Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Wahid
Has your washer been clogged repeatedly? As your washer is used regularly and for prolonged periods, several components may clog, including the vent, the drain, and the dispenser as well.
We usually don’t know how to clean non removable fabric softener dispenser. Regardless of the type of washer, the procedure is the same for all of them. You need to identify the fabric dispenser, remove it if possible, then clean it using detergent and warm water.
Obviously, other methods are available for maintaining that compartment. Therefore, I’m here to give you multiple ways to make your day great. Well, let’s go into the detailed information below.
Warning
As part of this topic, I will focus on “how to clean non removable fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine”. Some washers come with special fabric softener buttons on their control panels.
- Thus, when choosing a wash cycle, you may not get results if you miss pressing the dispenser. Therefore, make sure the dispenser is not blocked.
- A washer’s type and model will determine the location of the fabric softener dispenser. The dispenser on some washers is detachable, while others do not.
However, by the end of this article, you’ll have an idea of how to clean a messed-up fabric softener dispenser. Come on, let’s get this started.
How To Clean Your Dispenser – A Quick Guide
Fabric softener dispensers need to be cleaned frequently to ensure they are working properly. You can easily clean the dispenser. Dispensers that are removable can be cleaned as follows:
- From the agitator’s top, remove the dispenser.
- Take hold of the top of the dispenser cup and press down with your fingers on the inside. Remove the cover from the dispenser cup.
- It is recommended that you clean the dispenser cover and the dispenser cup using the solution described below:
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of warm water
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy-duty liquid detergent
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) bleach
- Then, if necessary, wipe away any buildup with a soft, clean material after soaking. Avoid using a bristle brush; the dispenser’s surface may be scratched.
- Dispensers should be rinsed and reassembled. Replacing the dispenser on the agitator is the next step.
Dispensers Without Removable Parts
- Liquid detergent and hot water are combined to make a solution.
- In the dispenser, pour the mixture.
- To rinse the washer in warm water, set the temperature to warm and run it 2 or 3 times through a rinse cycle.
- In the case of a washer with only a cold rinse, fill the dispenser with warm sudsy water between rinse cycles.
Fabric Softener Dispensers: How To Clean Them At Home
When cleaning the Fabric Softener dispenser at home using a proven solution, the following items will be needed.
The Supplies You’ll Need
- Distilled Vinegar/ Baking Soda.
- Laundry Detergent.
- Hot or warm water.
- Soft brushes or toothbrushes.
- Container that holds the dispenser (unless it is detachable).
The Cleaning Process For Fabric Softener Dispensers
In order to wash the dispenser, there are two basic methods that work equally well. According to the items’ availability, you can choose any approach.
1. Applying Distilled Vinegar
- Whenever you add 2 to 3 gallons of warm water to a tub or bowl equipped with a dispenser, simply add a cup of distilled vinegar.
- Make sure the dispenser is completely soaked in the solution and allow it to settle for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, according to the severity of the blockage.
- Distilled vinegar’s acetic acid content helps quickly dissolve stubborn residues & clogs.
- Make sure the dispenser is thoroughly scrubbed using a soft toothbrush or brush.
- Using a mild soap and water solution or cleaning solution, scrub it thoroughly then clean it completely.
- With a gentle push, adjust the clean dispenser to its proper position.
2. Applying Baking Soda
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of Baking Soda.
- Leave the solution in the dispenser for approximately 10 minutes before use.
- Soak the dispenser in hot water and scrub it gently with a soft brush.
- With clean water, remove & rinse.
- Reattach the dispenser and you’re done.
3. Applying Laundry Detergent
- Obviously, it seems counterintuitive – using detergent to clean detergent & softener gunk.
- Despite that, the method is highly effective.
- Instead of adding dishwashing detergent as described in method one, add your laundry detergent as an alternative.
- It is not necessary to include anything new in these steps.
- Warm water is necessary for all 3 methods since it speeds up the breakdown of the buildup without causing any damage.
- It should not be substituted with regular or cold water.
How To Clean Or Unclog A Detachable Dispenser?
Modern front-load washers and top-loaders with high efficiency feature a compartment that holds Fabric Softeners, Bleach, and Detergents. The compartments are usually detachable.
Cleanup and maintenance of these dispensers are quite simple. You can find out how to remove a fabric softener dispenser by reading the instructions, which should include this information.
In addition to running an empty or clean cycle on the detachable dispensers, they can be manually detached and scrubbed as follows.
- Turn off the power to the washer and unlock the lid/door.
