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How To Clean Mould From Washing Machine Drawer?

Mould is an unpleasant problem, wherever it arises. You may not expect to see it in your washing machine drawer, but if you do, let’s give you some tips to help get rid  of it before it spreads all over your clean washing! So how to clean mould from washing machine drawer?

How Do You Clean The Inside Of A Washing Machine Drawer

It is ridiculously easy to clean the inside of a washing machine drawer, once you know how the best way to do this.

  1. Take some Bicarbonate of Soda, White Vinegar, a Sponge, and some Bleach.
  2. Start by removing the drawer of your washing machine from the machine itself (this should be easy, although it can take a little bit of effort).
  3. Scrub the drawer thoroughly, using your bleach and sponge.
  4. Place one tablespoon of Bicarb into the drawer, and sprinkle over a little white vinegar.
  5. You should see the powder and vinegar start to froth as they interact with each other; this is the cleaning starting to happen before your eyes!
  6. Give it another wipe with the sponge, just to ensure that the products get into every corner.
  7. Rinse out the drawer thoroughly before you attempt to do another washing load.
  8. Leave the drawer to air dry for the best results.
  9. Using this method will help to neutralise odours, as well as helping your washer drawer to become sparkly clean.

Another, simpler method simply uses warm water and a stiff brush to clear any blockages.

This video shows you how to clean the drawer – and it helpfully shows you different ways to remove the drawer:

Why Does My Washing Machine Drawer Keep Going Mouldy?

Unfortunately, where there is moisture, mould and bacteria can quickly follow – and your washing machine drawer is one of the wettest places in your house!

You can help your machine to keep the spores away by leaving it open after every time you do a wash – this can be a pain, but it’s worth it to prevent the mould.

Mould can also appear in places where there is no, or very little airflow, and your washing machine drawer is exactly this type of place.

  • You may find mould in your washing machine drawer because of a lack of pressure from your water supply.
  • If the powder was damp when it was placed into the drawer, this can be the culprit – make sure it is completely dry so it wooshes down into the drum.
  • The detergent drawer may be clogged, preventing enough water and powder from reaching the drum. Removing the drawer and checking for blockages is your first port of call.
  • If the drawer is wet before you add the powder, you could be inviting mould! Leave it slightly open between washes to allow it to dry out.
  • Using too much washing powder can cause mould problems, so only use the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.

Can I Use Bleach To Clean The Washing Machine Drawer?

You can, of course, use bleach to clean your washing machine drawer. Bleach is an excellent cleaner, and it can even go so far as to be able to kill mould spores.

All you need to do is:

  • Add 60ml of bleach to your washing machine drawer.
  • Run your machine on a hot cycle to make sure that bleach is helped by the hot water to kill the mould.
  • You should run an extra rinse cycle, just to make sure that all the bleach has been rinsed out.
  • It may be tempting to use more than the stated dose, but bear in mind that bleach mixed with hot water can create a lot of foam, so don’t add too much in case you fancy a foam party in your kitchen!
  • This method is not recommended if you have sensitive skin, or if you are using your washing machine to wash baby clothes, as the chemicals can damage tender skin.

Is Black Mould In Washing Machine Dangerous?

Mould in the home, wherever it is, can be dangerous to the health. The spores can cause lung infections, and, if in the washing machine, can cause other problems.

You likely won’t be breathing in the spores from your washing machine, but if the infestation grows it may affect you by getting into the fibres of your clothes.

Mould causes:

  • Respiratory problems, such as coughing and sneezing.
  • Allergy type symptoms like itchy eyes and a runny nose.
  • Lung infections, and even death in very serious cases.
  • Skin irritation such as rashes or itching.

You should take measures to remove mould wherever you find it in your home, whether that be on the walls or in the washing machine.

The odd spore or two will lead to a real infestation, so it is best to take action as soon as you see those tell tale black specks in your washing machine drawer.

Don’t just leave it or forget about it – deal with the mould in your washing machine drawer before it becomes a major problem!

Can Dishwasher Tablets Be Used To Clean Washing Machine?

A dish washing tablet is great for washing your dishes, but can you use it to wash your washing machine?

The answer is yes, if you have nothing else to clean your washing machine drawer! It may not work to get rid of mould, but it will leave your drum sparkling clean.

Simply pop one dish washing tablet into the drawer of your washing machine, run it on a hot cycle, then add an extra rinse cycle at the end.

This will leave your washing machine super clean, and it may deal with the very beginnings of a mould problem – you will need to keep an eye on it though.

Final Words

Mould is not nice, anywhere you find it, and the same goes for your washing machine drawer.

Try to deal with the problem before it gets out of hand, using one of the methods above, for sparkly clean clothes and a fresh, clean washing machine drawer.

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