Easy Ways to Fix a Kenmore Washer that is Not Dispensing Detergent

Does your Kenmore washer keep leaving detergent in the drawer?

I often find that dried soap or weak water flow can keep detergent in the drawer. I would check the detergent amount, drawer channels, and water flow before thinking about a major repair.

How to Clean a Kenmore Washer Soap Drawer

Begin with the safe checks. To fix a Kenmore washer not dispensing detergent, use the right soap, clean and refit the drawer, check water flow, and level the machine.

For this check, the same checks help when the Kenmore washer is not dispensing soap, has a drawer full of water, has a drawer stuck, or is leaving detergent in the drawer.

Clean the Drawer and Its Housing

Before touching anything, unplug the Kenmore washer. Never force a drawer that is stuck; use the release shown in the manual for your exact model.

Remember, follow these steps to remove the buildup:

1. Pull the drawer out until it stops.
2. Press the release shown in the manual and lift the drawer free.
3. Remove loose inserts and soak them in warm water.
4. Scrub each channel with a soft brush, then rinse it.
5. Wipe the empty housing and dry every part before refitting it.

Next, clear only loose residue from the small water holes. Do not push a sharp object into them.

A few minute spent on the Kenmore detergent drawer can be useful as you check the simple causes.

Reduce Thick Detergent Buildup

However, put detergent in the Kenmore compartment marked for the main wash, not the bleach or softener section. Use the type required by the manual and measure it for the load.

Further, too much detergent can form a thick paste. Liquid filled above a marked line may also drain too early or remain after the wash.

On a Kenmore washer, this detergent choice are easy to overlook before you try a harder repair.

Clean the Water Inlet Screens

Besides this, open the supply taps and straighten the inlet hoses behind the Kenmore washer. Weak water flow may leave detergent in the drawer instead of rinsing it into the tub.

Before touching anything, turn off the water and unplug the machine before removing a hose. If the washer also fills slowly, see why the Kenmore washer is not filling with water.

One of these water flow check can reveal what changed while you look over the machine.

Put the Drawer Parts Back Firmly

Remember, push every clean insert fully into its matching Kenmore drawer compartment. A loose siphon cap can leave the drawer full of water or stop softener from leaving.

Besides this, compare the pieces with the diagram in the manual if the drawer does not slide freely after cleaning.

The drawer insert on your Kenmore often show a useful clue as you inspect it.

Ask a Technician to Check the Water Valve

Next, a badly tilted Kenmore washer can leave water sitting at one side of the drawer. Adjust the feet until the cabinet is level and steady.

As you work, if water never reaches a clean drawer, an inlet valve, passage, or control may be faulty. Ask a technician to test it, and contact Kenmore first if the machine is under warranty.

Before moving on, if odor remains after the drawer is clean, read how to clean a Kenmore washer that smells bad.

Conclusion

Try the safe Kenmore checks first for a drawer that empties properly, then leave internal repairs to a technician.

• Clean the Drawer and Its Housing
• Reduce Thick Detergent Buildup
• Clean the Water Inlet Screens
• Put the Drawer Parts Back Firmly
• Ask a Technician to Check the Water Valve