Washing Machines
Solved

What is the plastic insert that fits in soap drawer for?

Asked almost 10 years ago 9,043 views
0

Hello

The soap dispenser has a blue plastic insert that fits into the main compartment in the drawer. It appears to act as a gate where the water flows down. Does anyone know what is this part used for?

Solution Summary

AI-generated from this discussion

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Blue plastic soap-drawer insert identified as liquid detergent dam

The problem
The user asked what the blue plastic insert in the main compartment of a washing machine soap drawer is for.
Likely cause
The discussion says the insert is intended for use with liquid detergent. It prevents the liquid from running straight into the drum before the wash starts by acting as a temporary dam until incoming water flushes it through.
What fixed it
Use the insert when dosing liquid detergent through the main wash drawer compartment. Its purpose is to hold the liquid in place until the machine takes in water. No fault or repair was reported.
Checks to try
  • Insert fits into the main compartment of the soap drawer
  • It appears to act as a gate where the water flows down
Parts or tools mentioned
  • Blue plastic soap-drawer insert
Cause identifiedGenerated 14 Aug 2026 · AI summaries can make mistakes - read the full thread below.
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2 Answers

Accepted Answer
0
Verified Engineer
Answered almost 10 years ago

Yes the plastic inserts in the soap drawer are for stopping liquid detergent from running straight into the drum. They act like a dam wall until water gets taken in and flushes it all over the top. I wouldn't use liquid detergent at all though - Which is the best type of washing machine detergent?

Whitegoods Help — appliance repair expert and forum host.
1
Answered almost 10 years ago

I think you will find that you only have to use that piece if you use Liquid detergent and dose through the soap Drawer. Helps you measure out the liquid. If I were using liquid detergent myself I would put it in a dosing ball and straight into the drum rather than putting it in the soap drawer personally

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