Kenmore 3.8 cu. ft. HE3 Front Load Washer Logo
Posted on Jan 29, 2008
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

Machine doesn't dispense detergent

It seems that the liquid detergent is merely seeping through, the machine isn't diluting it and spraying it into the load. When the cycle is complete, I am finding detergent that has seeped puddled on the rubber around the door. I hope this issue makes sense. Thanks for your help!

  • jaseanne Feb 01, 2008

    Thanks very much for your help! My husband cleaned the inlet screens and the holes above the dispenser. I never use softener. It was definitely the detergent side that wasn't working and there was no water getting into the detergent side. It's fixed now! Thanks again!

×

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Master 5,911 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 30, 2008
Anonymous
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Sep 29, 2006
Answers
5911
Questions
6
Helped
2734264
Points
22413

Here's a few suggestions you can try. First, open the dispenser tray far enough to where you can see inside. Enter diagnostics mode by selecting DRAIN SPIN, NO SPIN and pushing ANY button under OPTIONS 4 times (it has to be the SAME button, though). This will enter the washer into diagnostics mode which checks the hot and cold water fill functions, the dispenser tray functions, tumble, spin and drain. Watch inside the dispenser tray to see if you can see any water flushing through the various compartments (detergent, bleach, fabric softener). The water should be fairly steady and forceful. There's not much else, besides gravity, that forces the detergent into the wash tub. Now...if you don't see the desired water flushing action that you should see, check the overhead portion of the dispenser cavity. Pull the tray all the way out for this. There are a series of holes where the water is forced through. Sometimes these holes become clogged and will not allow enough water in during the fill and rinse cycles. It's usually the fabric softener side that becomes blocked, though. You can take some cotton cotton swabs and perform the tedious task of cleaning each hole if they are blocked. I've had to do this before and it does fix the problem. The other possiblities are the fill valve not allowing enough water pressure through (but, you didn't mention anything about a slow fill problem), or a kinked or blocked hose coming from the fill valve. If you wish to check the fill valve, turn the water off and remove the hoses from the back of the washer. Check the inlet screens for clogs. If you have hard water, well water, or BOTH, it is common for the inlet screens to get accumulated with sediment. Again, some cotton swabs will clean the majority of the sediment from the screens (you can use a little white vinegar as well). If you wish to check the inlet hoses from the fill valve, remove the top of the washer by removing the three torx screws along the back of the washer. The top will slide back then lift off. There are a series of hoses from the fill valve to the dispenser. Check to see if any of them have become kinked. I hope this information is helpful to you. Post back with comments if you need further assistance.

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

1helpful
3answers

Where do i put liquid detergent in top stacking may tag older model

Just pour the liquid/powder into the wash tub prior to loading clothes... this machine does not have a detergent dispenser...
0helpful
1answer

Whirlpool commercial duty washer - liquid detergent

Jenny what do you mean by 'flow right out of the compartment'. IF the detergent flows right into the machine as you pour, it ok.
0helpful
3answers

I have a front loading Kenmore washer and when i put liquid detergent and fabric softener, the liquid flows into the machine - should the detergent and fabric softerner remain in their compartements until...

Hello,
Yes the detergent and softener will stay in the dispenser drawer until the correct time for them to be dispensed. The detergent is dispensed during the main wash cycle and the softener will not dispense until the rinse cycle
0helpful
2answers

I do most of my shopping online and liquid bleach sometimes doesn't ship without breaking. Is it OK to use dry or powder bleach? I have the whirlpool cabrio top load large capacity model.

It should be okay to use dry bleach, if you follow the instructions on the bleach. Some bleaches require dissolving in water first, others can be used dry.
2helpful
1answer

Where does the fabric softener and washing powder go in the LG WF-F5207PC 5.5KG top loading washing machine?

