How to Troubleshoot a Fabric Softener Dispenser Not Emptying in a Washing Machine

Washing MachineModerate⏱ 15 - 30 minutes

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The fabric softener dispenser, also called the softener tray or dispenser drawer, uses small jet nozzles to flush softener into the washing machine. If softener is still sitting in the compartment after a wash, mold, residue, or residue may be blocking those nozzle holes. Use this guide to remove and clean the drawer, clear the jet nozzles, flush the washer, and reduce future buildup. This procedure was written with a Bosch VarioPerfect Serie 4, but most front-loading washers use a similar drawer and nozzle layout with minor differences.

🧰 Tools

Brush
Shop Towels or Rags
Small Cleaning Brush

ШагиSteps

Power down the washer

Turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the outlet.
Don't reach into the dispenser cavity while the washer is plugged in or running.
Use this procedure when fabric softener stays in the dispenser drawer after a wash.
This usually means mold or residue is blocking the jet nozzle holes that flush softener into the washer.
On the Bosch VarioPerfect Serie 4, the fabric softener compartment is in the middle of the drawer.
Gather a brush, a piece of wire, a cloth, and hot, soapy water.

Remove the dispenser drawer

Pull the dispenser drawer outward until it stops.
Press the release button or tab if the drawer won't slide free.
Slide the dispenser drawer out of the washing machine.
Pull the level indicator cap off the fabric softener compartment.
Fabric softener residue can build up quickly, even on a newer washer.

Block the dispenser opening

Look inside the dispenser drawer cavity for the opening that leads into the washing machine.
Place a cloth over the opening before using small tools in the cavity.
Don't let the brush or wire fall through the opening, because it can be difficult to retrieve and may damage the washer.

Clear the softener jet nozzles

Find the jet nozzle holes above the fabric softener compartment.
Use a piece of wire to gently push into each jet nozzle hole.
Work across all the holes to break up mold, residue, and fabric softener residue.
Use a dental floss brush or a small brush to poke into the holes and wiggle out debris, if one is available.
Don't force the wire sideways or gouge the plastic nozzle holes.

Avoid breaking the nozzle assembly

Some washers have small clips at the back of the nozzle assembly.
Don't force the nozzle assembly off if it feels stuck.
Clean the holes in place with the wire and brush to avoid snapping the plastic.

Clean the other dispenser nozzles

Use the piece of wire to clean the nozzle holes above the detergent compartment.
Clean the nozzle holes above the pre-wash detergent compartment the same way.
These holes are less likely to be blocked, but cleaning them while the drawer is out keeps the dispenser clear.

Scrub the dispenser cavity

Dip the brush in hot, soapy water.
Scrub around the jet nozzle holes and all sides of the dispenser drawer cavity.
Wipe the cavity with a cloth dampened with hot, soapy water.
Keep the cloth blocking the opening while working with the brush and wire.
Scrub until the mold and residue are gone, which may take 5 to 10 minutes.

Wash the dispenser drawer

Remove any lift-off inserts from the dispenser drawer, including the level indicator cap.
Scrub the drawer and inserts with the brush and hot, soapy water.
Clean the back of the drawer where mold residue can build up.
Rinse the drawer and inserts, and let them dry.

Check the door seal

Open the washer door and inspect the rubber seal inside the door for dirt or blockages.
Wipe dirty areas with a cloth dampened with hot, soapy water.
Use the brush on stubborn residue if needed.

Reinstall the dispenser drawer

Remove the cloth blocking the dispenser opening.
Refit the level indicator cap and any drawer inserts.
Align the dispenser drawer with its rails.
Press the release button down if needed, and slide the drawer fully into the washer.

Run an empty hot cycle

Leave the washer empty, with no clothes inside.
Don't add detergent.
Run a Drum Clean program if available, or set the washer to its hottest wash or rinse cycle.
The Bosch VarioPerfect Serie 4 used for this procedure reaches 90 °C.
Pour mouthwash into the detergent drawer compartment before starting the empty cycle, if you choose to use it.
Don't mix mouthwash with bleach, detergent, or other cleaners.
Let the cycle flush loosened mold and residue through the washing machine.

Prevent softener buildup

Use less fabric softener or dilute it with water to slow residue buildup.
Leave the dispenser drawer open after each wash so it can dry.
Clean the jet nozzles again if fabric softener still remains in the compartment after a wash.

Use less fabric softener or dilute it with water, and leave the dispenser drawer open after a wash so it can dry. If softener continues to remain in the compartment, the jet nozzles may still be blocked and should be cleaned again. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

«How to Troubleshoot a Fabric Softener Dispenser Not Emptying in a Washing Machine» — автор eCuration, iFixit, лицензия CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Показано без изменений. Открыть оригинал и комментарии →