How Does A Fabric Softener Dispenser Work On A Washing Machine?

Fabric softener is beloved for its ability to make your clothes feel and smell wonderful, as well as to help to reduce wrinkles and static. The softener works by coating and smoothing the clothing fibers, fluffing them up so they feel extra soft and reducing friction between the fibers to prevent breakage (which, if untreated, would lead to wear, piling, fuzz, reduced stretchiness, and more). That said, while many people love adding fabric softener to their laundry, few take the time to understand how your washing machine actually uses the fabric softener to work its magic on your clothes.

While it seems like something you should just be able to simply toss into the drum of the washing machine and start the wash, fabric softener needs to be added at a very specific time in the cycle to work properly. Adding it too early will cause it to wash off of the fabric, while adding it too late or in the wrong part of the drum can cause stains on your clothes. This is why most modern washing machines have an automatic fabric softener dispenser built into the machine to remove the guesswork and timing issues associated with adding it manually. By properly diluting the mixture and then releasing it into the wash at just the right time, the dispenser on your machine does all the hard work to make sure you are reaping the fabric softener benefits without any of the hassle.

So how exactly does that fancy little fabric softener contraption work? First, you play your part in the process, by using the provided cap to carefully measure out the exact amount of fabric softener as recommended on the bottle. Next, locate the fabric softener dispenser on your washing machine. For front load washers, there is typically a detergent drawer located at the top of the machine, which will have a compartment specifically labeled for fabric softener. For top load washers, the dispenser is usually located inside the drum of the washer, at the top of the center column. 

Pour the liquid into the dispenser compartment, and, voila, you have completed your role. Now, here's where it gets sciency!

As your machine runs through the wash process and heads into the rinse cycle, water is released into the fabric softener compartment, mixing with the softener so it is properly diluted before joining the wash cycle. Once the correct amount of water has filled the compartment, the machine triggers a siphon, which pulls all of the mixture out of the compartment and sends it into the washing drum to treat your clothing at just the right point in the cycle. It's a pretty handy system, especially for any previously dispenser-less homeowner who has experienced the challenge of trying to dilute and add softener directly to the drum at the exact right time.

Now that you know the inner workings of the dispenser, it is easier to understand why proper use and maintenance will keep it operating full throttle. The main precaution you can take to keep it in peak performance is to always follow the exact dosing recommendations on the bottle, as too much fabric softener can cause multiple issues. First, it can leave a greasy residue or blue-tinted stains on your clothing. You will need to use a diluted vinegar soak or a gentle soap with a soft-bristled brush to remove the laundry product stains.

Secondly, overfilling your fabric softener compartment can clog your automatic dispenser, meaning the washing machine will not drain the softener. This is because the diluted mixture created by your washing machine during the wash process will be too thick thanks to an incorrect ratio of water to product, causing it to build-up inside the dispenser. To fix the clog, remove the dispenser drawer, if applicable, and use warm water with a soft cloth or bristle brush (an old toothbrush works wonders!) to remove any solidified softener residue. When you are done, fill the compartment with water and run a test rinse cycle to ensure the water drains, indicating the clog has been resolved. Understanding the mechanics behind your washing machine's fabric softener dispenser is essential for ensuring that you are using and caring for it properly so it can keep working its fantastic laundry magic on your clothing.