Put powdered detergent in the box at the back of the opening of the washer (opposite the control panel when the lid is open). If you use a liquid detergent, dilute it 1:1 with water and pour into the bleach dispenser at the front left of the washer. The fabric softener dispenser is near the bleach dispenser but a little closer to the tub and towards the middle of the left side of the unit. As with a liquid detergent, dilute 1:1 (30ml:30ml) with water before pouring into the dispenser.

If the fabric softener dispenser isn't working, add the fabric softener in the final rinse.

The manual for the washing machine is available here: http://safemanuals.com/user-guide-instructions-owner-manual/LG/WF-F5207PC-_E . You will need to review the unit or enter a security code.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
0helpful
2answers

Maytag a112 manual on how to add bleach AND fabric softener

Hi
Choosing Your Detergent, Bleach, and Fabric Softener..
Learn what the different items you need to wash your laundry.
Liquid Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softeners
When using liquid laundry detergent, you do not want to poor it directly on your laundry. The dyes in the liquid laundry soap could stain your clothing. You will want to start your washing machine and add the liquid laundry soap while the water is filling the washing machine.
You then can add your laundry once you have about and eighth of the washing machine tub filled. This will ensure your laundry doesn't become stained by the detergent. You should only add the amount that is poured into the cup to the fill line. When you add more, you could find yourself wading through mounds of bubbles overflowing from your washing machine.
The same reasoning applies to liquid fabric softeners. However, liquid fabric softeners are added to the washing cycle after the initial washing cycle is finished. You will want to add the fabric softener once the washing machine has filled with water and started to agitate. This keeps the fabric softener from touching the laundry and will work it into your clothing better.
Powdered Laundry Detergent
You will want to add one cup of loose laundry detergent to your washing machine in the same manner you would do the liquid laundry detergent. By doing this, the powdered laundry detergent will dissolve easier.
Bleach
When adding bleach to your laundry, there is a small triangular cup in the corner of your washing machine. By adding one cup of bleach into that dispenser, the bleach will be added to the laundry at a precise time during the wash cycle.
Setting Your Washing Machine
Most washing machines have three or four cycles. For instance, the Maytag Washer I have has four cycles, regular, permanent press, delicate, and soak.
Regular Washing Cycle
The regular cycle is used for the following types of clothes and other apparel:
• Jeans
• Towels
• Blankets
• Sheets
• Quilts
• Bedspreads
The soil types for this cycle are heavy, normal, and light. This means clothes or other articles that are lightly too heavily soiled should be washed in this cycle. This is due to the washing cycles can be set from a minimum of eight to fourteen minutes maximum. You can use all three of the water temperatures in this cycle.
1Permanent Press Washing Cycle
The permanent press washing cycle is used on the clothes that may or may not need to be ironed.
Such as:
• Blouses
• Shirts
• T-shirts
• Under garments. This would be your unmentionables and socks.
• Jackets
• Sheets
• Baby Clothing
The soil types for this wash cycle are normal and light. The washing times for the permanent press cycle are six minutes to ten minutes. You can use all three washing temperature modes for this cycle as well.
Delicate Washing Cycle
The delicate washing cycle is normally used for sweaters, cotton, silks, and other fabrics that need to be washed with care.
The soil types for the delicate cycle are normal and light. The washing times for the delicate cycle are four and six minutes. It is best to wash your delicate clothes in warm or cold water. Always wash clothing that is more than forty percent cotton in cold water to prevent shrinking.
Soak Washing Cycle
The soak cycle would be used for heavily soiled clothing, such as, football and baseball uniforms. This will help rid the uniforms of caked on mud and grass stains.
You can also use this cycle if you wish to only bleach your white's once a week or once a month with bleach.
Washing Your Laundry
Choose the cycle you need for your laundry. Add the laundry detergent, fabric softener, and bleach (remember regular liquid bleach is for white clothes only.) Start the washing machine and let fill to dissolve the dry detergent or to mix in the liquid detergent.
Now add your clothes to the washing machine. Clothes the lid so the washing machine will continue to wash your clothes.
If you are using a Laundromat, put your clothes in the washing area and shut the lid or door. Add your detergent and other cleaning items in the correct compartments. Put in the correct amount of change so the washer will start.

