Lamona Washing Machine Dispenser Drawer Cleaning

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Introduction

The dispenser drawer, also called the detergent drawer, holds washing powder, detergent, and conditioner before they wash into the drum. Residue can build up in the drawer and drawer cavity, then wash onto clothes. Use this guide to remove, clean, and refit the dispenser drawer on a Lamona integrated washing machine made by Howdens. Other Lamona models may have small differences, but the same release-clip method is commonly used. Clean the drawer about every six months to keep the machine fresh.

What you need

Step 1 Prepare the washing machine

Turn off the washing machine and unplug it before cleaning the drawer area.
Let the machine cool if it has recently run a hot wash.
Open the integrated cupboard door fully so you can reach the top-left dispenser drawer.
Keep the drum empty until the cleaning work is complete.

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Step 2 Remove the dispenser drawer

Pull the dispenser drawer straight out until it stops.
Push the back of the drawer down while lifting the front of the drawer up.
Keep the drawer centered so the small middle release clip clears the stop.
Slide the drawer out of the machine once the clip releases.
Don't yank the drawer if it catches, because the center clip can break.
If the drawer feels stuck, push it in a little, repeat the down-at-the-back and up-at-the-front motion, and try again.

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Step 3 Clean the dispenser drawer

Remove the blue covers from the drawer to improve access for cleaning.
Scrub the drawer with an brush and hot, soapy water until the detergent and conditioner residue is gone.
Clean inside the detergent and conditioner channels so water can flow freely.
Rinse the drawer and blue covers with clean water.
Avoid using a brush that will be used for teeth again.

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Step 4 Clean the drawer cavity

Wipe inside the dispenser drawer cavity with a cloth and hot, soapy water.
Clean the top, sides, back, and visible runners where residue collects.
Remove loose detergent buildup so it doesn't wash down onto clothes.
Keep water away from electrical controls and don't pour water into the cavity.

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Step 5 Refit the dispenser drawer

Reinstall the blue covers if you removed them.
Line up the dispenser drawer with the grooves on both sides of the cavity.
Lift the front of the drawer and push the back down so the release clip passes underneath the stop.
Slide the drawer fully into the machine until it sits flush.
Pull the drawer out and push it in once to confirm it moves smoothly.

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Step 6 Inspect the drum rubber

Open the washing machine door and inspect the rubber seal around the drum opening.
Remove any debris from the folds of the rubber seal.
Check the drainage holes in the rubber seal and clear any blockages.
Be careful around the rubber seal, because trapped objects can be sharp.

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Step 7 Run a maintenance wash

Plug the washing machine back in.
Run the hottest wash program available with no clothes in the drum.
Use a 90 °C wash program or the Drum Clean option if the machine has one.
Let the cycle flush detergent residue from the system before washing clothes again.

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Conclusion

Clean the dispenser drawer and drawer cavity about every six months, or sooner if you see detergent buildup, conditioner residue, or black residue in the drawer. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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