A method for controlling a program-controlled water-bearing domestic cleaning appliance, especially a washing machine, which comprises a program control device that controls a water supply and outlet device, a heater and/or a drive device. For the purpose of cleaning, the structural components that come into contact with water during proper operation of the device, the so-called self-cleaning, the program control device controls water supply, discharge, water level, the speed of the driving motor and/or the duration of the drive control within at least one program section and/or the duration of at least one program section in such a manner that all structural components to be cleaned are wetted with water or the cleaning solution. This kind of self-cleaning should especially be carried out when the domestic cleaning appliance is put into operation for the first time. The invention is further characterized in that the program control device automatically recognizes the initial putting into operation.