For many workplaces, washing machines play a pivotal role in day-to-day operations. As such, they also need to be factored into everyday office cleaning duties. Where washing machines are used regularly, they can quickly become unpleasant to say the least. Dirty, smelly and unable to do what it is they’re supposed to do. Nevertheless, it is perfectly possible (and pretty easy) to avoid this happening in the first place.
Once the damage is done, it can be difficult to reverse. Meaning that all the intensive office cleaning in the world might not save your washing machines. So instead, preventative medicine is the way to go. If you’d prefer to look after your workplace washing machines the easy way, it’s as simple as ticking the following five boxes:
Sensible Loads
First and foremost, don’t get carried away with how much you put in there. In an attempt to hurry office cleaning duties, overloading washing machines is often the norm. Unfortunately, it’s also a great way of causing a great deal of damage. For obvious reasons, overloading a washing machine can damage its mechanical structure. In addition, it can also lead to detergent, fabric softener and dirt being left behind in the machine. All of which can quickly fester and become disastrously unhygienic. Take it from us when we say that if a washer says 7kg max, 7kg is all you should put in!
Minimal Detergent
Sticking with one of the above points for a moment, always use the minimum possible detergent. Contrary to popular belief, more detergent doesn’t mean better results. You might have the best intentions, but this is a great way of making things worse than they already are. Excess detergent fails to be rinsed away properly at the end of the cycle. Which means it sticks both in whatever it is you are washing and in the machine itself. Once again, it doesn’t take long for leftover detergent to rot and degrade into something seriously unpleasant. Which for obvious reasons is only going to make your office cleaning duties all the more difficult. This is a perfect example of where less can and usually is more. Always follow the instructions to the letter.
Regular Cleaning
Do you know how to use your washing machine’s cleaning cycle? Did you even know that such a thing as a cleaning cycle existed? If the answer is no, you need to get up to speed as soon as possible. Cleaning cycles using specialist cleaning products are essential for cleaning the parts of your washer you can’t see. Without them, it’s only a matter of time before things deteriorate drastically. Contrary to popular belief, a token clean once every few months isn’t sufficient. Instead, it should be a regular entry to your office cleaning schedule, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Leave the Door Open
While the washing machine is not in use, it is a good idea to keep the door open if safe to do so. The reason being that there will always be plenty of moisture left behind after every wash. The kind of moisture that can quickly lead to mould, mildew and general bacteria all over the place. If you can get into the habit of leaving the door open at all times, do so. This way, you will stand a better chance of fully drying the machine and preventing bacteria from forming.
Water Softeners
Last but not least, water softeners could prove invaluable for two reasons. First of all, they will ensure your machine producers better results if you are located in a hard water area. Secondly, hard water will sooner or later destroy the interior of your washing machine. Which means inevitable and excessive repair or replacement costs. There are plenty of cheap and safe products which can be thrown in with every wash to prevent this happening. If necessary, add a reminder to your office cleaning schedule, to ensure it isn’t forgotten. Once hard water has been allowed to inflict its damage, it can be difficult or even impossible to reverse it.
For more information or to discuss a quotation, get in touch with the Absolutely Gleaming customer service team today.