[Home Tips] How to clean the washing machine tub thoroughly if it is moldy?
🧺 How to clean your washing machine tub? The ultimate guide to mold prevention in Hong Kong
The weather in Hong Kong is hot and humid, especially during the rainy season🌧️. Washing machines are exposed to a humid environment for a long time and are prone to mold.
Have you tried:
- Clothes smell musty after washing 😖
- Black spots appear on white clothes🫤
- There are black mold spots on the washing machine rubber ring and the edge of the tank🦠
Most of these problems are caused by mold, detergent residue, dander, and grease accumulating inside the washing machine tub, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Here's how to thoroughly clean your washing machine from the source .
1️⃣ Why does the washing machine get moldy? 🔍
In Hong Kong, the main reasons for mold in washing machine tubs are:
- High humidity : Clothes are not completely dried after washing, and mold loves a humid environment.
- Detergent residue : Especially excessive use of detergent, which adheres to the tank wall and becomes nutrients for mold.
- Keeping the door closed for a long time : If you close the door immediately after washing clothes, the moisture inside cannot be discharged.
- Irregular cleaning : Most Hong Kong people don’t clean their gutters for several months or even once a year😅.
💡Let me tell you : mold spores are more tenacious than you think. Even washing clothes in hot water may not kill them.
2️⃣ Safety tips before cleaning⚠️
- Wear gloves and a mask → Avoid contact with cleaning agents or mold spores.
- Open windows for ventilation → Reduce inhalation of chemical odors.
- Read the product instructions → Different cleaning agents have different usage and dosage.
3️⃣ Thorough cleaning process (taking drum washing machine as an example)🌀
Step 1: Clean the removable parts
- Detergent box : After taking it out, scrub it with an old toothbrush, especially the water outlet.
- Rubber ring (door seal) : Use a damp cloth + neutral detergent to wipe off black mold. For stubborn mold, soak a cloth in 1:1 white vinegar water or dilute bleach water for 10 minutes before wiping.
- Filter : Remove according to the instructions and rinse clean.
Step 2: Deep Tank Cleaning
Method A - Specialized Washing Machine Drum Cleaner (Recommended)
- Choose oxygen-containing bleach (such as sodium percarbonate), which is safer for metal tanks and rubber rings.
- Pour the detergent into the washing machine tub (usually directly into the drum).
- Select the highest water level + 40-60°C warm water + standard wash cycle .
- After finishing, rinse it again with clean water to remove any residue.
Method B — White Vinegar + Baking Soda (Natural)
- Pour 500ml of white vinegar into the tank.
- Add about 100g baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
- Fill with warm water (around 40°C) and let it sit for 1-2 hours.
- Start the standard wash cycle and rinse once with clean water.
💡Editor 's experience : Oxygen bleach is safer than chlorine bleach (concentrated bleach) and is less likely to damage equipment, but it has the same strong sterilizing power and no pungent smell.
Step 3: High temperature sterilization
If your washing machine has a "drum cleaning" mode or a 90°C high-temperature wash cycle , it is recommended to run it once every 1-2 months to effectively kill mold and bacteria.
4️⃣ Anti-mildew habits after cleaning🛡
- Open the door for ventilation after washing → Leave it open for at least 2-4 hours to allow the inside to dry thoroughly.
- Regularly wipe the rubber ring to prevent water and dirt from accumulating.
- Control the amount of detergent used → Too much will remain in the tank.
- Clean the tank once a month → This is a must in Hong Kong’s humid environment.
- Take out the clothes as soon as possible → Do not leave them in the machine for a long time.
5️⃣ Special Notes for Hong Kong📍
- Small unit + hot and stuffy environment → It is recommended to use a dehumidifier or dehumidification function to reduce mold activity.
- Seaside or mountainous areas → The air humidity is high and mold grows quickly, so the cleaning cycle should be shortened to once every 2-3 weeks.
- Water used in old buildings → The water contains high levels of iron or minerals, which can easily cause scale to form in the sink. It is recommended to choose a "descaler + sterilizer" combination cleaner.
📌 Editor's Summary
To completely solve the problem of mold in the washing machine tub, Hong Kong users can follow this formula:
- Washable removable parts
- Deep clean with oxygen bleach or a natural formula
- High temperature sterilization
- Keep ventilated and dry for a long time
💬 According to my personal experience, if you clean the washing machine thoroughly once a month and keep the door open for ventilation every day, the musty smell will basically disappear completely, and the clothes will have a fresh smell like they have been dried in the sun☀️
