Each manufacturer of top loading washing machines puts their own design on the laundry detergent dispenser. Adding liquid laundry detergent can be confusing, especially if you don’t use the machine regularly.

We’ve put together a guide to help, but here’s a tip: you can’t go wrong by adding the detergent to the bottom of the drum before adding the dirty laundry.

Add liquid laundry detergent to the dispenser

Many brands and models of top-loading washing machines have a designated single-load dispenser for liquid or powder laundry detergent.

• Find a dispenser: Some detergent dispensers are located in pull-out drawers on top of the tub, while others are located along the top edge of the tub.
• How to use: Add detergent before selecting the load size, cycle and water temperature and start the washer.
• Additional information: You will also find dispensers for fabric softener and bleach. While all dispensers are labeled on new washing machines, if the label has worn off, the detergent dispenser is usually the largest.

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Add liquid laundry detergent to the washing machine and wash

The fill and go liquid detergent dispenser allows you to fill a large dispenser once and depending on its capacity, it will last 14-40 loads of dirty laundry. You don’t have to fill the dispenser for every load, you will save time when doing laundry. Here are three things to know about fill-and-go dispensers.

• Adjusts the amount of added detergent. After you select a cycle and load size, most load-and-go dispensers automatically adjust the amount of detergent added to the wash load.
• Adjustable according to detergent concentration. Another advantage of the fill-and-go dispenser is that you can change the amount of detergent dispensed depending on the concentration level of the product. Detergents can be concentrated from 2X to 8X. Be sure to read the label on the detergent bottle to adjust the load and make adjustments as needed.
• It can be disabled. The load and start function may be disabled if you use a special detergent such as a wool wash or a detergent formulated for washing babies.

Add liquid laundry detergent to the washing machine drum

If the washing machine does not have a dispenser, liquid laundry detergent can be added directly to the drum or tub of the washing machine. Always add detergent before loading dirty laundry to help distribute it more evenly.

The best practice is to add the detergent to the drum and let the water start to fill the drum before adding the dirty laundry. The water helps to distribute the detergent evenly throughout the load.

Additional tips for using liquid detergent

• Read product labels. The concentration level (lack of dilution from water) of the detergent makes a big difference in how much you should use for each load of laundry.
• Find a washing manual online. Go online to find the owner’s manual for your make and model of washing machine. You’ll find detergent dispenser diagrams, instructions and tips on how to add liquid laundry detergent.
• Clean the dispenser drawers. Dispenser drawers can become clogged with dried detergent and cannot be dispensed properly. Drawers should be removed, if possible, and cleaned with hot water and a soft-bristled brush. If the dispenser cannot be removed, pour hot water into the dispenser to dissolve any clogs.
• Use the dispensers correctly. Never put a single-use capsule in the dispenser of the detergent drawer. It will not dissolve properly and will clog the dispenser. The pod should be placed at the bottom of the washing machine drum before adding dirty laundry.
• Measure. Measure. Measure. Adding too much liquid laundry detergent can cause stains and residue on fabrics. It can also increase the chance of mold and mildew odors in your washing machine caused by detergent build-up in the dispenser and inside of the drum. Using too much detergent also wastes money. If you’re not using a fill-and-go dispenser, use measuring spoons for precise measurements and cleaner clothes.