Over time, this drawer can accumulate thick layers of residue: soap scum, fabric softener residue, and even mold if the area remains damp. In this case, the machine can no longer rinse or wash properly, and your clothes will be far from fresh.
I used to think a simple wipe with a damp cloth was enough. That wasn’t the case. The buildup of dirt hidden beneath the surface slowly damaged my laundry and interfered with the proper functioning of my washing machine.
First step: a thorough cleaning.
Cleaning the laundry drawer turned out to be much easier than expected, and the difference was immediate.
Here’s what I did:
Remove the drawer completely. Most washing machines have a small release tab near the center. Gently press it and slide the drawer out.
Soak it in hot water. I filled the sink with hot, soapy water and let the drawer soak for about 15 minutes. This helped soften the ingrained residue that had built up over the years.
Scrub every nook and cranny thoroughly. Using a toothbrush and mild detergent, I scrubbed the edges, compartments, and small channels where the water and detergent flow. A mixture of water and vinegar worked perfectly for tougher stains.
Clean the inside of the compartment. Before putting the drawer back in place, I wiped down the area inside the machine where it sits. This area also accumulates dirt and often smells musty if it isn’t cleaned.
Dry it completely. Once the drawer was clean, I let it dry completely before putting it back in place.
After that, the drawer looked brand new, and for the first time in months, my laundry smelled fresh and was truly clean.
Understanding the compartments
While the cleaning was helpful, the real revelation came when I understood the role of each compartment.
Most laundry drawers have three separate compartments, each with its own symbol or label:
“I” — Prewash compartment: Use for heavily soiled laundry or long cycles that include a prewash.
“II” — Main wash compartment: This is where you add your usual liquid or powder detergent. It is released during the main wash.
The flower or star symbol: This compartment is for fabric softener, color protectants, or fragrance enhancers. These products are released during the final rinse.
Like many, I used to pour the detergent directly into the drum, which prevented the machine from distributing it properly. By pouring it into the detergent dispenser drawer, it dissolves evenly, ensuring that the soap reaches every fiber of your laundry at the right time.
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