# How to start a maintenance wash without used buffer cartridges on the NovaSeq 6000
If a wash needs to be performed without a used buffer cartridge, either prior to the first run on the instrument or if no used buffer cartridge is available, users may perform a maintenance wash without the radio-frequency identification (RFID) scan via the NovaSeq Service Software.
**Note 1**: This will **not** clear the warning for performing a maintenance wash (wash flag) from NovaSeq Control Software. To clear the warning, contact[Illumina Technical Support](https://www.illumina.com/company/contact-us.html#/united-states/technical-support).
**Note 2**: Ensure all consumables are loaded for a wash prior to initiation, as washes will begin **immediately** after selecting start. To load the flow cell, select Load Flow Cell from the Home screen. Load an S3, S4, or Wash flow cell and select the flow cell type from the drop-down menu before selecting the option to to Home page. Doors for the reagent/buffer compartments should be unlocked to load remaining consumables.
**Note 3**: For required reagents and consumables to perform the Maintenance wash, search for Knowledge Base article **Washing the NovaSeq 6000**.
**Procedure:**
1. Close the NovaSeq Control Software.
2. Open the NovaSeq Service Software.
3. Select **Save** for the Output Repository page.
4. Select **Fluidics** on the main screen.\
5. Navigate to the **Recipes** tab.
6. Start **Maintenance Wash** on one or both sides.
\
\
\
| |
| :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #2512), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000002512%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |
---
# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:
```
GET https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/novaseq-6000/instrumentation-novaseq-6000-reference_material-list/000002512.md?ask=
```
The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.