Lint filter
My mother had a very similar machine, and she (later I) used a fine toothed comb to comb out the filter.
She used the dispenser part of the filter a few times, mostly to humour me, I think. One time, she used Cheer instead of Tide, and I liked seeing the blue Cheer and water mix.
Ours had the metal cap for the Surgilator, and didn't have a softener dispenser. Did have a bleach dispenser, though.
It was a fun machine, but I am so glad my current Maytag has the "self cleaning" filter.
Did all the little boys in the appliance ads grow up to be members here???!!!
Good luck, Nathan!
Love and laughter
Lawrence/Maytagbear