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LG Washer - Detergent and Additive Usage

  • Repair

At a Glance

The dispenser drawer for your LG washer is divided into different compartments, liquid chlorine bleach, fabric softener, pre-wash detergent, and a main wash detergent compartment which holds a removable liquid detergent cup.

Try This

  1. Select Your Washer: Front-load Front Load Washer top-load Top Load Washer
  2. Front Load Washer

    Note

    Images are for illustration. Dispenser may vary by model.

    For information on cycles and options available, please see our LG Washer – Front Load Washing Machine Cycles and Options article.

    Show Script

    [LG Frontload Washers] How to Use the Dispenser DrawerHello and welcome to LG's step-by-step guide on how to use the

    general dispenser drawer.Here is how to use the general dispenser drawer:Carefully pull the dispenser drawer out until

    it stops. Add liquid or powder detergent to this compartment. For the pre-wash, use the liquid detergent cup in the main

    wash dispenser. Doing so prevents the main wash detergent from being dispensed when pre-wash starts. The amount of

    detergent added for the pre-wash option is one half of the amount recommended for the main wash cycle. This compartment

    holds laundry detergent for the main wash cycle, either powdered or liquid detergent, may be used in this

    compartment.Liquid or powdered color safe bleach may be added to the main wash compartment with detergent of the same

    type. Do not exceed the maximum fill line. If the dispenser has a liquid detergent cup insert, make sure they are in

    place when using liquid detergent. Make sure to remove them when using powder detergent. This compartment holds fabric

    softener, which is automatically dispensed during the final rinse cycle. Just like in the main wash detergent

    compartment, you can use powdered or liquid detergent. When using concentrated softener, dilute it with warm water

    before use. Do not exceed the maximum fill line. Do not pour fabric softener directly into the drum. This compartment

    holds liquid bleach, which is dispensed automatically at the proper time during the wash cycle. Do not exceed the

    maximum fill line. If there is residue buildup in the dispenser drawer, you should clean it. It is also a good idea to

    clean the dispenser drawer once or twice a month.First, pull the drawer out until it stops, then press down on the

    disengage button, and pull the drawer all the way out. Next, remove the drawer components and rinse both the drawer and

    components with warm water to remove any residue buildup. Clean the drawer opening with a cloth or soft brush. Make sure

    the drawer is completely dry reassemble the drawer and then gently reinsert it and that's it.

    Prewash

    Treat stains and heavily soiled items without the need for hand washing.

    Image showing prewash bin in the drawer

    Liquid Bleach

    Helps whiten, brighten cloths. and remove stains

    Image showing bleach bin in the drawer

    Fabric Softener

    Reduces wrinkles and static, adds a soft touch, and fresh scent to your laundry.

    Image showing fabric softener bin in the drawer

    Main Wash

    For laundry detergent. Breaks up and removes grease, grime, and stains from clothes.

    Image showing main wash bin in the drawer

    Using Liquid Detergent

    1Add the detergent to the Max line.

    Image showing dispenser filled too much and just right side by side
    Note
    • Be sure to use high efficiency (HE) detergent with your washing machine.
    • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how much liquid detergent should be used.
    • When adding liquid detergent, make sure that the liquid detergent cup located in the main wash liquid detergent compartment is in place to prevent the main wash detergent from being dispensed with a prewash detergent.
    • Exceeding the Max line will cause the detergent to dispense early.

    Using Powder Detergent

    1Make sure to remove the cup for liquid detergent when you are using a powder detergent.

    Graphic shohwing liquid detergent cup being removed
    Note
    • Be sure to use high efficiency (HE) detergent with your washing machine.
    • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how much detergent should be used.

    2If you add powder detergent to the cup for liquid detergent, the detergent will not be dispensed correctly. The inlet may become clogged and water may overflow out of the machine.

    Image showing detergent cup with powder clogging it.

