How to Clean a Washing Machine Detergent Drawer
Learn how to clean your washing machine detergent drawer and remove detergent buildup, mold, and odors with simple household supplies.
APPLIANCE CARE
9/10/20264 min read
A washing machine detergent drawer can look clean from the outside while hiding layers of dried detergent, fabric softener, mold, and residue underneath. Over time, this buildup can cause unpleasant smells, clogged compartments, and even prevent detergent from being properly flushed into the drum.
The good news is that cleaning the detergent drawer is simple and usually takes only a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting it clean and keeping it that way.
Why Should You Clean the Detergent Drawer?
Every time you wash clothes, small amounts of detergent and fabric softener can remain inside the drawer. When combined with moisture, these residues create an ideal environment for mold and bacteria.
A dirty detergent drawer can lead to:
Musty or unpleasant odors
Black or pinkish mold spots
Sticky detergent buildup
Blocked water channels
Poor detergent dispensing
Fabric softener remaining in the compartment
Residue being washed back onto clothes
Cleaning the drawer regularly helps your washing machine work more efficiently and keeps your laundry fresher.
How Often Should You Clean It?
For most households, cleaning the detergent drawer once a month is a good routine.
You may need to clean it more frequently if:
You use liquid detergent or fabric softener regularly.
You frequently run low-temperature washes.
You notice mold or a bad smell.
Detergent is not draining properly from the drawer.
The drawer stays wet between washes.
What You’ll Need
You don't need expensive cleaning products. Gather:
Warm water
An old toothbrush or small cleaning brush
A microfiber cloth or sponge
Dish soap
An old towel
White vinegar, if needed for stubborn residue
Avoid mixing vinegar with bleach or other cleaning chemicals.
Step 1: Remove the Detergent Drawer
First, check your washing machine's manual if you're unsure how the drawer comes out.
Most drawers have a small release tab or button. Pull the drawer outward until it stops, press the release mechanism, and gently remove the drawer completely.
Place it on an old towel or directly in the sink.
Step 2: Remove the Inserts
Many detergent drawers contain removable pieces, particularly the fabric softener insert or siphon cap.
Take these parts out carefully. They can collect a surprising amount of thick, sticky residue.
If you're unsure whether a component is removable, don't force it. Check the manufacturer's instructions first.
Step 3: Soak the Drawer in Warm Water
Fill a sink or basin with warm water and let the drawer and removable parts soak for around 15–30 minutes.
The warm water helps soften dried detergent and fabric softener, making the buildup much easier to remove.
For particularly dirty drawers, add a small amount of dish soap to the water.
Step 4: Scrub Away the Residue
After soaking, use an old toothbrush or small cleaning brush to scrub the compartments.
Pay special attention to:
Corners
The back of each compartment
Small openings
The fabric softener section
Areas underneath removable inserts
For stubborn buildup, soak the drawer again rather than aggressively scraping it with a sharp object. Sharp tools can damage the plastic.
Step 5: Clean the Siphon and Small Openings
The fabric softener compartment often has a small siphon system that can become clogged.
Remove the siphon cap if your machine allows it and rinse it thoroughly under warm running water.
Use the toothbrush to remove any buildup around the small openings.
A clogged siphon can prevent fabric softener from being released correctly during the wash cycle.
Step 6: Clean Inside the Washing Machine
Don't stop with the drawer itself. The cavity where the drawer sits can also accumulate detergent residue and mold.
Dip a cloth or small brush into warm soapy water and wipe the inside thoroughly.
Clean around the top and sides of the cavity, where water sprays into the drawer.
For narrow areas, an old toothbrush can be very useful.
Step 7: Rinse Everything Thoroughly
Once you've removed the buildup, rinse the drawer and all removable components under clean running water.
Make sure there is no remaining soap or loosened residue.
Check the small holes and channels to make sure they're open.
Step 8: Dry the Drawer
Dry the drawer completely with a clean microfiber cloth or leave it somewhere to air-dry.
If possible, also wipe the inside of the drawer cavity before putting it back.
Moisture encourages mold growth, so allowing everything to dry properly is an important part of the cleaning process.
Step 9: Put the Drawer Back
Once everything is clean and dry, reinstall the removable inserts and slide the drawer back into the washing machine.
Make sure it is positioned correctly and moves smoothly.
What About Mold in the Detergent Drawer?
If you find black or pinkish mold, don't ignore it. Remove as much of the buildup as possible with warm soapy water and thorough scrubbing.
For persistent mold, follow your washing machine manufacturer's cleaning instructions and use an appropriate washing-machine-safe cleaner.
Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaning products. Dangerous fumes can result.
How to Prevent Detergent Drawer Buildup
Cleaning the drawer is easier when you prevent residue from accumulating in the first place.
Leave the Drawer Slightly Open
After a wash, leave the detergent drawer partially open so air can circulate and moisture can evaporate.
Don't Overuse Detergent
Using more detergent than recommended doesn't necessarily make clothes cleaner. Excess detergent can leave more residue behind.
Follow the dosage recommended on the detergent packaging and consider your water hardness and load size.
Wipe the Drawer Regularly
If you notice water or detergent residue after a wash, give the drawer a quick wipe instead of allowing it to dry and accumulate.
Clean Fabric Softener Compartments
Fabric softener can be particularly sticky. Pay extra attention to this compartment during your monthly cleaning.
Don't Keep the Washing Machine Permanently Closed
After a wash, leave the detergent drawer and washing-machine door open when practical. Better ventilation helps moisture escape and reduces the conditions that encourage mold and musty odors.
Can You Put the Detergent Drawer in the Dishwasher?
Don't assume that a detergent drawer is dishwasher-safe.
Some manufacturers may allow certain removable components to be cleaned in a dishwasher, while others don't. Check your washing machine's manual before doing this.
When in doubt, warm water and a soft brush are the safer option.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your washing machine detergent drawer is a small chore that can make a noticeable difference. A few minutes of soaking, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying can remove old detergent, fabric softener, and mold buildup while helping prevent unpleasant smells.
Aim to clean the drawer about once a month, and remember to leave it open after washes so it can dry properly. With this simple routine, your detergent drawer can stay cleaner, fresher, and less likely to become clogged.