Washing machine detergent drawer horror!

[ImFree2doasiwant]

I just took the detergent drawer out if my washing machine to give it a clean. Something I do reasonably regularly. This time, when I was replacing it, I decided to clean the front of the washer and was kneeling on the floor - happened to look into the hole where the drawer fits. Oh dear god it was disgusting!!

How and why has it got so gross?? It was black in places. Most of it has come off with a good scrub but it's so awkward to get to, and there's sone limescale (I think) left.

What's the best stuff to put in the washer to help clean itself? I feel grubby.

I found an ENORMOUS spider in mine once it was very dead and also surprisingly soft

Best to leave the drawer and door ajar when not in use, the mould likes damp humid conditions.
For those of you with dish washers you will also find the door seals a frightening place to look and find gunk!

@Bloodybridget

If you use liquid detergent and put it straight in the drum, you never have to look at the drawer 😁

Not true! We have a machine with boxes with detergent and softener at the bottom so automatically doses each wash. We have NEVER used the drawer but it still gets dirty!

Mine too - I think it’s because water still goes in there during the wash cycle

An old toothbrush is good for reaching small fiddling places. I used to use one on my detergent drawer.