AUTOMATIC SELF-CLEAN CYCLE PRIOR TO DRYING CYCLE IN A LAUNDRY APPLIANCE

A laundry appliance includes a drum rotatably mounted within a cabinet and defining a chamber configured for receiving a load of clothes, a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet for providing selective access to the chamber, and a user interface for controlling operation of the laundry appliance. A controller is configured to monitor the number of wash cycles that have occurred in the laundry appliance since the last self-clean cycle. Once the laundry appliance reaches a predetermined number of wash cycles without an intervening self-clean cycle, an automatic self-clean cycle is initiated upon the next selection of a drying cycle by the user, wherein the drying cycle provides an indication that the chamber is empty of article of laundry and that the user has no further immediate washing needs. In these circumstances, the controller is configured to reconfigure the selected drying cycle into a combination cycle including a self-clean cycle which is automatically followed by the desired drying cycle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to self-clean cycles in laundry appliances, or more specifically, to the selective and automated implementation of self-clean cycles in combination with a drying cycle in laundry appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A drum is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the drum. The drum or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc. During a spin or drain cycle of a washing machine appliance, a drain pump assembly may operate to discharge water from within sump.

Notably, when the wash or rinse cycle is completed, excess wash fluid commonly collects in a bottom of the tub, within the door gasket, on internal surfaces, etc. Because the wash tub is partially or substantially sealed, this wash fluid remains in the tub until the next wash or rinse cycle and the humidity remains relatively constant between cycles. Such collected wash fluid, excessive humidity, and moisture may contribute to mold, mildew, or foul smells. If the problem persists, the odors can affect the smell of articles of laundry that have been through a wash cycle. Failure to address this build up on a regular basis may lead to the misconception that the washing machine appliance is no longer effectively cleaning the clothes.

In order to eliminate these issues, conventional appliances include preprogrammed self-clean cycles that are performed to clean the various surfaces and components of the appliance. However, consumers tend not to utilize the self-clean cycle for a number of possible reasons, including a lack of recognition of the build-up in their washing machine appliance. In other circumstances, users may prefer not to run a self-clean cycle because the cycles tend to be lengthy, extending up to eight hours, thus precluding use of the machine for its intended purpose.

Some have attempted to address this problem by automatically initiating a self-clean cycle after a predetermined time period or number of wash cycles. However, consumers dislike this feature because it may start a lengthy self-clean cycle at a time that is inconvenient for the consumer. Often, such automated cycles are prematurely terminated by the user, thereby limiting their effectiveness. Alternative attempts to address this problem involve providing the user with a visual indication that it is time to run a self-clean cycle, for example, after a predetermined number of wash cycles. However, such visual indications can, and often are, ignored by the user. If the user fails to heed the alert, the problem persists.

Accordingly, a laundry appliance including features and operating methods for initiating a self-clean cycle automatically at a time that is convenient for the user is desirable. More specifically, a method for initiating a self-clean cycle in advance of a requested drying cycle, which provides an indication that the user is done with washing activities, would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary embodiment, a laundry appliance is provided including a cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted within the cabinet and defining a chamber, a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet for providing selective access to the chamber, a user interface for controlling operation of the appliance, and a controller operably coupled to the user interface. The controller may be configured to identify the selected cycle based on an input from the user interface, determine whether a wash counter exceeds a predetermined threshold if the selected cycle is a drying cycle, configure an execution cycle based on the selected cycle and the determination whether the wash counter exceeds the predetermined threshold, and execute the execution cycle.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a laundry appliance is provided. The laundry appliance includes cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted within a cabinet and defining a chamber, a user interface for controlling operation of the laundry appliance, and a controller operably couple to the user interface. The method includes identifying the selected cycle based on an input from the user interface, determining whether a wash counter exceeds a predetermined threshold if the selected cycle is a drying cycle, configuring an execution cycle based on the selected cycle and the determination whether the wash counter exceeds the predetermined threshold, and executing the execution cycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.

