Hotpoint Washing Machine Dispenser Drawer Removal

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Introduction

Use this guide to remove, clean, and refit the dispenser drawer on a Hotpoint Aquarius washing machine. The dispenser drawer, also called the dispensing drawer or detergent drawer, holds washing powder and conditioner and can fill with residue, residue, or blockages over time. This guide was written for a Hotpoint Aquarius model and should also apply to similar Indesit washing machines, though small details may vary by model.

What you need

Step 1 Prepare the washing machine

Turn off the washing machine and make sure no wash cycle is running.
Unplug the washing machine before cleaning around the dispenser cavity.
Wear gloves if detergent or conditioner residue may irritate your skin.
Keep water and cleaner away from the control panel and power plug.

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Step 2 Identify the drawer and release clip

Find the dispenser drawer on the front of the washing machine.
Pull the dispenser drawer open until it stops.
Find the small release clip on the right-hand side of the open drawer.
Use this front-view label guide: drawer front on the outside, release clip on the right, plastic clip at the rear, and metal rod at the back of the slot.
Squeeze the release clip slightly toward the left to release it.

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Step 3 Remove the dispenser drawer

Hold the release clip toward the left and pull the drawer straight toward you.
Use a short, firm pull if the drawer doesn't slide free right away.
Keep the drawer level so it slides off the runner instead of twisting.
Don't use heavy force, because bending the drawer can damage the plastic clip.
Check the plastic clip at the back of the removed drawer.
This plastic clip snaps over the metal rod at the back of the dispenser opening.

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Step 4 Clean the dispenser cavity

Clean inside the dispenser drawer cavity while the drawer is removed.
Remove washing powder, conditioner residue, residue, and any blockage you can safely reach.
Don't push loose residue deeper into the machine.
Avoid scraping the cavity with sharp metal items, because they can damage the plastic parts.

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Step 5 Clean the dispenser drawer

Clean the removed dispenser drawer before refitting it.
Remove the small tray in the conditioner compartment if residue is trapped underneath it.
Refit the small conditioner tray before reinstalling the drawer.

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Step 6 Align the drawer for refitting

Check the small blue arrow connector on the drawer.
Slide the blue arrow connector into the matching groove.
Make sure the blue arrow connector stays on the outside of the groove.
Line up the top of the drawer with the upper runner and groove.
Check underneath the drawer to make sure it lines up with the lower runner and isn't offset.
Aim the rear plastic clip toward the metal rod at the back of the dispenser opening.

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Step 7 Clip the drawer into place

Push the drawer inward along the runners until the rear plastic clip snaps onto the metal rod.
Lift the right-hand side slightly while pushing if the clip doesn't catch.
Open and close the dispenser drawer to test it.
The drawer should move very easily after it is fitted correctly.
Remove the drawer and repeat the alignment if it feels stiff or won't close smoothly.

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Conclusion

The dispenser drawer should open and close smoothly after refitting. If it feels stiff, remove it and check the top groove, lower runner, blue arrow connector, and rear clip alignment again. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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