5 Washing Machine Myths Debunked

The most used appliance at home is none other than the washing machine. Turning it on every day, are you really using it correctly and cleaning it thoroughly? Below, we debunk 5 major 'washing machine cleaning and maintenance' myths, teaching you how to easily extend its lifespan, eliminate mold and odors, and save water and electricity. It's suitable whether you're renting or living in your own home!

Myth 1｜"Washing machine used daily, naturally clean with water?"

• ❌ Machine drum remains damp for long → Accumulation of mold, odors, black residues
• ✅ Use the drum cleaning cycle once a month: pour in a specialized drum cleaner or 1 cup of baking soda + ½ cup of white vinegar, high water level + 60 °C empty machine operation, then rinse again
• ✅ After washing clothes, leave the door open for 2 hours, to dissipate heat and dry the rubber seal, preventing moldy odors

Myth 2｜"More Laundry Detergent = Cleaner Clothes?"

• ❌ Excessive foam → Residues stick to the drum walls, and clothes may retain powder and turn yellow
• ✅ Adjust the "amount per kilogram of clothes" on the package by reducing 20%; Hong Kong's soft water area already makes it easy to produce foam, too much powder/liquid is absolutely wasteful and dirties the machine slot

Myth 3｜"Is Fast Wash the Most Water and Energy Saving?"

• ❌ Fast wash uses less water + shorter soaking time, only suitable for light sweat odor; if clothes are really dirty, they won't be cleaned properly
• ✅ For more stains, use the "Standard / 40 °C" program; filling the machine to 70% capacity each time saves the most energy without damaging the machine

Myth 4｜"Washer against the wall saves space?"

• ❌ Back against the wall traps heat → Compressor overheats and breaks easily
• ✅ Leave 10 cm at the back, 2 cm on the sides, and 20 cm at the top for heat dissipation; keep the drain hose in an S-shape to prevent backflow of odors

Myth 5｜"Washing with cold water is the most eco-friendly, hot water is a waste?"

• ✅ In summer, less sweat stains can use cold water; but pillowcases, towels, and underwear need 60°C hot water to sterilize every two weeks, especially in small apartments where clothes dry slowly and the humidity is high, washing with hot water can prevent mildew smell

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