Referring now to the figures, an exemplary laundry appliance that may be used to implement aspects of the present subject matter will be described. Specifically,FIG.1is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance100andFIG.2is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance100. As illustrated, washing machine appliance100generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Washing machine appliance100includes a cabinet102that extends between a top104and a bottom106along the vertical direction V, between a left side108and a right side110along the lateral direction, and between a front112and a rear114along the transverse direction T (FIG.2).

Referring toFIG.2, a drum120is rotatably mounted within cabinet102such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. A motor122, e.g., such as a pancake motor, is in mechanical communication with drum120to selectively rotate drum120(e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance100). Drum120is received within a wash tub124and defines a wash chamber126that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub124holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in drum120within wash tub124. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Indeed, for simplicity of discussion, these terms may all be used interchangeably herein without limiting the present subject matter to any particular “wash fluid.”

Drum120may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber126to assist in agitation and cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber126during operation of washing machine appliance100. For example, as illustrated inFIG.2, a plurality of ribs128extends from basket120into wash chamber126. In this manner, for example, ribs128may lift articles disposed in drum120during rotation of drum120.

Referring generally toFIGS.1and2, cabinet102also includes a front panel130which defines an opening132that permits user access to drum120of wash tub124. More specifically, washing machine appliance100includes a door134that is positioned over opening132and is rotatably mounted to front panel130. In this manner, door134permits selective access to opening132by being movable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub124and a closed position (FIG.1) prohibiting access to wash tub124.

A window136in door134permits viewing of drum120when door134is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance100. Door134also includes a handle (not shown) that, e.g., a user may pull when opening and closing door134. Further, although door134is illustrated as mounted to front panel130, it should be appreciated that door134may be mounted to another side of cabinet102or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments. Washing machine appliance100may further include a latch assembly138(seeFIG.1) that is mounted to cabinet102and/or door134for selectively locking door134in the closed position and/or confirming that the door is in the closed position. Latch assembly138may be desirable, for example, to ensure only secured access to wash chamber126or to otherwise ensure and verify that door134is closed during certain operating cycles or events.

Referring again toFIG.2, drum120also defines a plurality of perforations140in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of drum120and wash tub124. A sump142is defined by wash tub124at a bottom of wash tub124along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump142is configured for receipt of and generally collects wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance100. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance100, wash fluid may be urged by gravity from drum120to sump142through plurality of perforations140.

A drain pump assembly144is located beneath wash tub124and is in fluid communication with sump142for periodically discharging soiled wash fluid from washing machine appliance100. Drain pump assembly144may generally include a drain pump146which is in fluid communication with sump142and with an external drain148through a drain hose150. During a drain cycle, drain pump146urges a flow of wash fluid from sump142, through drain hose150, and to external drain148. More specifically, drain pump146includes a motor (not shown) which is energized during a drain cycle such that drain pump146draws wash fluid from sump142and urges it through drain hose150to external drain148.

A spout152is configured for directing a flow of fluid into wash tub124. For example, spout152may be in fluid communication with a water supply154(FIG.2) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water or wash fluid) into wash tub124. Spout152may also be in fluid communication with the sump142. For example, pump assembly144may direct wash fluid disposed in sump142to spout152in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub124.

As illustrated inFIG.2, a detergent drawer156is slidably mounted within front panel130. Detergent drawer156receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash tub124during operation of washing machine appliance100. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer156may also be fluidly coupled to spout152to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive. It should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, these wash additives could be dispensed automatically via a bulk dispensing unit (not shown). Other systems and methods for providing wash additives are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

In addition, a water supply valve158may provide a flow of water from a water supply source (such as a municipal water supply154) into detergent dispenser156and into wash tub124. In this manner, water supply valve158may generally be operable to supply water into detergent dispenser156to generate a wash fluid, e.g., for use in a wash cycle, or a flow of fresh water, e.g., for a rinse cycle. It should be appreciated that water supply valve158may be positioned at any other suitable location within cabinet102. In addition, although water supply valve158is described herein as regulating the flow of “wash fluid,” it should be appreciated that this term includes, water, detergent, other additives, or some mixture thereof.

