How to remove soap drawer
Pull the drawer fully open, then look for a tab or latch at the back to press down or up to release it. If there is nothing obvious, some drawers simply require a firm pull to overcome a small stop at the base. Always check the instruction manual first – it will describe the exact method for that model.
Most washing machine soap dispenser drawers are designed to be fully removed for cleaning, but the release mechanism is not always obvious. This guide covers how to work out which type of release the drawer has and how to remove it safely.
Check the Instruction Manual First
The instruction manual will almost always describe exactly how to remove the soap drawer on that specific model. If the manual is not available, it can often be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. Links to manufacturer manual download pages are available at: instruction books and user manuals.
How to Remove the Soap Dispenser Drawer
Every drawer has some kind of stop mechanism at the back to prevent it falling out during normal use. The method of overcoming this stop varies between manufacturers and models. Work through these steps in order:
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Pull the drawer fully open. Extend it as far as it will go before the stop engages.
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Look for a tab or lever at the back. Most drawers have something to press down at the back of the drawer – often a plastic tab or latch – which releases the stop and allows the drawer to pull all the way out.
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Check underneath the drawer. If there is nothing to press from above, look under the drawer at the back for something to push upward. Some cheaper machines use this arrangement instead.
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Try lifting and pulling simultaneously. Some older drawers have no button or tab at all and require the drawer to be lifted slightly while pulling, to ride over the stop at the base.
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If no mechanism is obvious, a firm pull may be needed. Some drawers – particularly on older machines – are designed to pull out with enough force to override a small plastic stop. However, see the caution below before attempting this.
The decorative front of the drawer is typically clipped on and will break off easily under force. If a firm pull is needed, grip the drawer by the sides close to the back, not by the front face.
Can’t find your instruction manual?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove the soap drawer from my washing machine?
Pull the drawer fully open and look for a tab or latch at the back to press down or push up, which releases the stop and allows the drawer to pull all the way out. Some older drawers require lifting slightly while pulling, or a firm pull to override a small stop. Always grip the drawer by the sides near the back – never pull by the front panel as it will break off.
My soap drawer has no obvious release button – how do I get it out?
Some drawers have no button or tab. Try lifting the front of the drawer slightly while pulling – this can help ride over a stop at the base. Other drawers are designed to simply pull out with enough force to override the stop. Check under the drawer at the back for any upward-push mechanism before trying force. Always grip by the sides near the back, not the front face.
Where can I find the instructions for removing the drawer on my machine?
The instruction manual will describe the exact method for the specific model. If the original manual has been lost, it can often be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. Links to manufacturer download pages are available at: instruction books and user manuals.
9 Comments
Grouped into 4 comment threads.
3 replies Hi, Great website, we do not have access to this kind of information here. I do have one question regarding the soap draw. We have an Ariston ARXF125 where one of the soap compartments usually washes out the soap during the wash. Now that compartment is full of water after each wash. Previously, only residual water was found in the soap draw. This poses a problem because every time we open the soap draw we need to be particularly careful as water splashes everywhere...................any ideas???? Paul
1 reply Hi my hotpoint washing machine fabric conditoner draw does not empty after wash has finished we have cleaned and it is stiii the same please help
Hi my hotpoint washing machine fabric conditoner draw does not empty after wash has finished we have cleaned and it is stiii the same please help
Hi there, you have the wrong article :-) this is what you need – fabric softener full of water at end of wash cycle
1 reply My washing machine is a Hotpoint wmud 9627 the dispencer drawer is type that swings out (big mistake when purchased) so can not remove .
0 replies Hi, I have a problem with drainage of fabric softener, it's still a lot of it there mixed with water at the end of the wash, I tried to test it under tap, drains fine all contents drained. Could it be caused by drawer door that is broken all rusty and needs changing, the drawer is usually hooked up to it, but now it's kind of hanging on bearly?
Hi, I have a problem with drainage of fabric softener, it’s still a lot of it there mixed with water at the end of the wash, I tried to test it under tap, drains fine all contents drained.
Could it be caused by drawer door that is broken all rusty and needs changing, the drawer is usually hooked up to it, but now it’s kind of hanging on bearly?
Hi,
Great website, we do not have access to this kind of information here.
I do have one question regarding the soap draw. We have an Ariston ARXF125 where one of the soap compartments usually washes out the soap during the wash. Now that compartment is full of water after each wash. Previously, only residual water was found in the soap draw.
This poses a problem because every time we open the soap draw we need to be particularly careful as water splashes everywhere……………….any ideas????
Paul
Likely replying to Paul from Australia
Thanks Paul. Maybe it should drain the remaining water out by siphoning like the fabric softener compartment. Check out this article and see if there’s a siphon tube blocked (or missing) Fabric Softener not draining
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy, I recently cleaned the detergent dispenser after my LG F1480YD washer dryer was causing the RCD to trip the minute I turned it on. Had the Socket as well as the plug checked and everything was fine. This all took around 3-4 days while every time turning on the machine would cause it to trip RCD. Then I didn’t touch the machine for another week and a half. Then I had an electrician in my flat and I asked if he could help and surprisingly the Washing Machine (without doing anything at all) suddenly decides to work fine. I had washed out the Soap dispenser as I had noticed the fabric softener wasn’t being pulled at times. But other than that and the moving of the machine from its slot to check it, I hadn’t done anything. Could the cleaning of the Dispenser caused the machine to start working? Doesn’t seem likely which is why I wanted to check if there is anything else that may have cause the RCD to trip every time I turned the machine on. I have scheduled an engineer to come on Saturday to take it to their workshop, though I don’t want to send it off if there isn’t anything wrong. How ever if there is a something wrong, I’d rather get it checked now while the machine is still under the workshop warranty.
Thanks for your help! Really appreciate it.
Likely replying to Rupa
Hello Rupa. I could have been coincidence. Or it could be that the soap drawer / dispenser leaked due to a build up of detergent or fabric softener and cleaning it out has fixed it. It could also be that the tripping was caused by water which has now dried out. I would use the washing machine normally as much as possible between now and before an engineer looks at it to see if it reoccurs or not.