Sarah opened her washing machine drawer last Tuesday morning and immediately wished she hadn’t. A thick, black line of mould stared back at her from the fabric softener compartment, and suddenly everything made sense – the musty smell that had been clinging to her towels, the way her husband kept complaining about “that washing machine smell” in their utility room.
She’d been ignoring that little dark spot for weeks, telling herself it was just a stain. But mould in your washing machine drawer isn’t something you can pretend away. It spreads, it smells, and worst of all, it can actually make you sick.
If you’re dealing with mould in your washing machine drawer right now, you’re not alone. Thousands of households battle this exact problem every day, and the good news is that it’s completely fixable – if you know what you’re doing.
Why Your Washing Machine Drawer Becomes a Mould Paradise
Your detergent drawer is basically designed to be mould’s dream home. Think about it: every time you run a wash, water flows through those compartments, leaving them damp for hours afterwards. Add sticky residues from fabric softener and detergent, plus the fact that most people slam the drawer shut immediately after loading it, and you’ve created the perfect storm.
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“Mould thrives in warm, damp environments with poor ventilation – and that describes most washing machine drawers perfectly,” explains cleaning specialist Maria Rodriguez. “People forget that these drawers need air circulation just like any other part of their home.”
But mould in your washing machine drawer isn’t just unsightly. When mould grows, it releases microscopic spores into the air. These spores can trigger allergic reactions including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. In more severe cases, people report persistent coughs, blocked sinuses, and even skin irritation.
Here’s what makes it worse: once mould establishes itself in the drawer, every wash cycle can spread those spores throughout your machine. They travel through hoses, settle on the rubber door seal, and can even contaminate your clean laundry. That musty smell on your supposedly fresh towels? That’s mould talking.
The Step-by-Step Mould Removal Process
Before you start attacking that mould, there’s one critical safety rule you must follow. Never, ever mix bleach with acidic cleaners like vinegar. This combination creates chlorine gas, which can seriously irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.
“I see this mistake constantly,” warns home maintenance expert David Chen. “People think stronger is better, but mixing cleaning products can be dangerous. Stick to one cleaner at a time.”
Here’s your complete mould removal toolkit:
- White vinegar or bleach solution (never both together)
- Old toothbrush or small scrubbing brush
- Microfibre cloths
- Rubber gloves
- Small bowl for mixing solutions
First, remove the drawer completely. Most modern washing machines have a release mechanism – look for a small catch or button about halfway along the drawer runner. Press it while pulling the drawer towards you. Don’t force it; if it’s truly stuck, check your manual.
| Cleaning Method | Best For | Contact Time | Scrubbing Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Vinegar (undiluted) | Light mould, regular maintenance | 10-15 minutes | Minimal |
| Bleach Solution (1:10 ratio) | Heavy mould, stubborn stains | 5-10 minutes | Moderate |
| Baking Soda Paste | Gentle cleaning, sensitive users | 20-30 minutes | Heavy |
Once you’ve removed the drawer, take it to your kitchen sink or outside if possible. Spray or pour your chosen cleaner over all the mouldy areas, paying special attention to corners and crevices where residue builds up. Let it sit – patience is crucial here. The cleaner needs time to break down both the mould and the sticky residues that help it stick.
While the drawer soaks, don’t forget the drawer cavity in your machine. Use a damp cloth with your cleaner to wipe down all surfaces where the drawer sits. This area often harbours just as much mould but gets overlooked.
Stopping Mould From Coming Back
Cleaning the mould is only half the battle. Without changing your habits, you’ll be back to square one within a few weeks. The key is breaking mould’s favourite conditions: moisture, warmth, and poor airflow.
After every wash, pull the drawer out about an inch and leave it there. This simple action allows air to circulate and moisture to evaporate. It might look untidy, but it’s far better than dealing with mould growth every few months.
“Most people don’t realise that leaving the drawer slightly open after washing is the single most effective prevention method,” notes appliance technician Emma Thompson. “It costs nothing and prevents 90% of mould problems.”
Weekly maintenance makes a huge difference too. Every week, remove the drawer completely and give it a quick rinse under the tap. You don’t need harsh chemicals – just warm water and a quick scrub with an old toothbrush will remove soap residues before they become mould food.
Consider switching to liquid detergents if you’re currently using powder. Powder leaves more residue, creating more surfaces for mould to grip onto. If you must use powder, run an extra rinse cycle occasionally to flush out accumulated residues.
Your fabric softener habits matter too. That blue or pink liquid is incredibly sticky and creates perfect breeding grounds for mould. Try reducing the amount you use, or better yet, switch to white vinegar as a natural fabric softener – it works just as well and actually helps prevent mould growth.
When Mould Becomes a Bigger Problem
Sometimes, mould in your washing machine drawer signals a larger moisture problem in your home. If you’re constantly battling mould in multiple locations, or if it returns within days of cleaning, you might need to address humidity levels throughout your house.
Check if your laundry room has adequate ventilation. Installing an extractor fan or improving existing ventilation can solve persistent mould problems permanently. Also, examine the area around your washing machine for any plumbing leaks or poor drainage that might be creating excess moisture.
For people with respiratory conditions or severe mould allergies, persistent mould growth might require professional assessment. Don’t ignore symptoms that seem to worsen when you’re doing laundry or spending time in your utility room.
FAQs
How often should I clean my washing machine drawer?
Give it a quick rinse weekly and a thorough clean monthly to prevent mould growth.
Can I put the washing machine drawer in the dishwasher?
Check your manual first, but most plastic drawers are dishwasher-safe and this can be very effective for deep cleaning.
Is it safe to use the washing machine if there’s mould in the drawer?
It’s safe but not ideal – the mould can spread to your clothes and throughout the machine.
Why does my washing smell musty even after cleaning the drawer?
Mould might have spread to other parts of your machine like the rubber door seal or internal hoses – these need cleaning too.
Can I prevent mould without chemicals?
Yes – regular cleaning with hot water, keeping the drawer open for ventilation, and reducing fabric softener use all help naturally.
What’s the black stuff in my fabric softener compartment?
That’s typically mould mixed with fabric softener residue – it’s harmless but needs removing as it can affect your laundry’s smell and cleanliness.