Referring again toFIG.1, control panel160including a plurality of input selectors162is coupled to front panel130. Control panel160and input selectors162collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display164indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to machine users. Operation of washing machine appliance100is controlled by a controller or processing device166that is operatively coupled to control panel160for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel160, controller166operates the various components of washing machine appliance100to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller166may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller166may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel160and other components of washing machine appliance100may be in communication with controller166via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance100, laundry items are loaded into drum120through opening132, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors162. Wash tub124is filled with water, detergent, and/or other fluid additives, e.g., via spout152and/or detergent drawer156. One or more valves (e.g., water supply valve158) can be controlled by washing machine appliance100to provide for filling drum120to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once drum120is properly filled with fluid, the contents of drum120can be agitated (e.g., with ribs128) for washing of laundry items in drum120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub124can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash tub124, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs128may again provide agitation within drum120. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a final spin cycle, drum120is rotated at relatively high speeds and drain assembly144may discharge wash fluid from sump142. After articles disposed in drum120are cleaned, washed, and/or rinsed, the user can remove the articles from drum120, e.g., by opening door134and reaching into drum120through opening132.

Notably, controller166of washing machine appliance100(or any other suitable dedicated controller) may be communicatively coupled to control panel160and input selectors162, and other components of washing machine appliance100, such as fan204and humidity sensor202. As explained in more detail below, controller166may be programmed or configured for automating elements of the washing machine appliance100at particular times as part of particular cycles, e.g., such as initiating an automated drying cycle upon completion of a self-cleaning cycle with little or no user intervention.

Referring still toFIG.1, a schematic diagram of an external communication system190will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system190is configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications with washing machine appliance100. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, cycle settings, performance characteristics, user preferences, user notifications, or any other suitable information for improved performance of washing machine appliance100.

External communication system190permits controller166of washing machine appliance100to communicate with external devices either directly or through a network192. For example, a consumer may use a consumer device194to communicate directly with washing machine appliance100. For example, consumer devices194may be in direct or indirect communication with washing machine appliance100, e.g., directly through a local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. or indirectly through network192. In general, consumer device194may be any suitable device for providing and/or receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard, consumer device194may include, for example, a personal phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or another mobile device.

In addition, a remote server196may be in communication with washing machine appliance100and/or consumer device194through network192. In this regard, for example, remote server196may be a cloud-based server196, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. In general, communication between the remote server196and the client devices may be carried via a network interface using any type of wireless connection, using a variety of communication protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g. VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

In general, network192can be any type of communication network. For example, network192can include one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, a personal area network, a local area network, a wide area network, the internet, a cellular network, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, consumer device194may communicate with a remote server196over network192, such as the internet, to provide user inputs, transfer operating parameters or performance characteristics, receive user notifications or instructions, etc. In addition, consumer device194and remote server196may communicate with washing machine appliance100to communicate similar information.

External communication system190is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system190provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more laundry appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

Referring again to the embodiment ofFIG.1, door134may further include air intake openings206. Air intake openings206may be one or more openings in door134that permit air to pass between the outside and the inside of wash tub124. To enable this function, air intake openings206may be located on both the interior and exterior surfaces of door134. In some embodiments, air intake openings206may constitute numerous small, individual openings. In alternative embodiments, air intake openings206may constitute only a single opening. The surface area of the air intake openings206(or the combined surface area in the case of multiple air intake openings206) may be varied to control, in part, the flow of air between the exterior and interior of the tub. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to include a screen or other filter (not pictured) over the air intake openings to discourage the passage of lint or other solids from entering the wash tub124. Although air intake openings206are located in door134in the embodiment ofFIG.1, it will be recognized that air intake openings206may be located elsewhere on washing machine appliance100in alternative embodiments. Indeed, air intake openings206may be located anywhere that would allow passage of air between the inside and the outside of wash tub124, such as on a surface of cabinet130.

