Never Add Baking Soda When Cleaning Your Washing Machine! Experts Reveal 9 Laundry Taboos That Make Clothes Dirtier and Cause Mold

Does the quick wash mode on your washing machine really clean clothes effectively? The answer isn't as simple as it seems. The cleaning power of quick wash depends on how soiled the clothes are. When used correctly, it can save water and electricity while still delivering satisfactory results. Experts have also compiled nine common washing machine usage taboos—baking soda is not suitable for cleaning washing machines, and using more detergent doesn't mean cleaner clothes!

Is the washing machine's 'quick wash' mode really effective?

Many people habitually press the quick wash button, assuming it will complete laundry quickly. Quick wash typically shortens the cycle to 15–45 minutes, but at what cost? To save time, high-speed spin cycles are often reduced. In a normal wash cycle, clothes go through multiple wash and spin cycles, ensuring detergent is thoroughly rinsed out and dirt is fully removed. But in quick wash mode, these steps are skipped, significantly reducing cleaning effectiveness.

Industry cleaning experts point out that quick wash should only be used for clothes with very light soiling—and only with the minimum recommended amount of detergent. In other words, it's not suitable for all situations. The key is knowing when to use it and when to avoid it.

Quick wash is only suitable in these 3 cases:

1. Lightly soiled clothes—e.g., guest towels and bed sheets

Quick wash is ideal for items that seem to need washing but are actually very clean. Typical examples include bed sheets or towels used by overnight guests. While these items should be washed for hygiene, they don’t have sweat stains, food residue, or stubborn dirt. For such items, quick wash with warm or hot water and minimal detergent often provides sufficient cleaning. If your machine has an extra rinse function, enable it to ensure detergent is completely flushed out.

2. Eliminating damp odors—quick wash with odor remover

Sometimes clothes or bedding develop unpleasant odors from being left in the washing machine too long. High-efficiency drum washers, in particular, can harbor bacteria and mold in moist environments if not cleaned regularly, causing bad smells. In such cases, quick wash becomes helpful. Add an odor-removing product and run a quick cycle to effectively eliminate these odors—a use often overlooked but crucial for maintaining washing machine hygiene.

3. Slightly dirty clothes—just need refreshing

Sometimes clothes aren’t truly 'dirty' but just need 'refreshing.' For example, a T-shirt worn for one day with no visible stains, or pillowcases with light surface dust. Quick wash is perfect for such 'refresh' tasks, restoring freshness in the shortest time.

3 washing tips to maximize quick wash effectiveness

Use liquid detergent instead of powder or laundry balls

In shortened cycles, detergent must dissolve quickly to work. Liquid detergents dissolve much faster than powders or laundry balls, making them better suited for quick wash. Also, if you have a high-efficiency drum washer, ensure you're using HE detergent—excessive foam can impair cleaning.

Use warm or hot water instead of cold

While some clothes should be washed in cold water, using warm or hot water (when safe) removes dirt, oil, and sweat more effectively. Since quick wash already has limited time, higher water temperature boosts cleaning efficiency. Whenever possible, use warm or hot water settings to greatly improve results.

Don’t overload the washing machine

While soil level is key, overloading hinders garment tumbling and reduces cleaning. Quick wash already uses weaker agitation—adding too many clothes doubles the cleaning deficit. Even with quick wash, maintain a reasonable load to allow clothes enough space to move and clean properly.

Experts warn of 9 washing machine taboos

Taboo 1: Washing only when the load is too full

Overloading the washing machine raises water levels, potentially trapping clothes in the rubber seal edge and dropping them into the space beneath the unit—'once that happens, there's no way to retrieve them.' Always keep clothes below the marked water line inside the machine.

Taboo 2: Washing sweaters carelessly

Everyone knows to separate underwear and white clothes, but wool sweaters must be washed in a separate machine! Always check labels—wool garments should never be mixed with other fabrics, or they may shrink or deform.

Taboo 3: Using vinegar to clean

Many people pour vinegar into the washing machine or drum, sometimes even mixing it with bleach. However, Liu Jingkang strongly advises against this. Vinegar is acidic and can corrode metal parts. Bleach is alkaline—mixing the two neutralizes them, reducing cleaning effectiveness.

Taboo 4: Adding Dettol directly into the machine

Liu Jingkang notes many mistakenly believe adding Dettol directly disinfects clothes. However, Dettol works best in still water—high-speed spinning reduces its effectiveness. Instead, soak clothes in Dettol first, then wash. Never mix Dettol with hot water—it creates a white film that makes the entire machine extremely hard to clean. Using a dedicated laundry disinfectant is sufficient for killing germs.

Taboo 5: Placing heavy objects on top

Due to limited space, many place items on top of washing machines. Liu warns against placing heavy objects on top and recommends installing a fixed shelf to protect the machine.

Taboo 6: Using too much detergent

Incorrect detergent dosage is a common mistake—using another brand’s scoop or assuming more detergent means cleaner clothes. But these actions can actually make clothes dirtier! Excess detergent residue inside the machine, combined with moisture, can cause mold, resulting in slimy buildup. If not cleaned, the machine itself will start to smell. Liu advises using only the original scoop provided, never another. Never pour liquid detergent directly—measure using the cap. Follow the manual’s dosage; even using three-quarters is enough.

Taboo 7: Ignoring pet hair

Pet hair on clothes easily gets trapped in machine crevices and rubber seals, making cleaning difficult later. Liu suggests rinsing clothes first to remove hair before washing. For feces or oil stains, pre-treat with a stain remover pen.

Taboo 8: Using the wrong plug

Smart plugs are popular, but washing machines draw high power—smart plugs may not handle the load, risking electrical overload. Liu stresses using a dedicated outlet and avoiding extension cords or universal adapters.

Taboo 9: After washing, leave the lid open; don’t use baking soda to clean

Many people close the washing machine lid after use, but 1–2 liters of water may remain at the bottom. Leaving the lid open prevents trapped moisture and odors. However, if you have children or pets, safety may require keeping it closed. Alternatively, place an old towel in the drum and run a wash cycle—dirt will stick to the fabric. You can also fill the machine with water, add bleach, and let it sit overnight. Or use sodium percarbonate, which dissolves better than baking soda and has bleaching effects. Mix about 10g of sodium percarbonate in 2L of warm water (30–50°C) to clean the machine.

Article reprinted with permission from Hong Kong 01 (Original title: Does quick wash mode really clean? When to use it and 3 essential washing tips)

Editor: Lam Lai