Clogged fabric softener compartment

worried_jim

When adding fabric softener to the washing machine draw I have noticed that it is always full of water from the previous wash.-



What can I do to resolve/prevent this issue? Once I remove the draw I can see water holes above the draw-



I am guessing that over time they have become clogged and do not perform as they should- any ideas how I can clean these holes, bearing in mind the restricted access.

The machine is an Ariston Margherita 2000.

Ectophile

With a bit of wiggling and squeezing, you should find that the whole dispenser unit can be unclipped from the machine. Then see if the softener dispenser comes apart. If you can do that,give the whole lot a thorough cleaning.

worried_jim

Done that already, it's the holes above the tray, if they were at the bottom I could pour something in them but since there not how do I get cleaner into them?

carly

I use a toothbrush to clear out the holes, or an old washing up brush........ best to do it regularly before they clog up completely

ic

If its full of water, it means its filling but not draining - water comes in from the holes above, then drains out the back of the drawer to the hole in the bottom left of your second picture. There will be holes under the blue bit that are blocked as the drawer uses a siphonic action to drain. Let the whole drawer soak in hot water for a bit, then try cleaning it.

worried_jim

Just tried an old wire stripped to the copper and poked each hole, also took the top of the washing machine lid off as well to see if I could get access from the top, but no joy. Will see what it is like after the next wash. Thanks for the tips.

fannyadams

looking at the picture the whole thing needs a bl00dy good scrub out.
get the toothbrush dip into water flick off excess and dab into bicarb. scrub the whole thing out by dipping the damp toothbrush into bicarb and scrub. get the black mould out of there pronto.
pull the drawer apart. most work by syphon the chances are the little tube that the diluted fab softner is supposed to go up is blocked that's why the water is staying in there.
you could fill the fab softner bit right up with neat vinegar and run a boil wash with bicarb in the powder drawer. and that might clean it out.
unfortunatly ALL fabric softeners will clog your drawer and make the black mould happen. the secret is to clean the drawer out regularly.

worried_jim

Just scrubbed the chamber with bleach based kitchen cleaner and a washing up brush and rinsed it. Now running it on a hot wash with some washing machine/dishwasher cleaner in it to see if there is any improvement.

chrisw

I had a similar fault with the same Ariston Margherita 2000. It was actually caused by a little lever under the worktop lid that had got stuck up with washing powder and stopping it moving across.

You've done well with it - I've had 3 machines since then!

helen6

If nothing works use a steam cleaner to clean out the nozzles. It worked for me.

worried_jim

Back to the drawing board! My cleaning made no difference at all!