong cleaning products: Harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners can corrode components or degrade seals, even if they seem to “get the job done.” It’s essential to stick with cleaners that are safe for commercial laundry equipment, especially around dispensers, hoses, and gaskets. Using the wrong product just once can leave lasting damage. Always check the label or consult your machine’s manual before applying anything.
- Ignoring the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule: Each machine has its own recommended cleaning and inspection timeline based on its design and workload capacity. Skipping or stretching out these intervals might seem harmless at first, but can void warranties and shorten the machine’s life. Manufacturer guidelines exist because they’re designed to protect your investment. Following them helps ensure you’re not missing key steps that aren’t obvious to the eye.
- Waiting for a problem before taking action: Cleaning and maintenance should never be reactive if you only check hoses, cleaning vents, or running cleaning cycles when something smells or malfunctions. This approach leads to more costly fixes and avoidable downtime. A solid routine prevents issues from happening in the first place; routine care is your most cost-effective strategy.
Partner with ACE to Keep Your Machines in Top Shape
Regular cleaning doesn’t just protect your laundry equipment; it protects your entire operation. At ACE Commercial Laundry Equipment Inc., we help businesses like yours stay ahead of wear and downtime with commercial-grade equipment, smart laundry room management tools, and expert service support.
ACE has your back if you need guidance on a maintenance routine, access to machine-safe cleaning products, or help scheduling professional servicing.
Contact us today to ask about our preventive maintenance plans, parts support, or full-service laundry room solutions. Hence, your machines stay cleaner, last longer, and keep your operation running without interruption.
