Bleach will not dispense
Understanding everything about the BLEACH dispenser on your Top Load washing machine in order to maximize this additive’s wash efficiency and overall performance.
Checklist
Please follow manufacturer recommendations to never exceed maximum fill line. Any overflow will automatically prompt the siphoning mechanism to release in the bleach as the water starts filling in.
Secondly, should the wash cycle be strictly tap cold water no bleach whatsoever will be siphoned in, period. There needs to be hot or warm water for bleach to be dispensed.
Three questions you should ask yourself:
- Does the selected cycle support dispensing of bleach? Bleach is not for all types of wash.
EXAMPLES
Liquid bleach product manufacturer recommendations / suggestions:
- Select the Heavy Duty cycle + hot water + extra rinse to provide you optimal performance.
(other cycles include Normal, Bedding, Towels, Bright Whites™, Sanitary™, Allergiene™ & Pre-Wash)
- Avoid bleaching wool, silk, mohair, leather, spandex and non-fast colors (which tends to fade or run).
- Has the water temperature been selected to cold only? Need hot or warm water.
- Has the dispenser been filled past maximum line? Dispensed prematurely.
Not dispensing from bleach area.
- Make sure the bleach compartment is clean and fully properly inserted.
- Make sure you use liquid bleach only.
- Avoid using splashless bleach because it is too thick to dispense.
- Ensure your washing machine is properly leveled.
- Thoroughly clean the bleach dispenser and run warm/hot water through it. Run a Tub Clean cycle.
Water standing still in the bleach cup is not normal. You will need to perform some maintenance steps. The bleach compartment may be blocked by debris and that should be the reason why you see standing still water in this cup or bleach not dispensing.
This may be the result of slow accumulation of mineral residue restricting the siphoning mechanism or low water pressure. If this has recently begun to occur, we recommend pouring HOT water into the bleach compartment to clean it.
Note
If hot water appears very slow at ridding the clogged open dispenser compartment and hose inside the washer, try pouring boiling water beyond the maximum line instead, be careful not to splash it all over or burn yourself.
Liquid Bleach Compartment
This compartment holds liquid chlorine bleach, which will be dispensed automatically at the proper time during the wash cycle. Avoid overfilling or splashing when adding bleach to the dispenser. The maximum capacity of the bleach dispenser is one cup of bleach per wash cycle. Overfilling could result in premature dispensing of bleach, which will result in fabric damage.
Note
- Do not add powdered or liquid color-safe bleach to this compartment.
- Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when adding bleach. Do not exceed the maximum fill line. Using too much bleach can damage fabrics.
- Never pour undiluted liquid chlorine bleach directly onto the load or into the drum. Fabric damage can occur.
Using the Liquid Bleach Dispenser
Fabric softeners and liquid detergents (applicable to the models with a liquid detergent cup only) are dispensed through a process called siphonage. Siphonage is similar to the flushing of the toilet. The liquid detergent/softener that fills the detergent dispenser up to the Max line mixes with the water in the detergent dispenser when water is supplied, and when it reaches a set level, siphonage operates and the mix is flushed out into the laundry.
The bleach dispenser automatically dilutes and dispenses liquid chlorine bleach at the proper time in the wash cycle
- Check clothing care labels for special instructions.
- Measure liquid bleach carefully, following instructions on the bottle.
- Never pour undiluted liquid chlorine bleach directly onto clothes or into the wash basket
- Do not pour powdered bleach into bleach dispenser.
- Avoid overfilling or splashing when adding bleach to the dispenser. The maximum capacity of the bleach dispenser is one cup of bleach per wash cycle. Overfilling could result in premature dispensing of bleach. Do NOT add more bleach than is required for your particular load.
- Before starting the washer, pour measured amount of bleach directly into bleach dispenser. If you prefer to use powdered bleach, add it into the wash basket directly before adding clothes.
Note
Do NOT mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids, such as vinegar undiluted liquid chlorine bleach into the bleach dispenser. During the final portion of the wash cycle, two sequential flashes of the dispenser put all the bleach into the wash load and completely flush the dispenser to eliminate the carryover of bleach to a subsequent load. Any liquid remaining in the bleach dispenser at the end of the cycle is water, not bleach. To prevent unintentional self-siphoning of the bleach, never fill the dispenser higher than the maximum fill level marked on the dispenser. When adding bleach to the dispenser, be careful to avoid spilling it into the laundry load or leaving droplets of bleach around the dispenser. These things will damage your laundry items.
Note
Most common issues can be resolved with troubleshooting. However, in some cases a qualified technician may be required as there could be a physical object obstructing the liquid bleach conduit and washer will need to be taken apart.
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