Top Load Washer - Adding a Fabric Softener Dispenser

Most older GE and Hotpoint brand Top-Load Washers featured a fabric softener dispenser that sits on top of the agitator or infusor.
 

Using the Fabric Softener Dispenser

  • You fill the automatic fabric softener dispenser with liquid fabric softener before you start the Washer. Refer to the softener label on the bottle for the recommended amount to use for the load size.
  • The first spin causes a centrifugal force which pulls the fabric softener from the holding area to the dispensing area of the agitator or infusor. Softener runs down the inside of the agitator or infusor and out the holes near the mid-point of the agitator or base of the infusor.
  • The softener will automatically dispense as the Washer is re-filling for the rinse cycle.
  • Cleaning the dispenser is easy. The dispenser lifts off the top of the agitator or infusor and snaps apart into 2 pieces (the "cup" and the outer cover). To reassemble after cleaning, place the cup piece inside the outer cover and push them together until you hear them snap.

Adding a Fabric Softener Dispenser

  • On models made after 2011, the Washer must have a Rinse Option that indicates liquid fabric softener can be used in the Washer. The Option will be called something like "Fabric Softener" or "Deep Rinse (Select when adding Fabric Softener)" or something similar. You can add fabric softener manually to the rinse cycle or use a fabric softener ball when using the Deep Rinse Option. There is not a fabric softener dispenser or cup available as an accessory to add onto the top of the agitator or infusor on a 2011 or newer washer that does not already come with the fabric softener dispenser.
  • If the Washer does not have a Fabric Softener Rinse Option, it will not spin to release fabric softener and a dispenser cannot be added to these models. Also, you cannot manually add fabric softener or use a fabric softener ball with models that do not have the Fabric Softener Rinse Option.
  • On models made before 2011, a fabric softener dispenser or cup can be added to most models that come without a dispenser. These models have a cap on the agitator which can be removed and replaced by the fabric softener dispenser. The GE Appliances part number for the fabric softener accessory is WH43X139. This can be purchased on our GE Appliances Parts & Accessories website.
  • On models made prior to 1994, the fabric softener dispenser sat on top of the filter-flo pan (on models equipped with one). If the model did not come with a dispenser, one cannot be added.
  • A fabric softener dispenser cannot be added to Unitized or Compact Washer models.

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