How to Remove Mould From Your Washing Machine Drawer

A small patch of mould in your washing machine drawer can do more than look unpleasant: it may gradually spread through the appliance, onto your laundry and into your household air. This is how to remove it effectively, why acting quickly is important, and which straightforward routines can prevent it from returning.

Why mould thrives in the washing machine drawer

The detergent drawer provides almost perfect conditions for mould. It can remain wet for hours after a load has finished, gathers tacky deposits of detergent and fabric conditioner, and is often closed again immediately after use. Limited airflow, ongoing dampness and leftover soap: this is ideal mould-growing territory.

Mould in the drawer is not just ugly; it can affect the air you breathe and the clothes you wear.

As mould develops, it gives off microscopic particles known as spores. For people who are sensitive, these spores may cause sneezing, a runny nose, itchy or red eyes and, in some cases, skin irritation. In particularly humid properties, people may also experience congested sinuses, coughing or stinging eyes.

After mould has established itself in the drawer, water may transport its spores further through the washing machine. They may get into the hoses and rubber door seal, and can even enter the air in a compact utility room. When laundry emerges supposedly clean but has a musty odour, the overlooked drawer is frequently the cause rather than the drum.

Safety first: one cleaning error to avoid

Powerful cleaning products can seem like the obvious answer, but this is where mistakes commonly happen. A particularly common error is combining bleach with acidic products, including vinegar. Mixed together, they can produce chlorine gas, which can irritate the eyes, nose and throat even at relatively low levels.

Never mix bleach and vinegar. Stick to one type of cleaner at a time and ventilate well.

Before beginning, open a window or turn on an extractor fan. Wear rubber gloves if your skin is prone to reactions. Cleaning the drawer is not difficult; the danger lies in mixing improvised combinations of chemicals, rather than in the scrubbing itself.

How to take out a washing machine drawer without damaging it

For anyone who has not removed it before, the drawer can appear jammed, almost as though it is built into the machine. However, that is not generally the case with modern appliances. Most have a small release catch halfway along the drawer runner, sometimes labelled “Push” or made in a contrasting colour.

Open the drawer as far as it will go and locate this additional component. Keep the drawer stable in one hand to prevent it from twisting. Using your other hand, press the catch and carefully draw the drawer directly towards yourself. It should come out smoothly without needing force. Should it refuse to move, make sure the catch is fully depressed, then try again by pulling straight and level rather than lifting upwards.

A seven-step washing machine drawer cleaning routine with vinegar and soapy water

White vinegar is widely used at home to tackle odours and detergent deposits. Although its effectiveness against mould differs according to the mould species, it is useful for loosening build-up and refreshing surfaces.

Step-by-step method

• Put lukewarm water into a bowl or sink, along with a squeeze of washing-up liquid.
• Pour approximately two cups of white vinegar (roughly 480 ml) into the water.
• Submerge the drawer in the mixture and allow it to soak for 5–10 minutes.
• Scrub its flat areas and the corners, where detergent paste tends to gather, with a sponge.
• Use an old toothbrush on the runners, grooves and difficult-to-reach recesses.
• Rinse it well under clean water, then hold it towards the light. If dark marks remain visible, scrub those sections once more.
• Dry the drawer thoroughly with a cloth, then leave it exposed to the air for a short time before putting it back.

The job looks tedious from a distance, but once you’ve done it, the fresher smell is immediate.

The entire task will normally take under 20 minutes. The improvement in odour can nevertheless be noticeable, particularly in smaller homes where the washing machine is installed in a kitchen or hallway.

What experts say about controlling moisture

Mould experts share one straightforward guideline: damp spaces should be dried within 24 to 48 hours. Once that period has passed, mould can establish itself much more readily. Washing machines are no different.

Area	Drying target	Risk if left wet
Detergent drawer	Fully dry between wash days	Mould patches and stale odours
Door seal	Wiped after heavy washes	Black spots and slime build-up
Floor around machine	Puddles dried in under 48 hours	Hidden damp, mould on skirting and walls

Manufacturer-approved habits that genuinely help

Most manufacturers suggest one notably simple action: give the machine some airflow. Rather than closing it all up as soon as the wash ends, leave the door and detergent drawer slightly ajar. That modest opening allows moisture to disperse instead of remaining sealed inside.

They also recommend a more thorough monthly clean of the drawer, along with a brief inspection of the rubber seal. It may sound uncomplicated, but these measures reduce the three things mould depends on most: damp, residue and darkness.

Quick daily habits to prevent a musty smell

• Leave the door and drawer ajar after every wash: this prevents enclosed pockets of humid, motionless air.
• Clean the drawer monthly: reducing residue leaves mould with fewer surfaces to take hold on.
• Dry splashes and small puddles within 24–48 hours: less water left standing means a lower mould risk.
• Use less detergent and fabric conditioner: using too much creates a sticky coating that adheres to surfaces throughout the machine.

When mould returns quickly

If fresh mould appears only days after you have cleaned the drawer, an area is likely remaining wet. First, see whether water is collecting in the compartment once a wash has completed. A partial obstruction in the drawer housing may be preventing the water from draining properly.

Also examine the rubber door seal and the surround of the drawer closely. If either stays damp or feels slimy, airflow is inadequate. Often, the recurring problem can be resolved simply by finding the section that never dries, then improving ventilation there or drying it more carefully.

When stronger treatment or professional support is needed

Vinegar and soapy water are typically sufficient for mild surface mould in the drawer. If stubborn patches repeatedly return across several areas of the washing machine, consider a specialist washing machine cleaner or a product labelled for household mould, taking particular care to follow its instructions.

Where there is a pronounced musty smell in the room while the appliance is switched off, or mould is visible on nearby skirting boards or walls, the problem may extend beyond the washing machine. Ongoing damp beneath or behind the appliance may harm plaster and flooring. A plumber or damp specialist can then investigate slow leaks, inadequate drainage or concealed water damage.

Helpful concepts: spores, biofilm and indoor air

Three concepts explain why these little black marks deserve attention. The first is spores. Mould does not remain in one place: it releases microscopic particles into the air. Those spores are both what you may inhale and what can start new patches elsewhere.

The second concept is biofilm. The slippery coating found within drawers and door seals consists of detergent, minerals and microbes. Once biofilm has formed, it shelters mould and bacteria, which makes them more difficult to clear away. Frequent scrubbing disrupts this protective layer, leaving surfaces smoother and less hospitable.

The third is indoor air quality. One small mould patch in a drawer will not damage the lungs of a healthy person, but its combined impact can build up in a well-sealed home with multiple damp areas. Households with babies, allergies or asthma may find that basic actions, such as airing the drawer and drying the seals, provide gradual but meaningful comfort.

From this perspective, cleaning the washing machine drawer is about more than presentation. It is one practical measure towards a home that feels less damp and stuffy, and laundry that genuinely smells clean when it leaves the drum.