OMG I just pulled out my washing machine detergent drawer to clean it!

[MoiraRosesBaybay]

I do it every so often but I had noticed that it needed doing. I pulled the drawer out and the mould! Oh my, the mould.
I only did it last time a few months ago and it’s never been this bad before. The bit where the conditioner goes was thick black mould, the kind you get on a cup of coffee that has been left to fester. The bit the drawer goes into was minging too.

I was too shocked to photograph the drawer but I took one of the cavity.

I’m not a minger I promise. How has this happened so quickly?

Anyway, as this is MN I assume that you all clean your detergent drawers after every wash and none of you have this issue.

Ew!! Mine does it fairly quickly tbh I’ve taken to having to clean it every fortnight which is a pain as it’s not an easy job. It happens OP don’t worry xx

I'm not sure this can be avoided unless it's being cleaned very often like PP said.

I take my drawer out after every wash, leaver the washer door open too and I get this. In fact I should probably clean mine soon too !

Mine is the same. The problem is I can’t get into those little holes (sprayers?) properly and the ridges around it. I’ve tried toothbrushes, nail brushes all sorts, but without being able to look inside whilst cleaning, or manoeuvre my hand properly in the gap, I can’t get all the mould out of the holes so it just spreads quickly again.

Bleach/sprays just run down the sides, so won’t soak into the holes properly. It’s such a pain to clean.

Bleurgh

That's not judgement btw, ours can get like that too. I used to diligently do a hot wash (empty) with a cup of white vinegar chucked in once every couple of weeks. But life gets in the way and the cost of electricity has gone up, plus the cost to the planet of wasted water so I've not been doing it. It did help though.

Thanks for the reminder! 🤮

Honestly, I need a good stiff gin and several hours to brace myself before I tackle that job.

Gross! No judgement though, you’ve reminded me that I can’t remember the last time I cleaned the drawer out…it’s not going to be pretty!

These long handled interdental brushes are good for getting gunk from grooves and holes in the roof bit

'Sensitive content' photo, excellent. I noticed my drawer was like this a couple of weeks ago, I have never in all my years seen it like it before. Not yet tackled.

Oh, I noticed the underside of the drawer looking like this too but way worse. Never noticed that before either, is there something that is being omitted from powders / liquids now that could cause it?

We've got mould in all sorts of places this year that we haven't had before. I blame the damp, cool summer- not cold enough to have the heating on so the house has got slightly damp throughout.

Went away for a fortnight and when I came back my drawer was like this.

Fabric conditioner can contribute to mould in the machine (not that that stops me using it).

Sensitive content 😂

Do you dilute your fabric conditioner? That helps to slow the mould

Mine used to get like that. I stopped using fabric conditioner and used white vinegar in the softener compartment and it doesn't happen at all now.
Plus I started using powder detergent, not liquids or gels (recommendation from a pal on this very problem). I have a look at it every six months or so but it's always clean and white.

We’re encouraged to wash at much lower temperatures these days. Using liquid detergent will also aggravate it.

Powder rather than any gels and no fabric softener. Mine used to get like this before I made the switch. I run a 90 degree wash every couple of weeks with some zoflora in the drawer and that seems to keep it clean.

Thank you for the reminder :)

Check inside the seal at the entrance as well!

Use powder, do a boil wash once a week, don’t use fabric softener.

How do you remove the drawer? I have a Bosch washing machine and can’t seem to remove it. I’m afraid of forcing it in case I break it. I have looked but can’t see any button/clasp that might release it?

My drawer pulls out so far, then needs an extra jiggle to get it completely out.

Ah. Mine is Bosch too. I have to press down the button in the middle of the conditioner bit.

I see people cleaning theirs on instagram and can honestly say I've never in my life cleaned mine on any washing machine I've ever had.

Granted this particular washer we have only had for a year and a half but no mould?

It's it possibly worse in hard water areas with the limescale? We don't get that up north!

Most come out with a kind of up and over twist.

All the gunk that supposedly eco friendly pods etc are made of and encouragement to wash at low temperatures provides a breeding ground for mould and bacteria.

I do use fabric softener but with powder and once a month do a 90 degree empty cycle with a descaler tab and vinegar.

Use powder, do a boil wash once a week, don’t use fabric softener

Succinct. I concur. After years of mouldy drawers this has resolved it for me.