We got a new washing machine about five months ago. It has a cleaning product dispenser in the front left corner, in the same place as our old washing machine, which we had for years. We started using it, putting liquid detergent in the dispenser.

I noticed that there was some detergent residue left in the dispenser, but didn't think much of it. I eventually started wondering about it, as the old machine had a water dispenser on the top, so that it would run water through that reservoir, and this new machine does not. Maybe y'all are ahead of me here, but I just realized that I've been putting liquid detergent into the bleach dispenser.

I just looked at the manual, and there is a drawer near the back side in which detergent goes. I've been using it incorrectly for five months! And I suspect that the bleach dispenser is gummed up from using liquid detergent (fairly thick) through that dispenser. Of course the manual says not to put detergent in there.

So I guess it tried to dispense the detergent at whatever point it would dispense bleach. I guess it had to be going somewhere. Clothes seemed okay.

I think I'm going to run a few cycles with a cup of hot water in the bleach dispenser, and hopefully clean it out. We never have used bleach, so maybe it doesn't matter. I am curious if I'll notice difference with the clothes.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: honestlou,

oops. modern appliances sometimes suck in terms of common sense operations. Like a new tv or av device and you can't find the power button, or worse, it doesn't have a power button. getting old is not for the faint of heart. i hate modern appliances and new devices if you can't figure out how to turn it on and run it in five minutes. but I would agree that a few cups of hot water over a few cycles should clear the internal path of the bleach thingy.

It's getting to the point where we're going to have to RTFM (read the friggin manual).

quote:

Originally posted by Flash-LB:
It's getting to the point where we're going to have to RTFM (read the friggin manual).

I had to read the friggin manual. I'm not saying I couldn't have found it if I had looked harder, but since it was pretty well disguised and the bleach dispenser was exactly where the detergent dispenser was in my old machine, I didn't look that hard.

We both have the same machine. I had to go through the manual because there are so many extra features. I just want my damn clothes clean.

I'm no washing machine whisperer, but I think if it were me I'd run a few empty loads with Vinegar in the bleach dispenser. I *think* that might cut and clear out the detergent residue.

Or, I'd contact the manufacturer and ask them.

Best wishes to you.
.

Don't fret - when you get your next washer soon (see you have an LG ) the dispenser will be different yet again...........

Everything goes into the mix in the tub, it just a matter of timing.

I would add a bunch of water to the bleach dispenser each time you use it to flush it out.

Other than that dont worry about it.

Ha! That's the exact model I have. I didn't have to read the manual. Just read what's on the machine.

Lou, I know it's no consolation but I can absolutely see myself doing exactly what you did!

I always knew that the RTFM day would come for me, I think it's here.

quote:

Originally posted by sgalczyn:
Don't fret - when you get your next washer soon (see you have an LG ) the dispenser will be different yet again...........

My LG fridge sucked. But the washer dryers seem to last for a long time.

I imagine the detergent was being introduced as soon as the machine filled with water.

I know the "manual" says X amount of detergent using standard cycle, but I just can't get my head around how just a splash of water cleans properly. I use the bulk setting which is near what the old time washers did, filling 1/2 of the tub with water, and same with rinse. I use two soap pods. Yeah, I know I might be wasting water and soap, but since it's just me and my squeeze we don't do loads like a young couple with a few kids do so I just don't worry about it. Extra dirty loads get a bit of (gasp) TSP. AOC would faint with that, but I don't give a flying F what she thinks since it's one or two loads every two to three months.

I had to read the friggin manual. I'm not saying I couldn't have found it if I had looked harder, but since it was pretty well disguised and the bleach dispenser was exactly where the detergent dispenser was in my old machine, I didn't look that hard.
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I have a Samsung that looks exactly like that and in mine you can remove the tray and clean the tray and both compartment. See if the same with LG.

quote:

Originally posted by NavyGuy:
Extra dirty loads get a bit of (gasp) TSP. AOC would faint with that, but I don't give a flying F what she thinks since it's one or two loads every two to three months.

They banned the phosphates because it supposedly increased algae blooms. Funny thing is, algae blooms have worsened since the ban. This is your government at work.

I put a sprinkle of TSP in every load.

Since you stared using the dispenser, have you also calculated your detergent concentration and set the washer appropriately?

quote:

Originally posted by NavyGuy:
I know the "manual" says X amount of detergent using standard cycle, but I just can't get my head around how just a splash of water cleans properly. I use the bulk setting which is near what the old time washers did, filling 1/2 of the tub with water, and same with rinse. ...

Grasp technology, brother. Filling the tub doesn't help clean the clothes.

I think the new machines clean surprisingly well with HE detergent and less water.

The only issue I've had with mine was that it stopped filling until I discovered that I had the drain line inserted into the wall pipe too deeply. It was siphoning out the tub before it could fill correctly. Doh.

quote:

Originally posted by SeaCliff:
I had to read the friggin manual. I'm not saying I couldn't have found it if I had looked harder, but since it was pretty well disguised and the bleach dispenser was exactly where the detergent dispenser was in my old machine, I didn't look that hard.

I have a Samsung that looks exactly like that and in mine you can remove the tray and clean the tray and both compartment. See if the same with LG.[/QUOTE]

I can even see the words "Liquid detergent" in the picture. Maybe we don't need the manual.

What does that caution arrow say?