Is your washing machine drawer looking gross and full of black mold? Don’t worry, you can fix this easily. Many homeowners struggle with stubborn buildup in their laundry dispensers, but a few simple steps will make it look brand new again.
Here is the complete guide to deep cleaning your washer dispenser using safe, common household items.
Every time you run a load of laundry, thick liquid softeners and powders leave behind a sticky residue. When you mix this wet buildup with the dark, damp environment inside the machine, it creates the perfect breeding ground for black mold and unpleasant odors.
Leaving this mess untouched means your clothes are being washed with dirty, mold-tainted water. Clean clothes require a clean machine!
You do not need expensive commercial cleaners to get amazing results. Follow these simple steps to restore your machine:
Most people try to wipe the compartment while it is still inside the machine, which makes it impossible to reach the back corners. Look closely at your dispenser—most models have a small release button or tab (often colored blue or grey) near the fabric softener section. Press down firmly on this tab and gently pull the entire piece out.
Find a large bucket or use your bathroom sink. Fill it with hot water and add two cups of standard white vinegar. For extra cleaning power, stir in a half cup of baking soda. Place the plastic compartment into the mixture and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This will break down the hardened soap scum and kill active mold spores.
While the main piece is soaking, look inside the empty cavity of your washing machine. You will likely see a lot of black residue on the upper ceiling where the water sprays down. Use an old toothbrush dipped in your vinegar solution to scrub this area thoroughly.
Once the soaking time is up, take the toothbrush to the plastic dispenser, paying special attention to the small corners and the underside of the fabric softener cap.
Rinse everything with clean, warm water to remove any remaining vinegar or loose debris. Wipe the pieces down with a microfiber cloth and let them air dry completely before sliding the piece back into the machine.
To keep your machine fresh without having to scrub it every single week, implement these quick habits:
Leave it open: Whenever the washing machine is not in use, leave the dispenser cracked open an inch or two. This allows airflow to dry out the moisture, stopping mold before it can start.
Switch to liquid detergent: Large amounts of powder can fail to dissolve completely in cold water, leading to rapid buildup. Liquid options rinse away much cleaner.
Use less fabric softener: Modern softeners are incredibly thick and leave a waxy coating on plastic surfaces. Try cutting your usual amount in half, or swap it entirely for a splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle to naturally soften your fabrics.
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