IFB washing machines are front-loaders, and like all front-loaders, they are prone to mould and odour build-up inside the drum, gasket, and detergent drawer if not cleaned regularly. The Tub Clean programme is IFB’s dedicated cleaning cycle — here’s how to use it correctly.
Why Tub Clean Is Necessary
During normal wash cycles, detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, and mineral deposits from hard water accumulate inside the drum and drum seal. Over time, this creates a damp environment where mould and bacteria thrive. Signs you need Tub Clean:
- A musty or sour smell from the machine or freshly washed clothes
- Black spots or grey residue inside the drum or on the door seal
- White chalky deposits (limescale) on the drum or heater element
- Clothes not smelling fresh after washing
How Often to Run Tub Clean on an IFB Machine
- Once a month — if you wash 4–5 loads per week
- Every 2 months — for lighter use
- Immediately — if you notice odour or visible mould
Many IFB machines display a Tub Clean reminder after a set number of cycles (typically 40 cycles). Do not ignore this notification.
Step-by-Step: How to Run IFB Tub Clean
- Make sure the drum is completely empty — no clothes, towels, or items inside.
- Add your cleaning agent directly into the drum (not the detergent drawer) — see options below.
- Press the Power button to turn the machine on.
- Rotate the programme dial or press the cycle button to select Tub Clean. On most IFB models, it is the last programme on the dial or a dedicated button.
- Press Start. The cycle will run automatically — you cannot change settings during Tub Clean.
- The cycle takes approximately 60–70 minutes. Do not open the door during the cycle.
- After the cycle completes, wipe the drum dry with a clean cloth and leave the door open for 1–2 hours.
Which Cleaning Agent to Use
| Cleaning Agent | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IFB Tub Freshener (IFB brand) | 1 sachet | Specifically designed for IFB machines — recommended |
| Drum cleaning tablet (any brand) | 1 tablet | Generic tablets like Tide Washing Machine Cleaner work well |
| Liquid chlorine bleach | 100–150 ml | Effective against mould — do not mix with other cleaners |
| White vinegar | 250 ml | Good for limescale; less effective against mould |
Do not use regular laundry detergent during Tub Clean — it creates excessive suds during the high-temperature cycle and can cause error codes.
Cleaning the Door Seal and Detergent Drawer
Tub Clean cleans the drum and internal components, but not the door seal or detergent drawer. Clean these separately:
- Door seal (gasket): After each wash, wipe the inside of the rubber seal with a dry cloth. Monthly, scrub visible mould with a soft brush dipped in a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
- Detergent drawer: Pull the drawer out completely (press the release tab) and rinse under warm water. Clean with an old toothbrush to remove hardened detergent.
For ongoing maintenance, see our guide on IFB washing machine not working fixes. For a full drum cleaning guide covering multiple brands, read how to clean a washing machine drum.