The problem
The detergent drawer is where powder cakes up, softener turns into thick blue gunk, and black mould quietly spreads. A clogged drawer stops detergent reaching the drum properly, leaves residue on clothes, and adds to that musty washing machine smell. The good news: it is one of the easiest parts of the machine to clean, and most drawers pop out in seconds.
Why the drawer gets dirty
- Fabric softener sets like glue: undiluted softener thickens in the compartment and traps grime.
- Powder doesn’t fully flush: low water pressure or too much powder leaves a hard crust.
- It stays damp: the drawer recess holds moisture, which mould loves.
- Overdosing: using more detergent than needed leaves more behind.
Step-by-step: removing and cleaning the drawer
- Pull the drawer out fully. Open it to the stop, then press the coloured tab or release catch in the centre (usually the softener section) and pull it free. Top-loaders may have a lift-out dispenser cup instead.
- Soak it. Submerge the drawer in hot water with a little washing-up liquid or white vinegar for 15–20 minutes to soften the build-up.
- Scrub. Use an old toothbrush to clear every channel, especially the softener flap and the siphon cap.
- Clean the recess. Wipe inside the empty cavity and scrub the roof of it, where black mould and jets of water collect. A bottle brush helps reach the back.
- Dry and refit. Dry the drawer, slide it back in, and run a short hot rinse to clear loosened residue.
How to prevent build-up
- Dilute fabric softener slightly with water if it keeps clogging.
- Use the correct dose of detergent — check the pack for your water hardness and load size.
- Leave the drawer slightly open between washes to dry out.
- Wipe the drawer every couple of weeks and deep-clean it monthly.
If you are unsure which compartment to use, read our full drum and filter cleaning guide. A dirty drawer often goes hand in hand with detergent build-up across the whole machine.
When to call a technician
If water overflows from the drawer during filling, or detergent is left sitting in the compartment after a wash, the inlet jets or the drawer housing may be blocked with limescale or the water pressure may be low. If cleaning does not fix it, an engineer can check the inlet valve and jets.