Washing machines: Washing machine repairs tool Fix a dodgy detergent drawer

Detergent drawers are prone to build-ups of mould, detergent residue and in extreme cases - a black jelly-like substance. As well as looking unpleasant, if it builds up it can prevent detergent from being taken into the machine and water spraying out of the front of the washer.

Video: How to fix a washing machine detergent drawer

Our video below show's you how to clean out a detergent drawer. For more advice on troubleshooting your washing machine, use our washing machine repair tool.

 

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Video transcript

First things first, unplug your wash machine before doing any sort of maintenance. From a recent Which survey, one of the most common complaints about washing machines was problems with the detergent drawer. The big problem here is a buildup of substances that include detergent residue, mold and bacteria, or in some cases, a black jelly like substance.

Some detergent drawers will just slip straight out but others like this Beko has a clip to depress. To clean your detergent drawer, simply use a bit of lukewarm water, some washing-up liquid, and remember to wear gloves, to protect your skin against detergent residue. The fabric softener compartment is particularly prone to build ups of gunk and residue.

So make sure you clean it thoroughly, including the hole that goes through to the washing machine. Like the detergent draw the drawers housing also prone to substance build-up. When you're cleaning the housing, make sure you move all the grime from the holes above the detergent drawer. All the water that enters your machine comes in through these holes.

Any blockages can deflect water into different compartments or can even spray the water outside the front of your detergent drawer. Once everything's been cleaned, pop your detergent drawer back and you are ready to go. But if the detergent drawer has broken or is beyond cleaning, you can obtain replacements from your manufacturer.

For more washing machine advice tips go to which.co.uk.

Step by step: cleaning a washing machine detergent drawer

1Turn off your machine

Before doing any sort of maintenance on your washing machine, turn it off and unplug it.

2Clean the drawer thoroughly

Most problems with detergent drawers can be fixed by giving it a good clean. If your detergent drawer is actually broken, replacements can be bought from the manufacturer. See more about washing machine spare parts in our separate guide.

To clean the drawer, remove it completely from the washing machine - your instruction manual will show you how.

Give the drawer a good clean using lukewarm water and washing up liquid if needed. Wear gloves to protect your skin from detergent residue.

It is just as important to clean the housing that the drawer sits in as this is where water enters to push detergent through to clean your clothes. Pay particular attention to the holes at the top, as any partially-blocked holes deflect water away from it's intended target.

Professional washing machine repairs

If your machine is not fixed by following these steps, try our washing machine repair tool for more help. If the problem is more serious and needs professional attention, Which? members can find recommended washing machine repairers in their area using Which? Local.

Reliable washing machines

Our Best Buy washing machines page reveals the washing machine brands that are less likely to let you down. We only recommend top-scoring washing machines as Best Buys if they get a rating of three stars or better in our annual washing machine reliability survey.

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