It’s not nice to open your washing machine drawer and find it full of gunk. It’s also not a problem that goes away on its own – it tends to just build up gradually until you’re finally forced to deal with it.
It’s a bit ironic that the thing that’s supposed to clean your clothes can easily end up being so gross! Don’t worry, though, there are several easy fixes you can try. Keep reading for some clever ways to avoid a grimy washing machine drawer.
Why Does the Drawer Get So Gross?
One of the main causes of a washing machine drawer getting gunky is using liquid detergent in the drawer. If you use washing powder in the drawer, you normally shouldn’t have any problems, but liquid can build up quickly as it doesn’t get fully dissolved by the cold water in the drawer.
How Do You Stop Washing Machine Drawer Gunk?
The easiest way to stop the draw getting gunky is simply to stop using liquid detergent in the drawer. Instead, either put the liquid detergent in a dosing cup and put it straight in the drum, or switch to washing powder instead.
You can also start checking the drawer after each use and, if necessary, give it a quick rinse or even put it in the dishwasher.
If you don’t want to go to the trouble of removing the drawer and washing it after every use, you could just give it a quick wipe down and then leave the drawer open for a bit to dry out.
Keeping Your Washing Machine Drawer Clean
Products such as Dettol Laundry Sanitiser can be really useful for keeping your machine grime-free. You can use a little bit with every wash, or just use it once every month or two as part of a deep clean, perhaps combining it with a maintenance wash where you run your machine empty at a high temperature.
It’s also a good idea to take the washing machine drawer out at least once a month and give it a good soak and a scrub, though if you follow the advice above, you shouldn’t need to do this too often!
Some people also put the drawer in the dishwasher every few weeks or so to blast off any stubborn gunk.
If you want to sanitise your machine while making it smell lovely, try a scented disinfectant like Zoflora.
Summary
If you’re faced with a grimy washing machine drawer, try switching to powder or start putting laundry liquid directly in the drum instead of in the drawer. Make sure you also maintain your machine on a regular (roughly monthly) basis, including running a maintenance wash and taking your drawer out and giving it a scrub if needed.
It takes a little bit of thought and effort, but before long you won’t have to look at a yucky detergent drawer anymore!
In The Wash is your guide to the best laundry and cleaning products, tips and tricks. Our mission is to solve the UK’s cleaning and laundry dilemmas!