Thanks for contacting fixya.com
1helpful
2answers

Which detergent for Haier HNS1260 washing machine.

Yes you can use liquid detergent, If your's is a high effeciency machine, use HE detergent. It cleans as well, but makes less suds, which can cripple a front loader. Alternative HE detergents can be made at home,if you're interested. They can be either liquid or dry. You can find the recipes on YouTube, with the search set to "Homemade Laundry Detergent". We make the dry version, and it works better than anything we can buy. It costs us .02 cents per load.
Back to your question, though. If you intend to use liquid detergent, look into your dispenser and see if there is a moveable divider that you can change for liquid or dry detergent dispensing. Set it to the appropriate setting if it does. If not, use very little detergent, and you may have to add it directly to the load, skipping the dispenser altogether. Another thing that you might consider is that, if you ever have to have any warranty type work done, and the tech discovers that you have used liquid detergent, they will want to void your warranty.

Best regards, --W/D--
0helpful
1answer

White film on glasses after a run.

If your dishes or glassware appear filmy or spotted following a complete wash cycle, adjusting the amount or type of detergent you’re using and adjusting your hot water heater’s water temperature may solve the problem. But before you do either of these, put a rinse additive (such as Jet-Dry) in the rinse dispenser to improve the sheeting action of the water.

Next, you’ll have to determine whether the film is removable or permanently etched. To do this, soak a glass in undiluted white vinegar for about 15 minutes. Or, wash the glass with warm water and concentrated dishwasher detergent or a high-phosphate detergent (such as Glass Magic).

If the film comes off, it is probably caused by hard water minerals, improper amounts of detergent, or unsuitable water temperature.

Permanent etching is often caused by a combination of soft water and excessive heat or detergent. If glassware is permanently etched, there isn’t anything you can do to make it clear again. But you can avoid future etching by taking these steps:

1) Be sure hot water entering the dishwasher is no hotter than 140 degrees F. Don’t use extra-hot settings such as “Power Scrub,” and use the “Energy Saver” dry cycle.

2) Adjust the detergent amount.

3) Don’t pre-rinse your dishes before loading them in the dishwasher. Food particles on the dishes actually help the detergent and drying agents clean better.

A common cause of poor washing results is improper loading—dishes that block or impede the spray arm(s) or prevent the soap dispenser from opening. On the other hand, if your dishwasher has chronic problems with good washing, the problem may not be your dishwasher. A good first step is vary the amount of dishwasher detergent you're using and try switching brands.

Other possibilities: Your home’s water pressure may be too low, your water may be too hard, or the water temperature may not be hot enough.

In order for your dishwasher to fill to the appropriate level, water pressure should be from 20–120 pounds per square inch. If you suspect that your water pressure may be low, turn off all faucets or other users of water (such as washing machines and sprinklers) and then put a half-gallon jug under the kitchen faucet. Turn on the hot water full-blast. If the jug doesn’t fill within 14 seconds, your water pressure may be too low for proper dishwasher operation. Call your city water utility to discuss your options, or avoid drawing water elsewhere in the house or yard during dishwasher cycles.

The right amount of detergent to use depends on how large your load of dishes is and how hard your water is. Hardness is measured in grains of minerals—the more grains per gallon you have, the more detergent you’ll need. If your water has 12 grains or more of hardness, fill both dishwasher soap cups completely with detergent. If that doesn’t work, consider installing a water softener. (For more information, see the article Water Softener Systems.

To check water temperature, hold a meat thermometer under the hot water faucet for two minutes; if it doesn’t register a minimum of 140 degrees F., turn up the temperature dial on your hot water heater. (However, if you have a newer dishwasher that heats the water internally, it isn’t necessary to turn up your hot water heater.)

