The washing machine isn't properly taking any detergent or softener

When you start any programme on your washing machine, the washing powder isn't accepted properly or not at all. Is it just remaining stuck in the detergent drawer? Then your laundry won't get washed properly! Let's check any potential causes for this malfunction...

THE POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THIS FAULT:

• Insufficient water pressure

• The water intake hose filter is clogged

• The solenoid valve filter is saturated

• The solenoid valve is faulty

• The water distributor is obstructed

• The detergent drawer is scaled up

• The automatic detergent dosing system is malfunctioning

WARNING
Before you do anything to your appliance, make sure you disconnect it from the power supply.
There is a risk of electric shock.
Wear suitable protective gloves if you need to dismantle anything.
There is a risk of getting cut or injured

Insufficient water pressure

If the water pressure is insufficient, the appliance will have difficulty picking up the detergent correctly. Start by checking if the water tap is on enough. Then check the pressure when the water comes out of the tap. For this, you need to turn off the tap then remove the water intake hose. Then, take a basin and turn the tap on fully to see if the water pressure is decent or not.

The water intake hose filter is clogged

The water hose connected between the water intake tap and the washing machine often has a seal with a strainer to stop dirt getting in during water intake. Dismantle this pipe to check this filter and clean it if necessary. In fact, when this part is clogged, the pressure required to properly supply the detergent drawer and pull the washing powder into the machine may not be enough.

Buy a washing machine water pipe

The solenoid valve filter is saturated

The solenoid valve distributes the water throughout the washing machine. As such, it may be this part causing the malfunction. For the same reason we gave above, you'll usually find a strainer or filter next to the solenoid valve to stop sediment getting carried in from your plumbing system. If it's clogged, the lack of water intake pressure in the detergent drawer will stop the washing powder being drawn into your machine. Check this area by removing the water pipe next to the valve then cleaning this filter if needed. Also take this opportunity to check that the membrane covering the solenoid valve hole isn't clogged either.

The solenoid valve is faulty

The solenoid valve is a kind of electric valve that turns on or shuts off the water supply Some solenoid valves are fitted with one or more electric coils. If any of these coils fail, the appliance may not draw in washing powder properly, which can lead to a breakdown. Test the solenoid valve coils, using a multimeter set to the KOhm position. A properly functioning coil should have a value between 3 and 4 KOhms. If it doesn't display any value at all, you must replace the solenoid valve.

Buy a washing machine solenoid valve

The water distributor is obstructed

Some washing machine models are fitted with a small water distributor equipped with nozzles, which may or may not be mechanised. The water distributor distributes water to a certain compartment of the detergent drawer. If this distributor is blocked or its nozzles are clogged with limescale and detergent residue, the machine probably won't draw in enough detergent. This water distributor is generally located upstream of the detergent drawer.

The detergent drawer is scaled up

The most frequently used washing powder compartments are connected by several tubes that carry water through the detergent drawer's diffuser hopper. Over time, the diffuser can get coated in limescale so that it no longer allows enough water to pass through to wash away the washing powder. Remove the dispenser from the detergent compartment and descale it using a citric acid solution.

Buy a washing machine detergent drawer

The automatic detergent dosing system is malfunctioning

More sophisticated washing machines have an automated dosing system with a liquid detergent reserve. This has a pump mechanism which introduces the right amount of washing powder during the cycle. Sometimes, this pump can be faulty or there may be a washing powder blockage preventing the detergent from reaching your laundry. You need to check if the pump is working using a multimeter as well as checking to see that the detergent flow circuit isn't obstructed. Please note! Automatic dosing systems don't like concentrated and ultra-concentrated liquid detergent.