How to Troubleshoot Detergent Drawer Residue Buildup in a Smeg Washing Machine

Smeg Washing MachineModerate⏱ 10 - 15 minutes

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Use this guide to remove, clean, and refit the dispenser drawer, also called the detergent drawer, on a Smeg Integrated Washing Machine model WMI12C7. The drawer holds washing powder, detergent, and fabric softener before they are flushed into the wash. Residue, mold, and residue can build up over time and wash onto clothes, so clean the drawer as routine maintenance and whenever you see buildup or smell musty odors. Other Smeg washing machine models may have minor differences.

🧰 Tools

Brush
Shop Towels or Rags

ШагиSteps

Prepare the washer

Unplug the washing machine, or switch it off at the wall, before cleaning around wet areas.
Make sure the machine isn't running and the drum is empty.
Gather a brush, a cleaning cloth, and hot, soapy water.
Wring the cleaning cloth so it's wet but not dripping.
Clean the drawer regularly and whenever detergent, conditioner, mold, or residue builds up.

Remove the dispenser drawer

Find the dispenser drawer at the top-left corner of the integrated washing machine.
Pull the drawer straight out until it reaches its stop and won't move farther.
Press the blue release button down to release the drawer clip.
Pull the dispenser drawer out of the machine while holding the blue button down.
Don't force the drawer past the stop without pressing the blue release button.

Wash the drawer

Place the dispenser drawer in a sink with hot, soapy water.
Remove the level indicator from the drawer for better cleaning access.
Use a brush to scrub the drawer compartments and removable indicator.
Remove detergent residue, fabric conditioner residue, mold, and residue from all reachable surfaces.
Keep cleaning until the drawer is free of visible buildup.

Clean the drawer cavity

Clean inside the dispenser drawer cavity with the cleaning cloth and hot, soapy water.
Wipe the top of the cavity where the water jets are located, since the jets can get blocked.
Use the brush only if the cloth can't reach the grime.
Hold the brush firmly so it doesn't drop down the hole inside the washing machine.

Refit the dispenser drawer

Line up the dispenser drawer with the grooves in the drawer opening.
Press the blue release button down if the drawer is hard to start.
Slide the drawer straight in until it sits fully home.

Clean the drum rubber

Open the washing machine door.
Turn the drum by hand and check that it spins freely.
Inspect the rubber seal around the drum for dirt, mold, and residue.
Wipe the rubber seal with the cleaning cloth and hot, soapy water.
Use the brush on the rubber seal if the buildup is heavy.

Run a hot cleaning cycle

Close the door and restore power to the washing machine.
Run a drum-clean program if the machine has one.
Use the hottest wash setting if there isn't a drum-clean program, which is usually 90 °C.
Run the cycle with no clothes in the drum to flush the machine.
Let the door glass and drum cool before touching them after a hot cycle.

The dispenser drawer, drawer cavity, and drum rubber should now be clean and ready for the next wash. Repeat this maintenance whenever residue, mould, or grime returns. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

«How to Troubleshoot Detergent Drawer Residue Buildup in a Smeg Washing Machine» — автор eCuration, iFixit, лицензия CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Показано без изменений. Открыть оригинал и комментарии →