How to Get an LG Washer to Dispense Bleach

Type of Bleach

• LG Appliances designs the dispenser on many of its washers to adequately hold and release liquid bleach during the wash cycle. However, consumers have a variety of bleach options, including powdered and gel-based versions. LG recommends that users stick to liquid bleach and avoid gel products that might stick in the dispenser and clog it. Rinse the dispenser with water if it becomes clogged and won't release bleach.

Dispensing Too Early

• LG describes a "self-siphoning" scenario can happen from over-filling the bleach dispenser. If you imagine filling a glass of water to the rim, one bump or tilt of the glass and water begins to spill or siphon over the rim. The liquid dispenser compartment in the washer can prematurely release bleach if you fill it above the maximum line. Even if you do follow specifications, forcefully pushing the compartment back in can cause the liquid bleach to spill out of the dispenser.

Pre-Filling

• Many households wash several varying and sorted loads of laundry back to back. Preparing to wash a single load can include nearly 10 activities, including selecting the cycle, water temperature and advanced options, such as "Soil Level." Adding bleach, detergent and softener usually rounds out this task. Some users refill (or pre-fill) the bleach dispenser in the middle or at the end of an active wash cycle to alleviate the need to remember to fill the compartment for the next load of clothes. However, LG says that this could cause premature dispensing, which can damage a current load of colored laundry items.

Regular Maintenance

• When there is a leakage from a container, usually that means there a hole somewhere. When the dispenser door is in the closed position on the LG washer, the front of the door can appear to have sprung a leak. In actuality, the problem could simply be that the dispenser compartment needs to be cleaned of built-up residue. Even if you have been using liquid bleach, as recommended, specs of powdery detergent can fall or spill over into the bleach compartment, creating clogs that slow or block the release of bleach. LG recommends that users pour a cup of water into the dispenser after the washer has released the liquid bleach into the drum. You should also mark your calendar to periodically remove the dispenser compartments from the washer and perform a more thorough cleaning of this mechanism. Consult your user's manual for maintenance instructions.