How To Get Rid Of Mould In Your Washing Machine Drawer

• What causes black mould in the washing machine drawer?
• What are the effects of mould in the detergent drawer?
• How to remove mould from the washing machine drawer
• How to prevent mould in the washing machine drawer
• Contact our team today

Dark, black residue in your detergent drawer and a damp, musty odour from your washing machine indicates the presence of mould. To protect your clothing and health against harmful mould, you must have it dealt with by professionals as soon as you spot it. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer our thorough, efficient mould removal services nationwide. Our Dewpoint-accredited technicians are available 24/7, 365 days a year, including bank holidays to deal with your mould problem. In an emergency, they can be on site within a matter of hours, no matter where you are in the UK. 

Keep reading to learn more about why mould is growing in your detergent drawer and how to remove it. 

What causes black mould in the washing machine drawer?

Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp, dark environments that contain organic material for it to feed off. Washing machines tend to provide it with its ideal conditions for growth:

• They regularly contain lots of water, steam, and damp clothes
• Dirt from clothes and leftover detergent or soap scum provides mould with food
• We usually leave the door and drawer shut, enabling moisture and humid air to get trapped inside the appliance

Mould is a common problem in the washing machine drum and seal, but black mould can also often be found in the drawer, too. The latter is mainly caused by the presence of detergent. You can find out more about what causes black mould in washing machines in this blog. 

What are the effects of mould in the detergent drawer?

Mould is not just an unsightly addition to your washing machine. As it feeds on organic material, any mould that spreads to your clothes can cause them to deteriorate over time. 

Mould is also dangerous to be exposed to, so using the washing machine and wearing clothes with mould on them can put you at risk of a number of health problems. This includes an allergic reaction, lung infections, asthma attacks, and even sick building syndrome. 

Some groups are especially vulnerable to mould exposure such as people with weakened immune systems, young children, elderly people, and people with pre-existing respiratory or skin conditions.

Lots of kinds of mould release toxic compounds, as well, including several types of black mould, which is what usually grows in the detergent drawer. On a less serious note, mould usually smells damp and musty, and can make your clothes smell unpleasant. 

How to remove mould from the washing machine drawer

Removing mould from a washing machine might seem as simple as applying a homemade mould remover and scrubbing at the stains. But getting into the nooks and crannies of an appliance safely, and eliminating every trace of the mould, is a challenging process that is best left to mould remediation professionals. You may also damage your washing machine and incur costly repairs.

Cleaning can disturb the harmful spores, as well, encouraging them to spread around the property and cause a mould problem elsewhere. Protective gear is required to protect your health during the cleaning, too. An ineffective technique or method could even leave mould behind which will just result in it growing back. 

Professional cleaners can give you peace of mind that all the mould will be eliminated from your washing machine. They can diagnose the cause of it and advise on how to prevent it returning in the future so your washing machine stays mould-free. Other benefits of bringing in mould cleaners include:

• They will suit up in personal protective equipment to prevent any contact with harmful spores
• Their specialised equipment reaches areas every day tools will miss

How to prevent mould in the washing machine drawer

Give your detergent drawer a good scrub every month with hot soapy water to get rid of any soap residue, dirt, and dust that mould can feed off of. Pull out the entire compartment if possible, and use an old toothbrush for those hard-to-reach corners.

After each wash cycle, let fresh air circulate in the machine by leaving the drawer and door slightly open. This will help any lingering moisture dry out and get rid of steam that can build up in there. 

You should also regularly perform maintenance on your washing machine. Check seals and gaskets regularly for dampness and mould, and wipe them down after every few cycles. 

Contact our team today

Every mould remediation comes with a lifetime guarantee* so if the mould comes back, we will return to site and remove it for free. 

Get in touch with our team on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to book your mould cleaning service. They will be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.  

*subject to advisories