As shown inFIG.1, washing machine appliance100may further include a damper208. In the embodiment ofFIG.1, damper208may include a first end210and a second end212. A damper opening214may be located at the second end212of damper208. Damper208may be movable between an open and closed position, wherein the open position is characterized by alignment of damper opening214with air intake openings206and the closed position is characterized by alignment of the first end210of damper208with air intake openings206. When in the closed position, damper208blocks the passage of air between the inside and the outside of wash tub124. Conversely, in the open position, damper208permits such air flow. Although a particular embodiment of damper208is provided inFIG.1, it will be recognized that other embodiments for selectively permitting air flow into the wash tub124through air intake openings206fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, damper208may lack a damper opening214altogether. In such an embodiment, the open position of damper208is characterized by no portion of damper208being position in alignment with air intake openings206. In still other embodiments, damper opening214may consist of a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality air intake openings206. In such embodiment, opening or closing of damper208need not involve movement from a first end210to a second end212(or vice versa), but rather shifting of the alignment of the plurality of damper openings214with the plurality of air intake openings206. In still other embodiments, damper208may consist of a series of planar elements aligned with the air intake openings206that individually rotate about a vertical axis, the rotation resulting in covering and uncovering the air intake openings206. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that other embodiments of a moving damper that selectively allow air flow through the air intake openings206are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that horizontal axis washing machine appliance100is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., a combination washer/dryer appliance. Indeed, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may further apply to other laundry appliances, such a dryer appliance. In this regard, the same methods and systems as described herein may be used to initiate and terminate drying cycles under certain circumstances in other appliances, such as a dryer appliance.

Now that the construction of washing machine appliance100and the configuration of controller166according to exemplary embodiments have been presented, an exemplary method300of operating a washing machine appliance will be described. Referring now toFIGS.3, a user selects a laundry cycle at the user interface (e.g., control panel160, input selectors162) at step310. Users may select from a variety of laundry cycles. These laundry cycles may generally be divided into wash cycles and maintenance cycles. Wash cycles generally involve the insertion of articles of laundry into wash chamber126prior to execution of a cycle and serve to treat those articles of laundry (e.g., introducing detergents, stain removers, softeners, and other additives) during the course of the wash cycle.

Maintenance cycles, in contrast, are intended to address the cleanliness of the washing machine itself. Accordingly, these maintenance cycles are generally run when wash chamber126is empty of any articles of laundry. Indeed, the presence of articles of laundry during a maintenance cycle would be undesirable, as the articles would interfere with the cleaning of the appliance and could, in some cases, be damaged as a result of high water temperatures, high rotation speeds, and other washing conditions associated with the maintenance cycle. Exemplary types of maintenance cycles include self-cleaning cycles and drying cycles. A self-cleaning cycle is intended to clean portions of tub124where moisture and detergent or other residue may gather. A self-clean cycle may involve one or more periods of soaking the tub to encourage the loosening of dirt followed by high speed rotation to encourage detachment of any dirt or mold. Self-cleaning cycles can be rather lengthy (e.g., between 4-8 hours or more). A drying cycle, as its name implies, is intended to dry the interior of chamber, most importantly cracks and crevices where mold tends to form. In the absence of adequate drying, over time, mold may form and emit odors that affect the perceived effectiveness of the washing machine's wash cycle.

In the embodiment ofFIG.3, step310involves the user selection of a cycle. Here, the user selects a wash cycle. At step320, the controller166identifies the selected cycle based the user input at user interface. If, as in this embodiment, the selected cycle is a wash cycle, controller166determines whether the most recent cycle executed by the washing machine appliance100was a self-clean cycle at step330. More specifically, various data associated with washing machine appliance100and its operations may be stored in memory, as noted above. In some embodiments, this, this data may include details of one or more previous executed cycles. In this embedment, the determination by controller166of the most recent executed cycle involves accessing memory and retrieving the previous executed cycle data.

The determination of the previous executed cycle at330may return a result indicating either that the previous execute cycle was a self-clean cycle or that it was not. Depending on the result, controller166may update a wash counter. The wash counter is a data element that may be stored in memory and that provides an indication of the number of wash cycles that have occurred in washing machine appliance100since the wash count was last reset. In the embodiment ofFIG.3, if it is determined that the previously executed cycle was a self-clean cycle, controller166resets the wash counter to 0 at step340and stores the updated wash counter in memory for later use. Alternatively, if it is determined that the previously executed cycle was not a self-clean cycle, controller166increments the current count of the wash counter by 1 at step350and stores the updated wash counter in memory for later use.

