Cleaning the washing machine?

[Topsy34]

How often do you clean your washing machine?

Ours gets a build up of fabric conditioner and powder in and around the drawer and goes mouldy. The packs of cleaning powder/liquid that i have fou d say to pit it in the drum, not the drawer. I'm manually cleaning it currently.

Suggestions how to keep drawer clean? I don't think im using too much powder or softner, if anything a little less as i have really sensitive skin

[wowfudge]

You need to take the drawer out to clean it. Washing machine cleaning products clean the main body of the machine, not the drawer where water just passes through to the drum.

Pull the drawer out as far as it with go and there is usually a part on the top that you press down to release it. If you can't figure it out find your instruction manual or look it up online.

Give the drawer a good scrub with hot water and a brush and let it dry. Before you put it back, clean the slot it goes into on all sides.

Open the drawer after every use to let it air dry and this will help to prevent it going mouldy or at least delay it.

[wowfudge]

Sorry - misread your post a bit, open the drawer after the machine's been on, but it's like cleaning an oven: it inevitably needs doing from time to time.

[Topsy34]

Yep I've been taking out to clean, but wanted a quicker way! The drawer has so many nooks and crannies its a right wotsit to clean! Thanks!

[wowfudge]

I agree - there's always an awkward bit you can't get to. I sometimes dunk ours in a bucket with sterilising fluid added to the water. Not sure it achieves anything!

[Frostycake]

I put the drawer in my dishwasher once a month. Keeps it nice and clean.