Do you regularly clean the “mouldiest area” in your washing machine?
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While they may be designed to clean your clothes and towels, washing machines, especially front-loading models, can also be the perfect breeding ground for mould, dirt, and grime.
There are several factors that may contribute to their growth, such as warm temperatures, soil and bacteria from clothes, detergent and fabric softener residue, and a dark environment – which can all combine to leave you with a stinky, mouldy washer.
Previously, we wrote about one of the often overlooked parts of the washing machine, which is the area behind the rubber gasket. But are you aware that there is still one more area that is not often cleaned as thoroughly as it should be?
According to a professional organiser, we should also take a look at our washing machine’s dispenser drawer.
A home expert revealed that dispenser drawers are the “mouldiest area” of the washing machine. Credit: Anita Birges.
“Most people think the mould builds up around the seal of the machine,” she said in her TikTok video. And while mould can also build up around the seal of the machine if left uncleaned and neglected, she added that we must also pay attention to the dispenser slot.
“Have a look, you are going to be mortified with what you see in here.” Pulling out the dispenser drawer, Anita shows the mouldy buildup inside the machine, calling it the “mouldiest area” of our washers.
Thankfully, she also revealed the best cleaning hack for the job. Time to bring out the vinegar and toothpaste, folks! You’ll need them here.
First, she takes out the drawer and soaks it in a sink filled with hot water and vinegar for about an hour. While it is soaking, she cleans the empty mouldy slot in the machine. She mixes a little bit of toothpaste with water and uses the solution to scrub the inside of the machine.
“Toothpaste not only cleans but is also a mild abrasive and the mould comes off easier, especially on those hard to reach nooks and crannies,” said Anita. Once every corner is spotless and clean, she rinses the area with hot water and wipes it with a microfibre cloth.
And that’s it! Now your dispenser drawer and slot are clean, fresh, and mould-free.
Anita’s video has been viewed over 95,000 times, with several people commenting about how they never noticed the grime buildup in their washing machines.
“I learnt this the hard way when I got my first front loader washing machine!” one person wrote, adding: “It was gross.”
Meanwhile, others have commented that preventing mould buildup is still a lot better than having to clean them. And we agree!
So here are some tips to prevent mould from growing inside your washer:
- Never leave your freshly-washed clothes in the washer for a long time. When you're planning to throw a load of laundry in, make sure you’ll be around to remove the clothes when the timer goes off. Meaning, don't start the washer before going to work or to bed (especially overnight!). Not only does this prevent mould from growing in your washer but it keeps your clean clothes from mildewing, too.
- Your washer is extremely moist, warm, and dark after unloading the clothes. Leaving the door open helps to ventilate the washer and prevents mould from growing in the first place.
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nice and gross but cleaned up well. 