Referring now toFIG.4, in this embodiment, the user selects a maintenance cycle, and specifically a drying cycle, by providing an input at the user interface (e.g., control panel160or input selectors162) at step360. As before, controller166may identify the selected cycle based on the input from the user interface at step370. Notably, because a maintenance cycle has been identified, chamber126may be empty (i.e., no articles of laundry are within chamber126). If, as in this embodiment, a drying cycle is selected, controller166determines whether the current value of the wash counter exceeds a predetermined threshold. As noted above, the wash counter is incremented for every wash cycle that occurs without an intervening self-clean cycle. That data is retrieved from memory by controller166and compared to the predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is a fixed value stored in memory and indicative of the preferred maximum number of wash cycles to execute without an intervening self-clean cycle. That number may vary depending a variety of factors including, for example the frequency of wash cycles and the degree of dirt washed from the articles laundered in those cycles. For average use, the predetermined threshold may be 40 cycles, but this approximation is not intended to be limiting. Indeed, the value of the predetermined threshold may vary widely. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the threshold value is dependent primarily on the contents being washed and the tolerance of the user for interruption by a lengthy self-clean cycle.

Upon determining whether the wash counter exceeds the predetermined threshold at step380, method300next requires configuring an execution cycle based on the selected cycle and the determination whether that determination. The execution cycle represents the conditions of the actual cycle to be run by washing machine appliance100. That is, although the user selected a particular cycle type, washing machine appliance100may require additional or alternative cycles based on data stored in memory. If it is determined that the wash counter does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the execution cycle continues with the selected cycle, in this case a drying cycle at step390. Alternatively, if it is determined that the wash counter exceeds the predetermined threshold, then a self-clean cycle is necessary. It is desirable to initiate an automated self-clean cycle in combination with a drying cycle. This is because a user's execution of a drying cycle is an indication that a maintenance cycle is being performed and that there are not clothes or other articles of laundry within chamber126. This condition is conducive to a self-clean cycle. Furthermore, selection of a drying cycle also indicates that the user is likely done with washing activities for some period of time, as there would be no reason to initiate a drying cycle if moisture is immediately reintroduced through a washing cycle. Accordingly, selection of a drying cycle by the user is understood to be a convenient time to also run a self-clean cycle.

Thus, at step400, controller166may configure the execution cycle to include a combination cycle (i.e., two cycles run consecutively) consisting of a self-clean cycle followed by a drying cycle. Execution of the configured execution cycle is then initiated at step410. Notably, where an execution cycle involves a combination cycle, such consecutive cycles occur automatically (i.e., without additional user input). Thus, in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.4, for a configured cycle including a self-clean cycle followed by a drying cycle (e.g., step400), the drying cycle is automatically executed at the conclusion of the self-clean cycle.

In alternative embodiments, such as shown inFIG.5, the user may select a self-clean cycle and such selection cycle may be identified by the controller166at steps420and430. At step440, controller166may determine whether a drying cycle is required. A drying cycle may be required for a variety of reasons. For example, a drying counter may have exceeded a predetermined threshold. The drying counter, like the wash counter, may be a data element stored in memory that is incremented by one after each cycle except for the running of a drying cycle, which resets the drying counter. The predetermined threshold may be as low as a 1 or as high as preference dictates. On average, the predetermined threshold may be every ten loads, or approximately once per week for the average family. Alternatively, the requirement of a drying cycle may be time-based (e.g., once per week and/or a certain time of day).

If it is determined that a drying cycle is not required, controller166configures the execution cycle to include a self-clean cycle at step450. Alternatively, if it is determined that a drying cycle is required, controller166configures a combination cycle including a self-clean cycle followed by a drying cycle at step460. The execution cycle is thereafter initiated at step470. Notably, where an execution cycle involves a combination cycle, such consecutive cycles occur automatically (i.e., without additional user input). Thus, in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.4, for a configured cycle including a self-clean cycle followed by a drying cycle (e.g., step460), the drying cycle is automatically executed at the conclusion of the self-clean cycle.

FIGS.3-5depict steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although aspects of method300are explained using washing machine appliance100as an example, it should be appreciated that these methods may be applied to the operation of any suitable washing machine appliance.