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Bosch Washing Machine Dispenser Drawer Repair

Video Guide
This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

Introduction

Use this guide to free a stuck dispenser drawer on a Bosch washing machine. The dispenser drawer, detergent drawer, or detergent dispenser holds detergent and fabric softener, and it can jam if the fabric softener level indicator is stuck or installed incorrectly. This procedure was written with a Bosch Serie 4 washing machine and should also apply to Bosch Serie 6 models, though other Bosch models may have small differences.

What you need

  1. Edit

    • Stop any wash program and unplug the washer from the wall.

    • Close the water supply if you plan to scrub heavily or leave the dispenser area open for a while.

    • Wear protective gloves if mold, detergent residue, or hot water may irritate your skin.

    • Pull the dispenser drawer gently until it stops.

    • A jammed drawer may stop after opening about 1 inch.

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  2. Edit

    • Look into the gap behind the drawer front.

    • Suspect the fabric softener level indicator if the drawer opens about 1 inch and won't slide farther.

    • The level indicator can jam when it hasn't been seated correctly.

    • Don't force the drawer, because the plastic drawer or indicator can break.

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  3. Edit

    • Use your fingers to feel the two clips on either side of the drawer fascia.

    • Squeeze both clips toward you and lift the fascia upward to release it.

    • Set the fascia aside where it won't be stepped on.

    • Removing the fascia gives better access to the part blocking the drawer.

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  4. Edit

    • Use a flat-blade knife to press the fabric softener level indicator downward through the opening.

    • Keep your fingers away from the knife edge.

    • Press only hard enough to clear the blockage.

    • Too much force can break the plastic indicator or drawer.

    • Slide the drawer straight out once the indicator is free.

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  5. Edit

    • Align the fascia with the front of the drawer.

    • Slide the fascia down into the two clips until it clicks into place.

    • Make sure the fascia sits securely before cleaning or reinstalling the drawer.

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  6. Edit

    • Remove the fabric softener level indicator from the drawer.

    • Use a brush and hot water mixed with dish soap to scrub under the indicator.

    • Mold and fabric softener residue often collect under the indicator.

    • Scrub all crevices and the inside of the dispenser drawer.

    • Rinse or wipe away the loosened residue until the drawer is clean.

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  7. Edit

    • Place a cloth over the hole inside the dispenser drawer area before scrubbing.

    • Do not drop a brush, brush, or small tool down the hole.

    • Keep the washer unplugged while cleaning the internal compartment.

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  8. Edit

    • Use a brush, hot water, and dish soap to scrub the dispenser compartment.

    • A larger brush makes this easier if one fits in the compartment.

    • Scrub away the detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, mold, and residue.

    • Use a small sponge to wipe away loose residue if needed.

    • Don't pour water into the washer controls or wiring.

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  9. Edit

    • Check the holes in the roof of the dispenser compartment.

    • Use a small brush to clear any blocked roof holes.

    • Use a small bit of wire if a small brush doesn't fit.

    • Wipe the area with a cloth after the holes are clear.

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  10. Edit

    • Align the dispenser drawer with the grooves in the dispenser opening.

    • Press down on the drawer release button and slide the drawer fully home.

    • Open and close the drawer to make sure it slides smoothly.

    • Remove the drawer again and reseat the fabric softener level indicator if it jams.

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  11. Edit

    • Open the washer door and inspect the door seal seal.

    • Remove any hair or debris from the seal.

    • Make sure the drainage holes in the seal are clear.

    • Wipe the seal and drainage holes with a cloth.

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  12. Edit

    • Leave the drum door slightly open after washes to help the washer ventilate.

    • Leave the dispenser drawer slightly open after washes to reduce smells and mold.

    • Use laundry pods in the drum if you want to reduce residue buildup in the dispenser drawer.

    • Run a washing machine cleaning routine after about every 30 washing programs.

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Conclusion

The dispenser drawer should now slide freely, and the drawer and internal compartment should be clean. Keep the drawer and door slightly open between washes to help prevent mold, odors, and future jams. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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