...best way to 'air' a washing machine

[Purple_Popple]

Hi All,
I was told years ago by my mummy that after finishing all ther washing, the machine should be left with its door open, to air it and let the rubber seals dry naturally, to prevent it smellng and mould growing, however, I do this, but have noticed the powder dispenser drawer always gets mouldy and full of residues from the powder and softener, I took the whole drawer out and cleaned it today, scrubbed it and got all the mould out of it, there was an awful lot ! Is this normal for the drawer to get clogged up like this and what is the best way to prevent it getting clogged up again ? Thanks!

[ljdksa]

Mine does exactly the same. May be the type of machine. When I put a dishwasher cleaner on to clean the dishwasher, I put the washing machine drawer in as well. Gets it spotless again.

[ummmm]

Yes it is normal. Just clean it more often or use liquid detergent.

[gina32]

i dont put the soap powder in the drawer i always put it straight in the machine but the draw still gets dirty

[Robinia]

Yes I agree...clean it often, it's a quicker easier job.
I use a cloth to mop up the little pool of water that gathers in the fold at the bottom of the door seal too, hopefully it won't rot too quickly that way.

[alavahalf]

You can air it till the cows come home ... but it wont clean itself..!
http://www.espares.co...-washing-machine.html

[Purple_Popple]

Thanks all, but its not broken, so dont need spares, yet. It's only a year old. Anyhoo, not viable to get a washing machine repaired these days....works out cheaper to buy a new one in the long run, my last one lasted me 10 years !

[scotman]

When it is not in use you should leave the main door and the soap drawer open.

[Whickerman]

This comes up a fair bit. If you do get the smell, use a generous amount of milton and run through an empty boil wash.
It happens not only because of air not getting through, also because most washes are at low temp these days.