Washing Your Clothes in Dirty Water? The Importance of a Clean Machine
Your washing machine’s job is to get your clothes clean. But when was the last time you cleaned it?
Most people never think to, assuming the machine cleans itself with every cycle.
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works - and it could mean you’re washing your laundry in dirty water.
What really happens during a wash cycle
Each cycle has two main stages: the wash and the rinse.
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Wash: Detergent mixes with water to lift dirt, oils, and bacteria from your clothes.
- Rinse: The machine then flushes away the detergent and loosened grime, leaving fabrics fresh and clean.
At least, that’s the idea. But if your washing machine’s drum, pipes, and seals are coated with residue, mould, or leftover detergent, then that rinse water isn’t as clean as you think. Instead, your clothes are being rinsed in a mix of old detergent build-up, bacteria, and dirt.
The illusion of “clean”
Just because your clothes smell clean doesn’t mean they are. Many traditional detergents rely on heavy artificial scents to disguise odours instead of removing them. These fragrances can mask a dirty washing machine or lingering residue in fabrics. What you’re smelling may be perfume, not cleanliness.
When your washing machine isn’t clean, no fragrance can fix it — you’re simply perfuming the problem. But when your machine is clear of grime and you use Nature Calls, your clothes smell fresh because the dirt is actually gone and not undone by a dirty rinse.
If it doesn't smell pure without added perfume, it isn’t truly clean.
Why machines get dirty
Every load leaves behind small amounts of detergent, fabric softener, and body oils. Over time, these accumulate inside the drum and rubber seals — the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria. Add Hong Kong’s humid climate, and it’s a recipe for stale odours and unhygienic laundry.
How to keep your washing machine clean
Occasional Deep Cleaning
Run a hot maintenance wash semi-regularly (at least every 3-6 months, depending on how often you do laundry) with no clothes inside.
For a natural option use the following 2-step deep clean process:
| Step | What it is for | Method | How it works |
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Step 1: Baking Soda Cycle
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Physical scrubbing and initial deodorisation.
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Pour 2 cups of baking soda directly into the drum. Run the hottest cycle or "tub clean" setting.
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Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive. It mechanically scrubs the tub and drum while helping to fight trapped odours.
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Step 2: White Vinegar & Essential Oils
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Sanitising, removing soap scum, and killing bacteria/fungi.
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Mix 2 cups of white vinegar with 10 drops of essential oils. Pour into the detergent tray and run a hot cycle or "tub clean".
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Acidic vinegar neutralises alkaline soap residue and dissolves mineral deposits (limescale).
Essential oils (tea tree or lavender) provide antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties to kill germs at the core. |
For Every Wash
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Wipe the rubber door seal after each use to remove trapped moisture and residue.
For a simple, natural, homemade cleaning solution; mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part dishwashing liquid and 10 drops of an essential oil such a Tea Tree.
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Leave the door open between washes to help the drum dry fully.
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Avoid overusing detergent. More doesn’t mean cleaner — it means more residue left behind.
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Switch to naturally derived laundry sheets like Nature Calls, which dissolve completely and leave no build-up.
The clean cycle starts with your machine
A clean washing machine means truly clean clothes — not just those that smell clean. By keeping your machine free from grime and chemical residue, you protect your fabrics, your skin, and the planet.
No nasties. Just Nature.