Cleaning the Washing Machine

[Biscuitgirl]

Just moved into a new place and I don't think anyone had ever cleaned the soap powder drawer! It was completely black, no matter how hard I try it won't all come off.
Does anyone have any ideas? Is there such a thing as washing machine cleaner?

[SRobb]

I had a similar problem and I stuck the whole drawer in my dishwasher, added the dishwasher powder and ran the hottest wash, it came out spotless.  I don't tell people who come to my house though or they might not want to use my dishes.

[woofgang]

well you can try calgon or another descaling product, sounds like it would need more than one go. If it is only the drawer, try soaking it in ordinary toilet or shower descaler, then rinse well. Don't do this in your stainless steel sink, it will mark the sink!!!

[woofgang]

I have washed white fabric lampshades in my dishwasher (no detergent) it worked a treat, it was a last resort, they were too expensive to throw away, but not worth professional cleaning

[tracymort]

i'd go with the descaler and maybe some mould removing tpye gunk.  somewhere like lakeland limited or betterware/kleeneze will have that kind of shift anything type product!  i've actually had a lot of success with that infamous cillit bang stuff!