Over time, mold can accumulate in the detergent drawer of your washing machine. If this seems surprising given the primary function of the appliance, it is also an ideal environment for the formation of traces of moisture. The detergent drawer is no exception to this inconvenience, which is why we’re sharing with you how to use your sponge to say goodbye to mold in your washing machine.
The washing machine is one of the most mold-infested appliances. Moisture and detergent residue come into question. Add to this the evaporation of water and we get all the elements that make the washing machine a place conducive to mold. Fortunately, several natural and ecological solutions are available to you to counteract this problem. The following technique is one of them.
How to remove mold from the washing machine drawer with a sponge?
Since the washing machine drawer remains one of the parts most affected by this inconvenience, here’s how you can use your sponge to effectively remove mold from the detergent drawer.
Clean the drawer of the washing machine with vinegar
As a disinfectant, cleaner and stain remover par excellence, vinegar is a versatile ingredient of choice whose cleaning qualities have made it a household maintenance essential. To use it against mold in your washing machine drawer, soak a sponge in a solution of white vinegar and hot water and place it in the drawer where the mold is located. Gently press the sponge to better impregnate the affected area. Leave on for a few minutes and then wipe with the same sponge to remove the dirt.
Clean the drawer of the washing machine with lemon juice
The same method with vinegar can be used with lemon juice, as this citrus fruit is a great ally against mold. To use it, soak a sponge in a solution of a glass of lemon juice and two tablespoons of water and then place it on the affected area of the tray. Leave for a few minutes while the lemon dissolves the mold stains, then wipe with the same sponge to remove them completely.
Clean the drawer of the washing machine with citric acid
If you also discover lime deposits in your laundry tub, you can turn to citric acid, which works surprisingly well against these stubborn stains. First, dissolve 1/3 lb. in 1 quart of water, then soak a sponge in the solution before placing it in the detergent compartment. A few minutes later, the stains will disappear.
Clean the drawer of the washing machine with bar soap
Another solution to fight mold is to use bar soap, whose powerful action is perfect for this type of problem. Melt bars of soap in a water bath and then pour the liquid on the sponge that you put on the area to be treated. Leave the product to act for a few minutes before rubbing.
Clean the drawer of the washing machine with hydrogen peroxide
Control of mold can also be done via hydrogen peroxide, but its cleaning potential is disregarded. And for good reason, its disinfecting and stain-removing properties make it one of the products that should definitely be part of your cleaning products. Soak a sponge in water, then impregnate its rough side with a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide and place the sponge on the mold-infested area, as with the above solutions. Leave for about 20 minutes before scrubbing to remove detergent residue and dirt.
How to prevent the appearance of mold in the washing machine?
To prevent mold growth in the washing machine, there are several measures to take and avoid.
- It is best to abandon fabric softener or at least use it moderately. It is best to replace it with distilled white vinegar to pour into the fabric softener dispenser to remove detergent residue and ensure the function of a fabric softener.
- Do not use too much detergent.
- If you have a front-loading washing machine, leave the door open after each wash to ensure better ventilation.
Of course, these solutions do not eliminate the need for regular cleaning of the washing machine. Mold in the detergent drawer does not make you want to use the washing machine. To avoid this inconvenience, it is important to regularly maintain it.
