Mould is a common issue not only in the washing machine seal but also in the drawer of the appliance and the area behind it. The detergent drawer of a washing machine can often become mouldy due to moisture accumulation, and the narrow space can be tricky to clean and inspect. A cleaning enthusiast recently shared her success story on the Mrs Hinch Army Facebook page, detailing how she transformed her washing machine drawer from a “disgusted” state to looking “amazing”.
In her post, Sandra Picton revealed her shock at discovering mould in her washing machine drawer, saying: “I was disgusted to find this much mould in the drawer of my washing machine.” She described her determined cleaning effort, despite being seven months pregnant: “To think I was washing my baby’s clothes in there! My seven-month pregnant butt sat there and scrubbed it.”
Sandra detailed her cleaning method, which involved using white vinegar and washing up liquid applied with a kitchen sponge modified with a fork for better reach, resulting in impressive outcomes after about 20 minutes of effort: “White vinegar and washing up liquid on a kitchen sponge with a fork stabbed into it so that I could reach the back. It took about 20 minutes, but the results were amazing.”
White vinegar can eliminate over 80% of mould species and prevent its return, making it an excellent alternative to chemical cleaners for those seeking a natural option for a clean and sparkling detergent drawer.
Mrs Hinch enthusiasts took to the comments section to share their admiration for the cleaning results, with some offering advice to Sandra on how to avoid mould in the future by leaving the drawer ajar after each use.
Claire Faux praised the effort, saying: “It’s amazing how quickly it builds up, but you’ve done a brilliant job! Spotless.”
Linda Membury shared her own experience: “I had to do mine the other week. I now always keep the drawer open after every use (ok, not practical if your washing machine is your way), but it doesn’t get mouldy anymore. Prevention is better than a cure. Well done. Looks amazing!”
Tina Uzzell also chimed in with her preferred cleaning method: “I love using soap and vinegar to clean any part of my washing machine, it’s the cheapest thing to use too.”
Experts recommend that you give your washing machine drawer – and the machine itself – a thorough cleaning at least once a month.
While more frequent cleans are beneficial, aiming for a minimum of once a month is advised.
To further prevent build-up, additional measures such as wiping down the drawer after use or keeping it slightly open to improve airflow can be effective.