    Using Pods

    1. Place one pod directly in drum of washer prior to loading laundry into the machine.
    2. No more than 1 pod should be used per load.
    3. Do not put pods in a dispenser drawer.

    Using Fabric Softener

    • When adding liquid fabric softener, add the liquid softener into the compartment marked softener.
    • Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when adding fabric softener.
    • Do not exceed the maximum fill line.
    • It is recommended that you dilute concentrated fabric softeners with warm water before use.
    • If the fabric softener is concentrated, as little as 1-2 teaspoons is all that is needed for a normal load.
    • Using too much fabric softener may result in stained clothes.

    Using Bleach

    • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how much liquid bleach should be used based on load size.
    • Always measure out the amount of bleach before use. Do not try to guess by pouring.
    • Liquid bleach should only be added into the compartment marked liquid bleach only.
    • Do not add powdered or liquid color-safe bleach into this compartment.
    • Pour bleach directly into the bleach dispenser compartment.
    • Avoid overfilling or splashing when adding bleach to the dispenser.
    • Do not exceed the maximum fill line.
    • Color-safe bleach may be added to the main detergent compartment along with the detergent.
    • Using too much bleach can damage fabrics.

    Using Wash Boosters

    • Wash boosters/scent boosters may be used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
    • Boosters should be put directly in the drum of the unit prior to loading laundry into the washer.
    • We recommend careful use of wash boosters. Since front load washers are built to use little water, it can be very hard to determine the volume of a specific wash booster to use. Moreover, using too much of an extra additive is very easy, which causes leakage from the safety air vents of the machine.
    • If you have been experiencing leakage from your machine’s safety air vent, it might have been caused by the additive or wash booster.
    • These wash boosters cause bubbles and oversudsing when they finally dilute in water.
    • When using additives and wash boosters, be very cautious about the first few times you add it to a wash cycle, even if the manufacturer of the additive describes it as HE or HE Compatible.
    • Take a look inside the drum to see if there are traces of excessive suds when the additive was used.
    • Reduce the amount of additive or booster when you notice the occurrence of sudsing or leaking from the safety air vents of your machine.
  3. Top Load Washer

    Note

    Images are for illustration. Dispenser may vary by model.

    For information on cycles and options available, please see our LG Washer – Front Load Washing Machine Cycles and Options article.

    Show Script

    [LG Top Load Washers] Detergent & Additives Usage Tips

    Welcome to the LG customer support Channel. Here we will show you how to properly use detergents and additives to maximize your LG washer's performance.

    There are different compartments for each detergent type located in the dispenser drawer of your LG washer. There is a compartment for liquid fabric softener and a main Wash detergent compartment which holds a removable liquid detergent tray. The compartment for the liquid chlorine bleach is located in the front left corner of your washer.

    When adding liquid detergent, make sure that the liquid tray, located in the main wash liquid detergent compartment, is in place.

    Make sure to use a high efficiency detergent. Using too much detergent can cause oversudsing or rinsing and detergent build-up on clothing. Please keep this in mind and adjust your detergent amount as needed. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Do not exceed the maximum fill line.

    Powder detergent should be added to the main wash compartment. Be sure to remove the liquid detergent tray from the dispenser drawer. Detergent will not dispense properly if the liquid detergent cup or tray is in place. Make sure to use a high efficiency detergent. Do not exceed manufacture recommendations.

    When using a Pod detergent, instructions may vary depending upon the manufacturer. Most likely you will be asked to throw the pod into the tub along with your laundry for proper washing. Do not put the pods in the dispenser drawer.

    Liquid bleach should only be added to the compartment marked liquid bleach only on your top load washer. The liquid bleach compartment is located in the front left corner of your washer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how much liquid bleach should be used. Using too much bleach can damage your fabrics. Do not exceed the maximum fill line.

    Always precisely measure the amount of bleach before loading. Avoid over filling or splashing when adding bleach to the dispenser. This may result in fabric damage. Do not add powdered or liquid color safe bleach into this compartment.