If your dishwasher has worked fine in the past but suddenly your dishes aren’t clean after the dishwasher completes all cycles, listen to the spray arm(s) spinning inside during the wash cycle. If spinning poorly, wait for the machine to cool down, remove the spray arm(s) by unscrewing the hubcap(s), lifting the arm(s) off, and then cleaning out the spray holes in the spray arm(s) with a stiff piece of wire.
0helpful
1answer

Can I use color safe bleach in my new cabrio, and if so where do I put it?

According to the manual on pages 12 & 13.

1.
Place a load of sorted clothes into the washer. See “Laundry
Tips.”
■ Load evenly to maintain washer balance. Mix large and
small items. Items should move easily through the wash
water.
■ Load only to the top of the basket as shown. Overloading
can cause poor cleaning. Items need to move easily
through the wash water.
2. Pour measured powdered or liquid High Efficiency detergent
into the detergent dispenser. Always use the detergent
dispenser, and do not put detergent directly onto clothes in
the washer.
3. Add color-safe bleach (powdered or liquid) to this dispenser,
if needed. Be sure to match powdered color-safe bleach with
powdered detergent or match liquid color-safe bleach with
liquid detergent.
4. Pour measured liquid chlorine bleach into the liquid chlorine
bleach dispenser, if needed. Bleach is diluted and
automatically dispensed at the proper time during the wash
cycle.
■ Do not overfill. Do not dilute. Do not use more than 1 cup
(250 mL) for a full load. Use less with a smaller load size.
■ Follow the garment and the chlorine bleach
manufacturer’s directions for proper use.
■ To avoid spilling, use a cup with a pouring spout. Do not
let bleach splash, drip, or run down into the washer basket.
■ At the end of the cycle, a small amount of water may be
left in the dispenser. This is normal.
NOTE: Use only liquid chlorine bleach in this dispenser.

5. Pour measured liquid fabric softener into the fabric softener
dispenser, if desired.
■ Do not overfill. The dispenser holds 3 oz (94 mL), or a
capful of fabric softener.
■ The fabric softener is dispensed in the final rinse. If Extra
Rinse is selected, the fabric softener will be dispensed
during the Extra Rinse.
■ Do not spill or drip any fabric softener onto the clothes.
■ At the end of the cycle, a small amount of water may be
left in the dispenser. This is normal.
NOTE: Use only liquid fabric softener in this dispenser.
6. Close the washer lid.
7. Press POWER. This turns on the washer display.
8. Select a Wash Cycle. See “Cycles.”
9. Select the desired Modifiers. See “Modifiers.”
10. Select an Option, if desired. See “Options.”
11. Select Delay Wash, if desired. See “Delay Wash” in the
“Modifiers” section.
12. Press START. The wash cycle begins, and the display shows
the estimated remaining time. The lid will lock.
NOTE: If you do not press Start within 5 minutes of pressing
Power, the washer automatically shuts off.


The way that I read the manual, your color safe bleach would go in the detergent dispenser. Your liquid chlorine bleach would go in the bleach dispenser.

Please rate this solution
0helpful
1answer

Which compartment is for the laundary soap

According to my information the dispenser drawer has four separate compartments for adding laundry products to the wash load. These compartments are:
1. Prewash Detergent Compartment
2. Main Wash Detergent Compartment
3. Bleach Compartment
4. Fabric Softener Compartment

Laundry products are diluted and dispensed automatically
at the proper time during the wash cycle. The separator in the Prewash and Main Wash Detergent Compartment can be moved to accommodate either liquid or powdered detergents.
a517d6b.jpg
Not finding what you are looking for?

216 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Kenmore Washing Machines Experts

Alexander

Level 2 Expert

171 Answers

Cindy Wells

Level 3 Expert

6688 Answers

vince

Level 3 Expert

2530 Answers

Are you a Kenmore Washing Machine Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...