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Whirlpool Washing Machine Dispenser Drawer Cleaning

eCuration and one other contributor

Last updated on Jun 1, 2026

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5 - 10 minutes

Moderate

Video Guide This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

Introduction

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The dispenser drawer, also called the detergent drawer or dispensing drawer, holds detergent and fabric conditioner before it enters the wash. Over time, detergent residue, conditioner residue, mold, and residue can build up and wash into clothes. Use this guide to remove, clean, and refit the drawer, clean the drawer cavity, check the drum rubber, and run a hot empty wash. This guide was written using a Whirlpool integrated washing machine, and other Whirlpool models may have minor differences.

What you need

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1. Step 1 Prepare the washer
  
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  Remove any laundry and make sure no wash cycle is running.
  
  Unplug the washing machine before using water near the dispenser opening.
  
  Wear protective gloves if you have sensitive skin or see mold in the drawer area.
  
  Set a cleaning cloth, hot, soapy water, and an brush near the washer.
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2. Step 2 Remove the dispenser drawer
  
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  Pull the detergent drawer out gently from the top left corner until it stops.
  
  Press down the release clip at the fabric softener level indicator.
  
  Keep the release clip pressed and pull the whole dispenser drawer straight out.
  
  If the drawer doesn't release, push the indicator fully down and pull straight without twisting.
  
  Don't force the drawer, because the release clip can break.
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3. Step 3 Clean the dispenser drawer cavity
  
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  Look inside the dispenser drawer opening for detergent residue, fabric softener residue, mold, and residue.
  
  Wet a cleaning cloth with hot, soapy water.
  
  Wipe the inside of the cavity until the surfaces are clean.
  
  Don't pour water into the cavity, because excess water can reach electrical parts.
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4. Step 4 Clean the dispenser drawer
  
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  Slide the fabric softener level indicator upward to access the area underneath it.
  
  Use an brush and hot, soapy water to scrub mold, detergent residue, fabric softener residue, and residue from the drawer.
  
  Scrub under the indicator and inside each compartment until the drawer is clean.
  
  If residue stays in the corners, keep scrubbing with the brush and hot, soapy water until it loosens.
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5. Step 5 Refit the dispenser drawer
  
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  Make sure the fabric softener level indicator is seated in the drawer.
  
  Align the drawer with the grooves in the dispenser opening.
  
  Slide the drawer all the way in until it sits fully home.
  
  If the drawer catches, pull it back out, align it with the grooves, and slide it in straight.
  
  Don't force a misaligned drawer, because the grooves or clip can be damaged.
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6. Step 6 Check the drum rubber
  
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  Open the washer door and inspect the drum rubber for debris, residue, and blockages.
  
  Carefully check the folds of the rubber by sight and touch.
  
  Remove any visible debris from the rubber.
  
  Use an brush and hot, soapy water to scrub dirty areas of the rubber.
  
  Watch for sharp objects caught in the rubber, such as small metal items.
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7. Step 7 Run a hot empty wash
  
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  Close the door and leave the drum empty.
  
  Select a 90 °C wash program, the Drum Clean option, or the hottest wash available.
  
  Start the cycle to flush residue from the washing machine.
  
  Wait for the cycle to finish before washing clothes.
  
  If detergent residue still appears in later washes, repeat the drawer cleaning and hot empty wash.
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Conclusion

The dispenser drawer, drawer cavity, and drum rubber are clean, and the hot empty wash has flushed the machine for the next laundry load. Repeat this maintenance whenever the drawer collects residue or mold. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

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