    When adding liquid fabric softener, add the liquid into the compartment marked softener. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. When adding fabric softener, do not exceed the maximum fill line. Using too much fabric softener may result in stained clothes. It is recommended that you dilute the concentrated fabric softeners with warm water before use. Following these instructions will help you clean and protect your clothes.

    Thank you for watching our LG support video we hope you enjoy your LG experience

    Main Wash

    For laundry detergent. Breaks up and removes grease, grime, and stains from clothes.

    Image showing main wash bin in the drawer

    Fabric Softener

    Reduces wrinkles and static, adds a soft touch, and fresh scent to your laundry.

    Image showing fabric softener bin in the drawer

    Liquid Bleach

    Helps whiten, brighten cloths. and remove stains

    Image showing bleach bin in the drawer

    Using Liquid Detergent

    1Add the detergent to the Max line.

    Image showing dispenser filled too much and just right side by side
    Note
    • Be sure to use high efficiency (HE) detergent with your washing machine.
    • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how much liquid detergent should be used.
    • When adding liquid detergent, make sure that the liquid detergent cup located in the main wash liquid detergent compartment is in place to prevent the main wash detergent from being dispensed with a prewash detergent.
    • Exceeding the Max line will cause the detergent to dispense early.

    Using Powder Detergent

    1Make sure to remove the cup for liquid detergent when you are using a powder detergent.

    Graphic shohwing liquid detergent cup being removed
    Note
    • Be sure to use high efficiency (HE) detergent with your washing machine.
    • Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how much detergent should be used.

    2If you add powder detergent to the cup for liquid detergent, the detergent will not be dispensed correctly. The inlet may become clogged and water may overflow out of the machine.

    Image showing detergent cup with powder clogging it.

    Using Pods

    1Place one pod directly in drum of washer prior to loading laundry into the machine.

    2No more than 1 pod should be used per load.

    3Do not put pods in a dispenser drawer.

    Using Fabric Softener

    • When adding liquid fabric softener, add the liquid softener into the compartment marked softener.
    • Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when adding fabric softener.
    • Do not exceed the maximum fill line.
    • It is recommended that you dilute concentrated fabric softeners with warm water before use.
    • If the fabric softener is concentrated, as little as 1-2 teaspoons is all that is needed for a normal load.
    • Using too much fabric softener may result in stained clothes.
    Image showing filled fabric softener bin

    Using Bleach

    • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how much liquid bleach should be used based on load size.
    • Always measure out the amount of bleach before use. Do not try to guess by pouring.
    • Liquid bleach should only be added into the compartment marked liquid bleach only.
    • Do not add powdered or liquid color-safe bleach into this compartment.
    • Pour bleach directly into the bleach dispenser compartment.
    • Avoid overfilling or splashing when adding bleach to the dispenser.
    • Do not exceed the maximum fill line.
    • Color-safe bleach may be added to the main detergent compartment along with the detergent.
    • Using too much bleach can damage fabrics.
    Image showing bleach bin

    Using Wash Boosters

    • Wash boosters/scent boosters may be used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
    • Boosters should be put directly in the drum of the unit prior to loading laundry into the washer.
    • We recommend careful use of wash boosters. Since front load washers are built to use little water, it can be very hard to determine the volume of a specific wash booster to use. Moreover, using too much of an extra additive is very easy, which causes leakage from the safety air vents of the machine.
    • If you have been experiencing leakage from your machine’s safety air vent, it might have been caused by the additive or wash booster.
    • These wash boosters cause bubbles and oversudsing when they finally dilute in water.
    • When using additives and wash boosters, be very cautious about the first few times you add it to a wash cycle, even if the manufacturer of the additive describes it as HE or HE Compatible.
    • Take a look inside the drum to see if there are traces of excessive suds when the additive was used.
    • Reduce the amount of additive or booster when you notice the occurrence of sudsing or leaking from the safety air vents of your machine.
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