There is water in the fabric softener compartment: what to do?

Standing water in the fabric softener compartment can affect every washing machine. If the compartment is more than half full or even contains watered-down fabric softener, you should clean the machine immediately.

Caused

Water in the fabric softener compartment can affect machines of all types. The reason is that detergent and fabric softener always go into the machine through the same channel. After a while, residues of detergent in particular settle there and clog the inlet openings.

This is often not noticeable with the detergent, because water is pumped in several times, which means that most of it is dissolved and ends up in the washing water. Only with the fabric softener, where only one pumping process takes place, is it noticeable when water stops or the Fabric softener remains diluted in the compartment and the water runs out completely before the end of the wash cycle expires.

First remedy

If water remains in the machine, this can lead to unpleasant odors. This can even go so far that you use rubber or Plastic parts have to be replaced because the smell doesn't go away despite the cleaning agent. Therefore, if you find that there is an above-average amount of water in the fabric softener compartment, you should empty the water.

You should then completely open the openings on the machine, regardless of whether it is a front loader or top loader. This allows residual water in the machine to evaporate. If the water stays in the fabric softener compartment, this is usually also a sign that the water supply and drainage are blocked in other areas of the machine - drain not working properly and residual water has also collected there, which starts to stink in a closed machine can.

Basic cleaning of the washing machine

The outlet and inlet for the fabric softener compartment is not standardized and can look different. It is often a smaller hole and the fabric softener is pumped into the drum via a pressure valve that opens when the water runs in, taking the fabric softener with it. It is not uncommon for residue from the fabric softener to get stuck there and clog the opening.

Therefore, all inlet and outlet areas must be cleaned, because poor drainage can also cause water to remain in the compartment. To clean, proceed as follows:

• Remove the fabric softener/detergent compartment
• Rinse compartment thoroughly with water
• check whether there is a greasy film of detergent residue and rinse again if necessary
• Clean the water inlet to the washing drum
• If necessary, remove other components for easier cleaning according to the operating instructions
• Clean the fluff filter
• Possibly. Check the drain collar to see if items of laundry are blocking the drain (only necessary for front loaders)
• Clean the inlet hose including the Aquastop (if present).

prevent water accumulation

Does the problem occur frequently? If, after cleaning, there is an above-average amount of water in the fabric softener compartment again, you should carry out cleaning cycles more frequently. You don't always have to clean the machine to do this, but carry out wash cycles with vinegar.

Vinegar is a popular household remedy that effectively removes fabric softener and detergent residue. Vinegar also has other benefits:

• decalcifying effect
• antibacterial
• neutralizes odors

Around 30-60 ml of standard household vinegar are used per wash. Under no circumstances should you use vinegar essence as it is too concentrated.

Replace fabric softener

One reason why the inlets to the drum quickly become clogged is that many households use too much fabric softener and detergent. With the machines, the amount of water that runs into the machine is precisely calculated. If there is too much detergent or fabric softener in the compartments and the amount of water pumped in cannot be used to properly dissolve it, the inlets can quickly become clogged. Therefore, the amount of detergent should be selected according to the program and the amount of laundry in the machine.

use alternative

However, many are switching entirely to alternative means. For example, vinegar is not only a good way to clean the machine, it can also be used as an alternative to conventional fabric softeners.

Instructions

You can use the same amount of vinegar for fabric softening that you use to clean the machine. If you have very hard water, use 60 ml of vinegar. The smell of the vinegar will dissipate in a short time after drying. By replacing vinegar as fabric softener, you will no longer have any problems with water in the fabric softener compartment standing due to a clogged inlet.

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