Editing Washing machine (section)

===Maintenance wash===
Many home washing machines use a plastic, rather than metal, outer shell to contain the wash water; residue can build up on the plastic tub over time. Some manufacturers advise users to perform a regular maintenance or "freshening" wash to clean the inside of the washing machine of any [[Mold (fungus)|mold]], [[bacteria]], encrusted detergent, and unspecified dirt more effectively than with a normal wash.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}

A maintenance wash is performed without any laundry, on the hottest wash program,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/usage_2.html |title=Washing machine usage (part 2) |publisher=Washerhelp.co.uk |access-date=2010-02-16}}</ref> adding substances such as [[white vinegar]], 100 grams of [[citric acid]], a detergent with bleaching properties, or a proprietary washing machine cleaner. The first injection of water goes into the sump<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/diy-repair-help_4.html |title=DIY washing machine repairs (Part 4) |publisher=Washerhelp.co.uk |access-date=2010-02-16}}</ref> so the machine can be allowed to fill for about 30 seconds before adding cleaning substances.