Use the maintenance programme as the manual specifies. A cycle intended to clean the machine may require an empty drum and a particular cleaning product.
Understanding this situation
Its purpose differs from washing garments, and its temperature or chemical treatment may be unsuitable for clothing. Adding towels to make the cycle feel less wasteful can defeat the intended process.
A useful next step
Check the exact programme instructions first. If clothes were accidentally included, assess them against their care labels and the cleaner's guidance rather than assuming an ordinary wash result. Do not mix cleaners or add extra chemical products midway through the cycle.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.