As a Hotpoint washing machine owner, you’ll need to clean the dispenser drawer of your washer regularly.
When you use detergent or fabric softener every time you run a wash cycle, the drawer can quickly get dirty. Bacteria and dust can build up along the sides of the drawer, decreasing the efficiency of your appliance.
Ideally, you should wash the fabric softener compartment of washing machines every month or so to keep it clean.
However, the required frequency of cleaning can vary depending on how much detergent you use and whether you use powder or liquid detergent.
This article will cover how to remove and clean your washing machine dispenser drawer.
You can always refer to your user manual for more details and instructions on the proper maintenance and cleaning advice for the model of Hotpoint washing machine you own.
How to Remove the Dispenser Compartment
To successfully remove the fabric softener compartment or dispenser drawers from your washer, follow the general steps below.
Note that the exact steps can vary with each brand, model, and year of manufacture. You can also follow an online video if you’re unsure of what to do after reading the instructions in this guide.
Switch Off Your Appliance
The first step is to pull the washing machine plug out to cut the power supply to your washer.
If you can’t reach the plug, hold down the power button to turn the appliance off. Doing so eliminates electrical safety risks while you’re looking at your appliance.
Removing the Drawer
Now you’ll need to locate the soap drawer, which you’ll find on the top left of almost every washing machine brand.
You’ll now need to take the dispenser drawer out of its slot in the washing machine.
The exact method of doing this will vary depending on the Hotpoint model you own, so again, if you’re stuck, read through the manufacturer’s manual.
Removing the drawer should be pretty simple. On most models, you can release the drawer with the press of a button, which might be at the top, side, or bottom of the drawer.
Inspecting the Parts of the Drawer
Once you’ve removed the soap drawer, look at each of its components to check whether they need cleaning or are damaged.
Dissembling the drawer
You might be able to separate each part of the drawer in some models. Alternatively, you can use a screwdriver to dissemble it and inspect each component individually.
Don’t forget to check the handle for signs of wear and tear too.
Reassembling the Drawer
If you’re happy with the cleanliness of the separate dispenser drawer compartments, you can start putting them back together.
The reassembly process should be straightforward but refer to your instruction book for further advice.
Remember to clip the components in place so that the drawer is nice and sturdy when you reinsert it into the washing machine.
Cleaning Your Dispenser Drawer
If the fabric softener drawer looks dirty or there is mould growing along its edges, you’ll need to give it a good clean.
Without proper cleaning and maintenance, the drawer can become stiff, making it harder to pull out when adding fabric softener for a wash cycle.
The drawer might also become clogged, which can impact the washer’s ability to clean your clothes effectively. A dirty or mouldy drawer could mean that your clothing comes out of the drum dirtier than it was when you put it in there!
Cleaning With Hot Soapy Water
You’ll need to use hot water and soap to clean the softener compartment.
Using a cloth and toothbrush
You can use a cloth to wipe the sides of the drawer and a toothbrush to scrub the harder-to-reach areas and the corners. Be sure to also check underneath it before loading it back into to appliance.
Clean and scrub the dispenser drawer thoroughly to remove all of the mould and mildew (if there is any).
Rinsing with water and drying with a towel
After you’ve cleaned every side, corner, and crevice of the drawer, rinse it with warm water and dry it with a soft towel.
Using White Vinegar to Remove Mould
If after rinsing the fabric softener compartment with warm soapy water, there is still some remaining mould and mildew, you can use something a little stronger.
Combine one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Give it a good shake to fully mix the solution before carefully spraying it over each of the mouldy areas on the dispenser drawer.
Leave the solution to do its thing for around 10 minutes to allow the solution to dissolve the mould and mildew. Follow up by rinsing the washing machine dispenser drawer with warm water and drying it with a clean towel.
Once the drawer is sparkling clean, clip it back into place inside your Hotpoint washing machine, and you can continue doing your laundry.
Fixing a Damaged or Worn Dispenser Drawer
When you lift the drawer out of your washer, you might find that some of the components are cracked or broken.
Even with adequate cleaning and maintenance, the tray can start to show signs of wear and tear over time. Fabric softener and liquid detergent can stain the tray, and the remnants of built-up dust, bacteria, and mould can impact its appearance and function.
Replacing Your Dispenser Drawer
If there is extensive damage, you might need to get rid of the drawer and purchase a new one.
Luckily, brand-new dispenser drawers are inexpensive, and a full replacement is an easy fix when your current tray is looking a bit worse for wear.
Measuring the detergent dispenser
Measure the compartment before you purchase a new one, so you know what sized tray to buy for your washer. When you clip the new tray in place, you might want to run a quick wash cycle to clean the drum and other components of the appliance.
Replacing Tray Components
If just one or two components are broken, you can repair or replace them with spare parts. You’ll need to purchase the correct spare parts compatible with the dispenser in your washer model.
Calling an Engineer for Advice and Repairs
Hotpoint offers repair services for account holders. The brand may be able to fix the detergent dispenser in your machine for free if it is still within its warranty period.
A professional engineer with expertise in Hotpoint washing machines will come to your home to fix your appliance and offer expert advice and top tips on properly looking after your washer..
They can also advise you on which cleaning products and detergents they recommend for your washer.