- According to your washer, locate the dispenser (these are usually found on the top of the machine). Locations of dispensers can be found in user manuals or in washer guides.
- Remove the dispenser from the washer by gently pressing its bottom with your fingers.
- By using a soft brush, you can apply commercially available cleaning agents & homemade cleaners like baking soda or vinegar.
- After 10 minutes, let the solution settle.
- With a soft brush or toothbrush, thoroughly scrub the dispenser.
- Using hot water, soak the storage drawer for approximately 10 minutes & then scrub it lightly.
- Reattach the dispenser after thoroughly rinsing it under clean water.
How To Clean The Non-Detachable Dispensers?
Washers often have self-cleaning dispensers that can be operated with a single button press. Fill the washing machine with the cleaner, run the cleaning cycle, and you’re done.
Occasionally, you might need to wash thoroughly, especially when your system is clogged or performing poorly. Listed below are best practices for cleaning non-detachable laundry softener dispensers.
- If you are using a home remedy or a washing machine cleaner, you can run a full or empty cycle with hot water to disinfect the machine.
- As an alternative, for manually cleaning the non-removable dispenser, a cleansing solution may be applied directly to it.
- Next, use a soft brush to scrub the dispenser’s reachable areas for roughly 10 minutes before using it again.
- Once that is done, run the hot water cycle normally.
Tips For Preventing The Fabric Softener Dispenser From Bringing Back Life
You should always dilute a liquid softener using clean water, following the manufacturer’s instructions. On a monthly basis, add hot water and liquid detergent to the washer and dispenser. Then run a regular cycle after it has sat for 2 hours.
Here are a few tips to help prevent the fabric softener dispenser from getting clogged.
Make Sure The Dispenser Is Always Clean
- Firstly, the dispenser must be prevented from becoming clogged.
- The process can only be carried out when regular cleanings are performed in the area of the dispenser.
Quantity Of Fabric Softeners
- Be careful not to overuse fabric softeners. So, instead, store them away until you actually want them.
- A large quantity of fabric softener is not good for your clothes or your washing machine.
- And lastly, avoid directly applying softeners to washing machines or fabrics. Typically, fabric softener is diluted in your washer before it is applied.
How To Get Detergent Out Of The Softener Dispenser?
There are sometimes 2 compartments in a front-loading or top-loading washing machine. For liquid laundry detergent and fabric softener, there is only 1 stall. Regularly cleaning the dispensers can prevent the intermingling of these substances.
- Hence, before using the machine again, clean it with laundry detergent or dish detergent.
- The soaking technique can be applied if the dispenser is removable.
- If the dispenser is non-removable, choose Warm Rinse.
- Over time, you will be able to minimize excessive clogs by cleaning the compartments as directed.
FAQs
01. Why is my fabric softener not draining?
Answer: The fabric softener may not drain because the inlet hose screen is clogged. Use a washing machine sanitizer to unclog blockages and baking soda or vinegar to unclog blockages. For a visual check of the blockage, take out the hot water & cold water tubes and look for debris that has become lodged inside the washer.
02. Does fabric softener clog pipes?
Answer: Definitely, fabric softeners can cause clogging if they are used excessively. Petroleum is the primary ingredient in fabric softeners, with some even containing animal fat. However, pipes may become clogged with fatty deposits over time.
03. Why is my fabric softener drawer full of water?
Answer: Probably, there is a blockage in one of the tubes behind the cloth softener compartment. In most cases, fabric softeners themselves cause these blockages. Clogging such as this can be removed by opening the dispenser compartment, as well as using vinegar & baking soda to clean it.
04. Can I put vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser?
Answer: To use white vinegar as a fabric softener, pour 1/4 cup into the dispenser or put it on a fabric softener ball. By using white vinegar, you will soften your clothes and help your washing machine stay clean and smell fresh.
05. How do you unblock a fabric softener dispenser?
Answer: The dispenser should be placed in a bucket or washtub. Make sure the dispenser is covered with warm water. Add 1 tablespoon or 2 of liquid laundry detergent and swirl it around in the water. Soak the dispenser for about 10 minutes or so, touching then check to see if there is any fabric softener buildup.
In Closing, Thoughts
You all know how to clean non removable fabric softener dispenser. In order to prevent damage and degraded performance, dispensers should always be cleaned regularly. The most promising results are achieved when you use a fabric softener that is suitable for your fabric type.
Finally, if you are unsure of how to remove the dispenser, do not attempt it without following the instructions in the manual. Enjoy your cleaning.
