How to Troubleshoot Dispenser Drawer Buildup in a John Lewis Washing Machine

ID: 218510

Description: [youtubevideo|_UVPXgy9TDU]Use this guide to...

Steps:

  1. Turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the wall outlet before cleaning around the drawer cavity.
  2. Let the machine cool if it recently ran a hot wash.
  3. Place a towel under the dispenser area to catch drips from the drawer.
  4. Wear gloves if you don't want to touch detergent residue, mold, or hot, soapy water.
  5. Find the dispenser drawer in the top-left corner of the washing machine front panel.
  6. Put your fingers underneath the drawer handle and pull the drawer out gently until it stops at the retaining clip.
  7. Press the release button down gently while pulling the drawer straight out.
  8. Don't yank the drawer, or you may damage the clip or the drawer runners.
  9. Inspect the drawer for washing powder residue, conditioner residue, mold, and limescale.
  10. Remove the blue flaps from the drawer if you need better access for cleaning.
  11. Use a brush and hot, soapy water to scrub the drawer thoroughly.
  12. Rinse away loosened residue before refitting the drawer.
  13. Hard water areas may leave heavier scale inside the drawer.
  14. Look inside the dispenser drawer cavity before refitting the drawer.
  15. Use a cloth with hot, soapy water to scrub mold and residue from the inside of the cavity.
  16. Don't use a brush inside the cavity, because it could slip down the opening and get stuck in the washing machine.
  17. Wipe away loose residue so it can't wash down into the clothes.
  18. Line up the drawer with the grooves in the dispenser opening.
  19. Push the drawer inward until it reaches the retaining clip.
  20. Press the release button down while pushing the drawer past the clip.
  21. Push the drawer fully closed and check that it slides smoothly.
  22. Open the washing machine door and inspect the rubber seal around the drum.
  23. Clean the rubber seal so it is free of debris and residue.
  24. Check that the drainage holes in the rubber are clear.
  25. Remove any loose debris that could block drainage or transfer onto clothes.
  26. Run a 90°C wash programme or the Drum Clean option with no laundry in the drum.
  27. Leave the drawer and door slightly open after the cycle if the machine is not in use, so the cleaned areas can dry.
  28. Pull the drawer only until it reaches the stop point, then press the release button again.
  29. Push the drawer slightly inward to take pressure off the clip if the release button won't press down easily.
  30. Pull the drawer straight out while holding the release button down.
  31. Stop and recheck the clip if the drawer still won't move, rather than forcing it.
  32. Clean visible residue around the runners before trying again if buildup is making the drawer drag.
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