The washing machine does not take in the powder - it does not wash out

Sometimes it happens that your washing machine doesn't use detergent or fabric softener. You put it in the appropriate compartment of the dispenser and start washing, but then you notice the detergent simply hasn't been used. It's still sitting in the plastic tray.

Naturally, you understand that the machine is supposed to use these detergents. The fact that it left them indicates a malfunction. Below, we'll examine all the possible causes of this problem.

Causes of malfunction

So, let's get started. You've already tried washing, adding laundry detergent, adding fabric softener, or using other detergents. You've already started the wash cycle and confirmed that the machine isn't picking up any of the laundry. Now all that remains is to understand why this is happening?

• Let's not sound the alarm at first and just check that, In which compartment of the dispenser did you place the powder/conditioner? If you've always used this compartment and everything was fine, but now this problem suddenly occurs, we recommend playing it safe and carefully rereading the instructions. It's possible you simply made a mistake.
• After this check, let's proceed to the next one: Make sure you use the same detergent. If you previously used one laundry detergent and now decide to change it and use a different one, and the problem occurs during the first wash, it's possible the detergent is the problem. You may also have accidentally purchased a counterfeit product. Counterfeits are usually of very poor quality. So try using the same detergent you usually use and buy it from your usual source.
• Weak water pressure can also have an effect. Luckily, checking it doesn't require any tools or special skills. Simply turn on the cold water (if your machine is connected to a cold water supply only) and check the water pressure. If you notice a barely noticeable flow, the water pressure is likely the problem. This weak water pressure prevents the detergent from being completely flushed from the dispenser. If your home doesn't typically have such plumbing issues, you can call your local housing office. Report the problem to them and find out when normal water pressure will be restored.
• Another reason why powder remains in its tray is a clogged filling filter. This filter is a fine metal mesh. It's essential to prevent debris or rust particles found in tap water from getting into the machine. Our water pipes can contain various small particles of dirt and debris that can damage appliances. When the mesh becomes clogged, water can't flow as well as it once did, which can cause problems. This filter is located where the inlet hose connects to the washing machine. To access the mesh, you'll need to unscrew the hose. Just be sure to turn off the water supply before doing this. Then, clean the filter with a coarse brush and detergent. Then, reattach the hose and try washing again.
• Another possible breakdown is failure of the intake valve. This part of the washing machine allows water to fill when needed and shuts off the water supply when not needed. If it's damaged or clogged, or if its coil is damaged, it can interfere with the efficient water intake. This can prevent detergent from being flushed out of the dispenser compartment due to the weak water pressure. In this case, the valve needs to be replaced. This can be done by a professional.

It's also possible that the nozzle is clogged or broken. If it's broken, we'll need to replace it. If it's clogged, we'll need to clean it. If you don't want to mess around with it yourself, we'll call a home appliance repair service. If you still want to figure it out yourself, you'll have to do some tinkering.

Have a good renovation!

3 reader comments

1. October 9, 2014 at 3:21 PM

   Denis:

   Hello. I'd like to know more about how the detergent and fabric softener dispensers switch. After all, the detergent is used first, then the fabric softener.
   My washing machine most likely has one valve at the water inlet.
   More specifically, Electrolux 96 (with the Direct Spray system) doesn't rinse out the powder completely. I'm sure the water supply is normal and the powder is of good quality.
   Another Candy cx-085 txt machine stopped draining the fabric softener, but the washing powder washes out completely. Could you please explain? Or maybe you know where I can look at how this works? Thanks in advance.

   Answer
2. January 19, 2016 at 1:04 AM

   Naka:

   I have the same problem. The powder rinses out, but the rinse aid doesn't. What's the cause?

   Answer
3. August 30, 2016 at 1:50 AM

   Elena:

   Could you tell me, I have a Galatex washing machine and it uses both fabric softener and detergent at the same time. Does it wash with fabric softener? And how does it rinse?

   Answer