Wondering how to clean washing machine drawer? We’ve got you covered with our easy cleaning tips that’ll have it fresh and clean in no time!
If you’re not the type of person that does a regular clean of the washing machine then you’ve probably found that over time disgusting black mould has built up in the detergent drawer.
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We’ll run you through the best way to get mould out of the washing machine and remove soap scum build up.
It will leave your washing machine drawer fresh, clean and smelling a whole lot better!
What You Need To Clean The Washing Machine Drawer
- Large bowl or bucket – to soak the drawer in
- Cleaning cloth
- Scrubbing sponge
- Dishwashing liquid
- 2 cups white vinegar (safety note – never mix vinegar with bleach or bleach based cleaning products)
- Old toothbrush or small bottle brush
- Dry cloth
How To Clean Washing Machine Drawer
If you’ve noticed a build up of black gunk, soap scum or mould in the washing machine drawer then it’s definitely time to give it a scrub!
01 – How to remove the washing machine drawer
- Firstly, switch off the electric to the washing machine.
- When you pull the washing machine drawer out you’ll notice it comes so far then stops. If you pop your hand just under the edge, you’ll usually feel a little plastic lever (mine is the orange part below). If you press this down gently it releases the drawer so you can pull it all the way out.
02 – Soak the washing machine drawer in hot soapy water
- Run a bowl of hot water.
- Add some dishwashing liquid and the vinegar and give it a swirl to make some bubbles.
- Put the washing machine detergent drawer in to soak.
03 – Wipe the inside of the washing machine where the drawer goes
- Take a soapy cloth or scrubbing sponge and wipe out the inside of the washing machine where the drawer goes.
- Pay extra attention to the top part of the compartment. This can really get gunky and mouldy so it’s good to give this part an extra scrub!
- If it’s particularly grubby you could use an old toothbrush, this is really good for getting into little crevices.
- Once it’s clean, use a freshly rinsed out cloth with clean water to rinse away any mould particles or dirt.
04 – How to clean washing machine drawer
- Once the detergent drawer has soaked it should have loosened up any mould and soap scum so it’s easier to clean.
- Take a cloth or scrubbing sponge and clean all parts of the drawer.
- Don’t forget to turn the drawer upside down and do the underneath. This always seems to be a place mould builds up.
- Tackle any tight corners or crevices with an old toothbrush or small bottle brush.
05 – Give the detergent drawer a rinse
- Rinse the washing machine drawer under warm running water to rinse away any mould, dirt or soap.
- Dry the detergent drawer and return it to the washing machine.
For a clean and tidy home get our BEST cleaning tips here
How To Clean Mould From Washing Machine Drawer
If the washing machine drawer is really mouldy or full of black gunk then it’s probably best to deal with it using an antibacterial cleaner.
This will tackle the mould easily and the antibacterial action will leave it hygienically clean. I recommend Dettol washing machine cleaner – it’s super easy to use.
You use some to wash the drawer and the rest is used to do a cleaning wash. It honestly leaves the washing machine smelling so fresh and clean!
I’ve started to put this through the machine once a month, as part of my housework routine just to keep things extra clean.
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How Often Should You Clean The Washing Machine Drawer?
- To stop mould build up then it’s best to clean the drawer once a week. Doing it weekly means it’s only a quick and simple job that won’t really require any scrubbing because mould won’t have built up.
- Monthly it’s a good idea to use a washing machine cleaner. This antibacterial cleaner cleans the machines and helps stop mould, bad smells and limescale.
- If you prefer a more natural way to clean the washing machine – try our “How to clean the washing machine with soda crystals” instructions here.
More How To Clean Tips To Try!
- How To Clean Shower Curtains – the best wash to wash shower curtains to stop mildew spots and mould.
- How To Clean Kitchen Tiles – the easy way to get kitchen tiles shiny and clean (including the grout)
- How To Clean Laminate Flooring – the best way to clean laminate flooring to help it look better longer!
More laundry tips here
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How To Clean Washing Machine Drawer
How to clean washing machine drawer to remove mould and soap scum and leave it fresh and clean.
Materials
- Dish washing liquid
- 2 cups white vinegar
Tools
- Bucket or large washing up bowl
- Cleaning cloths
- Scrubbing sponge
- Old toothbrush
- Dry cloth/tea towel
Instructions
01 – How to remove the washing machine drawer
- Firstly, switch off the electric to the washing machine.
- Remove the washing machine drawer - when you pull the washing machine drawer out you’ll notice it comes so far then stops. If you pop your hand just under the edge, you’ll usually feel a little plastic lever. If you press this down gently it releases the drawer so you can pull it all the way out.
02 – Soak the washing machine drawer in hot soapy water
- Run a bowl of hot water.
- Add some dishwashing liquid and the vinegar and give it a swirl to make some bubbles.
- Put the washing machine detergent drawer in to soak.
03 – Wipe the inside of the washing machine where the drawer goes
- Take a soapy cloth or scrubbing sponge and wipe out the inside of the washing machine where the drawer goes.
- Pay extra attention to the top part of the compartment. This can really get gunky and mouldy so it’s good to give this part an extra scrub!
- If it’s particularly grubby you could use an old toothbrush, this is really good for getting into little crevices.
- Once it’s clean, use a freshly rinsed out cloth with clean water to rinse away any mould particles or dirt.
04 – How to clean washing machine drawer
- Clean the drawer - once the detergent drawer has soaked it should have loosened up any mould and soap scum so it’s easier to clean.
- Take a cloth or scrubbing sponge and clean all parts of the drawer.
- Don't forget to turn the drawer upside down and do the underneath. This always seems to be a place mould builds up.
- Tackle any tight corners or crevices with an old toothbrush or small bottle brush.
05 – Give the detergent drawer a rinse
- Rinse the washing machine drawer under warm running water to rinse away any mould, dirt or soap.
- Dry the detergent drawer and return it to the washing machine.
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