After every wash, detergent, fabric softener, and water residue often stay behind in the detergent drawer. If you do not clean this drawer regularly, that residue builds up. That leads to dirty deposits, mold, and even nasty smells in your washing machine.
A dirty detergent drawer can also stop detergent from reaching the drum properly. Then your clothes come out less clean. By cleaning the drawer regularly, your washing machine stays fresh and clean. Everything then works as it should.
How often should you clean the detergent drawer?
Luckily, you do not have to clean your washing machine detergent drawer every week. Clean your washing machine at least once a month.
This helps keep it smelling nice. It also helps it keep working well.
Do you often use liquid detergent or fabric softener? Then it is even more important. These products build up faster, especially if you often wash at a low temperature. That can lead to mold, nasty smells, and blockages.
Step-by-step: cleaning the washing machine detergent drawer
1. Remove the detergent drawer
Pull the drawer carefully out of the machine. There is often a release button near the fabric softener compartment. You have to press this button to release it.
2. Clean the drawer
Rinse it under warm water. Use an old toothbrush to brush away soap residue, mold, and fabric softener. Stubborn dirt? Then soak the drawer for a while in warm water with a splash of cleaning vinegar or dish soap.
3. Clean the opening in the machine
Look into the slot where the drawer normally slides in. This is the connection between the detergent drawer and the drum. Soap residue or even black mold often clings in this channel.
Use an old toothbrush, bottle brush, or a cloth. Clean it with all-purpose cleaner or a little soda. Don't forget that this part is often skipped when cleaning the washing machine. It is important for preventing blockages and smells.
4. Flush the feed (optional)
Want to clean everything thoroughly? Then run an empty 90-degree program with a deep-clean tablet. This flushes the pipes to the drum. It also helps get the inside properly clean.
5. Dry before you put it back
Drying before you put the drawer back is important. Use a clean cloth. That way no leftover moisture stays behind. Then slide the drawer back into the machine.
Maintenance tips
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Leave the detergent drawer and the flap open after every wash so it can dry properly. That helps prevent mold and moisture problems.
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Prefer a dosing ball for liquid detergent, or put laundry sheets straight in the drum. This stops the drawer from getting dirty.
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Clean the detergent drawer thoroughly every month. This helps keep a fresh smell and keeps the washing machine working well.
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Consider different ways to maintain it. Think of a high-temperature rinse cycle or using natural cleaners.
Clean your washing machine detergent drawer with these steps. That way your laundry comes out of the machine fresher.
Your machine also lasts longer. Nasty smells don't get a chance. A small effort that makes a big difference in keeping your washing machine clean.
