For many people, the washing machine is the most useful device in the house because it removes dirt from clothes, bed linen, etc. Mold, washing powder residue and still water: However, the detergent compartment is anything but clean. Luckily, there is a trick you can use to clean the dispenser drawer and keep it germ-free. We explain how it works.
Clean the dispenser drawer: remove limestone and mold quickly and without chemicals
Washing powder, fabric softener and all stain removers: The chemical cleaning agents that are added to the detergent compartment every week leave residues behind. These offer the perfectBreeding ground for germs and mold. In addition, the dispenser drawer never really stays dry and moisture always accumulates there. In addition, the tap water in many regions of Germany contains lime. Ultimately, limescale deposits form in the detergent compartment after several wash cycles. Detergent residue also accumulates and if it is not removed for several weeks, mold can form. Mold is not only harmful to health, but can also lead to unpleasant odors in the drum. So if your laundry suddenly stinks after washing, you should clean the washing machine thoroughly.
What you should definitely not use to clean the drawer:Bleach. These can attack the plastic, making it brittle and discoloring it. Bleach can also damage the metal parts in the washing machine.
Cleaning the detergent compartment: How to get it clean again with citric acid
You can use citric acid to remove limestone. You need 1 teaspoon of citric acid and 2 liters of lukewarm tap water. Proceed as follows:
- Take out the drawer.
- Pour the water into a clean container. Add the citric acid to the water and stir until it is completely dissolved.
- Rinse the washing powder compartment thoroughly under running water and add it to the water.
- The washing machine drawer should be completely covered. Leave them in for about 30 minutes, then remove them from the water and reattach them.
- Dissolve 1/3 teaspoon citric acid in 500 ml lukewarm water.
- Pour half of the citric acid solution into the drawer and let the washing machine run empty at 90° Celsius.
Clean the detergent drawer with white wine vinegar: This is how you can remove the washing powder residue without chemicals
Leftover washing powder provides a breeding ground for mold and fungi. You should remove these regularly. First fill a bucket with 2 liters of hot water and then 500 ml of white wine vinegar. Mix everything together, take out the detergent drawer and put it in the bucket.
Allow it to submerge for 1-2 hours until the washing powder residue has dissolved and then remove it from the water. You can then fill the detergent drawer with detergent and aclean sponge. Use an old toothbrush to clean any hard-to-reach corners and edges. In the meantime, you can soak a clean cleaning cloth in the hot vinegar solution and use it to carefully wipe the opening where the detergent dispenser is inserted. Optional: You can then attach the drawer to the washing machine and clean the washing machine at 90° idle.
Remove mold and unpleasant odors in the detergent compartment with baking powder or baking soda
If youRemove mold from the detergent compartmentIf you want, you can use baking powder or baking soda. Put about 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking powder into a jam jar and fill with enough water to create a pasta when mixed. Put the pasta on an old toothbrush and rub the detergent drawer with it. Let the baking soda work for half an hour and then rinse the detergent compartment thoroughly. If necessary, you can then additionally clean it with detergent. Then wipe it dry.
Cleaning the detergent compartment in the dishwasher or with dishwasher tabs: Is that possible?
You can also clean the detergent compartment in the dishwasher as long as it is not particularly dirty and as long as you do not notice any mold. Alternatively, you can dissolve 2 dishwasher tablets in 2 liters of water and then place the detergent compartment in the bucket with the solution. Leave it there for 2-3 hours, then unscrew it and remove dirt and detergent residue with a soft sponge. Then you can rinse it under running water. The dishwasher tablets clean thoroughly and disinfect.
Clean the dispenser drawer: Use a steam cleaner to kill bacteria
If you want to disinfect the dispenser, you can do it with a steam cleaner. The steam kills germs and helps remove unpleasant odors. The deposits can then be easily removed. You can simply remove these with a soft, damp cleaning cloth. Then rinse and insert the detergent compartment.
Clean the top-loading detergent compartment with boiling water
How do you clean the detergent compartment of a top loader? If there are deposits, it is placed in a vinegar solution and left there for about 2 – 3 hours. In the meantime, you can boil water and then rinse the compartment with the hot water. Then you can start an idle cycle at 90°. However, you can save electricity and water if you clean the washing machine regularly or wash it at 60° two or three times a month.
Unpleasant smells: That's why you should clean the dispenser drawer regularly
Leftover washing powder provides the perfect breeding ground for germs. This not only harms your health, but also createsunpleasant smells. Therefore, clean the dispenser every two weeks to prevent deposits.
