Does your washing machine fail to properly dispense fabric softener? Do clothes come out stiff and scratchy? A clogged fabric softener compartment may be the culprit. Luckily, there are several easy DIY methods to clear out built-up gunk and get your machine working smoothly again. This article walks through 5 straightforward fixes you can do at home using basic cleaning supplies. With just a little elbow grease, you can banish fabric softener buildup for good!
1. Remove and Clean the Dispenser Drawer
The dispenser drawer is the removable tray that holds your fabric softener and detergent. When the fabric softener compartment gets clogged, cleaning it is one of the best ways to fix the issue. Let’s walk through the steps!
Taking Out the Dispenser Drawer
First things first – you need to remove the dispenser from your washing machine. How do you do it? Here are some tips:
- Look for a button or latch on the drawer. Push or slide it to release the dispenser.
- If there’s no obvious latch, gently pull the drawer out. It should slide out.
- Don’t yank too hard! You don’t want to break the drawer.
- Once it’s released, pull it all the way out.
Got the drawer out? Great! Now we can really clean it.
Scrubbing the Dispenser Drawer
The dispenser drawer usually has a few parts:
- The main tray that holds your softener and detergent
- The cap or cover
- Small tubes or siphons that channel the liquids
You’ll want to clean them all. Here’s how:
- Fill your sink or a bowl with hot water and add some dish soap. Let the dispenser parts soak for 15-30 minutes. This loosens stuck-on gunk.
- Use an old toothbrush, small scrub brush, or cotton swab to scrub everywhere. Get into cracks and crevices.
- Pay extra attention to the small tubes/siphons. Use a pipe cleaner or cotton swab to clear any blockages.
- Rinse everything thoroughly with hot water. Double-check that all residue is gone!
Reassembling the Drawer
Once everything is sparkling clean, put the dispenser drawer back together and slide it into your washing machine. Make sure it clicks into place securely.
Also Read Should you use fabric softener? Pros & Cons
2. Clear the Water Inlet Jets
Did you know your washing machine has little water jets above the dispenser drawer? They spray water into the drawer to mix with detergent and flow into the drum. But they can get clogged too!
Let’s look at how to clean the water inlet jets. This easy fix can help prevent fabric softener buildup.
Finding the Water Inlet Jets
The water jets are small holes above the dispenser drawer. They may be surrounded by a plastic casing.
To find them:
- Pull out the dispenser drawer.
- Look above the empty space where the drawer was.
- You should see a series of little holes or slots pointing down.
- This is where water sprays into the drawer.
Cleaning the Jets
Gunk and residue can clog the tiny water inlet jets. Here’s how to clean them:
- Use a thin, flexible scrub brush made for bottles. Or use a pipe cleaner.
- Gently insert the brush or pipe cleaner into each jet hole.
- Scrub and swirl it around to dislodge buildup.
- Remove any visible mold or mildew.
- For tough clogs, fill a syringe with water or vinegar. Squirt it forcefully into the jets.
The jets should be open and clear so water can flow freely through them.
Don’t Forget This Spot!
It’s easy to overlook the water inlet jets when cleaning your washing machine. But taking a few minutes to clear them can stop future clogs before they start. No more sticky, gross fabric softener compartments!
3. Clean the Siphon and Tubes
Ever wonder how your washing machine knows when to release fabric softener into the wash? It uses a siphon system! Let’s look at how to clean it to stop clogs.
How the Siphon Works
There are some key parts in the siphon system:
- The siphon cap – This plastic cap fits over the fabric softener cup in the compartment.
- The siphon tube – A small tube connects the cap to the washer drum.
- During a wash cycle, water flows into the siphon cap. This starts a suction action. It pulls the fabric softener through the tube and into the drum!
Cleaning the Siphon System
If fabric softener gunks up the siphon, it can’t do its job. Here are some tips to clean it:
- Remove the siphon cap from the dispenser drawer. Look for a small plastic piece.
- Detach the siphon tube from the cap. Check that it’s not clogged.
- Soak both parts in hot, soapy water. Use a pipe cleaner to clear any blockages in the tube.
- Rinse and replace the pieces when they are spotless. Make sure the tube reconnects tightly.
Keep Things Flowing Smoothly
Taking a few minutes to deep clean the siphon system can get your fabric softener flowing freely again. No more missed spots or stained clothes!
4. Use Natural Cleaning Solutions
Tired of using harsh chemicals to clean your washing machine? Give natural cleaners a try instead! They can dissolve fabric softener buildup and leave your machine fresh.
A Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution
You likely have the ingredients for this homemade cleaner already in your kitchen:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Water
Mix up a solution of 1 part vinegar, 1 part baking soda, and two parts hot water. Stir until the baking soda dissolves.
Use this fizzy mixture to clean the fabric softener compartment. The vinegar dissolves stuck-on residue, while the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive.
How to Apply:
Pour some of the solution into the fabric softener cup. Let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping away grime. Use an old toothbrush dipped in the solution to scrub the dispenser drawer.
Run the rest through a wash cycle to clean inside the machine. It will break down the buildup and leave a fresh scent!
Why Natural Solutions Work
Vinegar, baking soda, and other natural cleaners give you cleaning power without harsh fumes or chemicals. And they’re inexpensive, non-toxic, and better for the environment. Give them a try for an easy, eco-friendly way to beat fabric softener clogs!
5. Perform a Hot Water Flush
Does your washing machine need a deep clean? A hot water flush can help blast away fabric softener gunk and residue inside the machine.
How to Do a Water Flush
A hot water flush is easy:
- Run a wash cycle on the hottest setting with NO clothes.
- For extra cleaning power, add white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner product.
- Let the cycle complete. The hot water and cleaning agents will break down residue.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for an effective hot water flush:
- Use the largest water level setting. This ensures more water circulates.
- Repeat if needed. Severe buildup may require multiple flushes.
- Wipe the drum and dispenser with a microfiber cloth afterward. This removes any loosened gunk.
- Leave the door open to allow drying. Prevent mildew by letting air circulate.
Make It Part of Your Routine
A monthly hot water flush removes fabric softener buildup before it can cause issues. Add this quick maintenance to your laundry schedule. It extends the life of your washing machine!
Also Read Washing Machine Repair: Common Issues and Solutions
Keeping Your Washing Machine Running Smoothly
A clogged fabric softener compartment can cause major headaches! But as we’ve seen, there are several easy DIY methods to clear out the gunk and get your machine working properly again.
Let’s do a quick review of the tips we covered:
- Remove and thoroughly clean the fabric softener compartment
- Clear out the water inlet jets above the compartment
- Clean out the siphon and tubing
- Use natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda
- Run hot water flushes with added cleaning agents
With some basic cleaning implements, you can banish fabric softener buildup! But an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.