How to clean your washing machine detergent drawer – 5 steps to a satisfying reset

By now we are all familiar with the importance of cleaning a washing machine to freshen up our laundry. But did you remember to clean your detergent drawer?

While the only thing that goes in there is soap and water, your washing machine's dark detergent drawer is one of the dirtiest places in your appliance, accumulating mold and soap scum quickly and risking contaminating your fresh laundry.

Here, professional cleaners break down how to clean your washing machine detergent drawer when cleaning a washing machine to keep your appliance fresh.

How to clean your washing machine detergent drawer

For such a small area, your washing machine detergent drawer can have a big impact on the cleanliness of your washing machine. Small nooks and crevices mean it is the ideal home for mold and mildew, often contributing to the strange odors you encounter when trying to clean a washing machine that smells.

Luckily, they are simple to clean, professional cleaners assure us.

What you will need:

• White vinegar, available at Walmart
• Warm water
• Dish soap, such as Dawn Powerwash from Walmart
• A small brush or old toothbrush
• A clean, dry towel

1. Remove the drawer

The easiest way to clean a washing machine's detergent drawer is to take it out of your washing machine entirely. How you do this will depend on which of the best washing machines you have.

Vanessa Terra Bossart, cleaning expert and owner of Green Terra Cleaning, says, ‘Gently pull out the detergent drawer. Most drawers have a small tab or button in the middle of the back of the drawer that you need to press to fully remove it.’

If in doubt, check your machine's manufacturer's instructions. Pulling too hard might break the back of the drawer so take your time.

2. Soak in white vinegar

Cleaning with vinegar is the best approach when getting rid of black mold.

Vanessa Terra Bossart, cleaning expert, continues, ‘Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a few tablespoons of white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that effectively breaks down detergent residue, fabric softener, and mildew. Let the drawer soak for 15-20 minutes.’

Amazon's own brand cleaning vinegar is cheap and effective. Don't forget to clean the underside of the drawer, which will accumulate soap scum and mold.

Vinegar is all you need for this. You should avoid using bleach to clean your washing machine as this can deteriorate the plastic, leading you to need a new washing machine, sooner.

3. Don't forget the drawer housing

While the drawer is soaking, you can tackle the drawer housing (the slot you removed the drawer from). The trick for a thorough clean is to remember to scrub the top of this area where the water jets are, as this often houses the most hidden mold and soap scum.

Taylor Riley, professional cleaner and founder of Boom. Facility Service Advisors, says, ‘Take a mixture of one part distilled white vinegar and one part water solution and spray down the area that houses the dispensing drawer. Scrub the area with a brush and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.'

4. Rinse and scrub with hot water and dish soap

After letting the drawer soak it is a good idea to finish the job with some fresh warm water and dish soap (such as cleaning with Dawn Powerwash), ensuring all the mold and detergent residue is removed. Rinse the vinegar off of the drawer before using a small brush dipped in dish soap to scrub the small crevices, remembering to cover both the inside and outside of the drawer.

Muffetta Krueger, cleaning expert and founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants, adds, ‘Finish by rinsing it under warm water to remove any detergent or fabric softener residue. Then use another small clean brush, like an old toothbrush, to scrub any remaining residue, especially in crevices.’

Dry the drawer off completely using a clean, dry towel before inserting it back into place. Clean off the items you used to scrub away the mold or if you cannot remove the residue, bin it to avoid spreading it elsewhere.

5. Repeat every three months, minimum

Knowing how often you should clean your washing machine helps to stay on top of mold and grime, making the process easier each time and minimizing the impact of dirt on clothing.

While it is generally recommended that you clean your washing machine every month, Taylor Riley, a professional cleaner, suggests your detergent drawer can go up to three months between cleans, depending on the laundry products you use and how often you do laundry. Doing laundry every day, or using heavily scented or specialized products will often mean you have to wash the drawer more frequently.

He says, ‘Because this area stays dark and damp, it will quickly begin to grow mold and mildew. Make sure to clean this at least every three months.’

It is a good idea to leave your washing machine door open between washes to help dry the drum and prevent the development of mold. The same goes for your detergent drawer. After the wash cycle is complete, open the drawer a little to promote airflow, allowing the area to dry more quickly. This will make cleaning the detergent drawer easier in the future.