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appliance troubleshooting

How to Use the Auto Dispenser on a Samsung Washer

Samsung Auto Dispense setup, detergent choice, cleaning, and refill-alert troubleshooting—with model-specific controls and cautions.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read
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Samsung’s Auto Dispense feature automatically releases liquid detergent and fabric softener during a wash, but it is available only on select washers. Check your exact model’s manual before filling the drawer or following button instructions: controls and compartment layouts vary, and the US steps below may not match models sold elsewhere. Samsung’s Auto Dispense guide explains the feature for supported models.

How do I use the auto dispenser on my Samsung washing machine?

First confirm that your washer has Auto Dispense. Fill the appropriate reservoirs with liquid detergent and, if you use it, liquid fabric softener. Then turn on dispensing and choose a dose setting for each reservoir using the controls specified in your model manual.

Samsung’s US support guide describes separate controls for front-load and top-load models. The exact sequence and available settings vary by model.

Front-load models

  1. Open Options on the washer.
  2. Choose Dose per Wash for detergent or Dose per Rinse for fabric softener.
  3. Select a dose setting, such as Low, Med, or High, if offered. Off disables dispensing from that reservoir.

Some models ship with auto dispensing off. Samsung also notes that on some models the setting may return to Off after a power outage lasting more than five minutes. Check the manual for your washer rather than assuming this behavior applies to every model.

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Top-load models

On top-load models covered by Samsung’s guide, use the Detergent and Softener buttons. Their indicator lights show whether dispensing is enabled; a blinking light indicates that the corresponding reservoir needs a refill. Dose and concentration adjustments depend on the model.

What detergent goes in the auto dispenser?

The Auto Dispense reservoirs are for liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener. Do not put detergent pods in these reservoirs; place pods directly in the drum. If you use a pod while detergent remains in the Auto Dispense reservoir, turn off auto dispensing so the washer does not also release that detergent. See Samsung’s detergent instructions and your model manual for placement details.

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Use HE liquid detergent when the washer requires it, and follow both the detergent label and washer manual. HE detergent is concentrated, so more is not necessarily better: Samsung warns that excess detergent can build up inside the washer and affect performance. Do not assume one dose setting or a fixed volume suits every detergent. On supported models, adjust the amount or concentration setting to suit the detergent, following the washer’s instructions.

Filling the reservoirs

  1. Open the dispenser drawer and identify the correct reservoir.
  2. Turn its cover counterclockwise and add the appropriate liquid, observing the fill limit and instructions for your model.
  3. Replace the cover and turn it clockwise.
  4. Close the drawer completely.

Using detergent without Auto Dispense

Samsung’s US guide describes a manual detergent compartment on the covered front-load models. If using powder detergent in that compartment, remove the liquid insert as directed. The guide says top-load models without a manual compartment take detergent or softener directly in the tub when Auto Dispense is not being used. These are model-category instructions; check your washer’s manual before choosing a compartment or adding detergent to the tub.

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How do I turn on auto dispensing?

For a covered front-load model, open Options, choose Dose per Wash or Dose per Rinse, and select a setting other than Off for the reservoir you want to use. For a covered top-load model, use the Detergent or Softener button and check its indicator light. The controls differ by model, so use the manual if these labels are absent or the sequence does not match.

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How do I clean the auto dispenser drawer?

Cleaning directions and frequency are model-specific. For the WF50A8800AV, Samsung recommends wiping the Auto Dispense drawer after every wash and deep-cleaning it once a month to help prevent residue buildup and odors. Samsung’s washer-cleaning instructions describe this procedure for that model; do not treat its schedule as universal.

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WF50A8800AV deep-cleaning steps

  1. Hold the drawer release and remove the drawer.
  2. Lift off the compartment covers.
  3. Wash the compartment interiors with warm water and a soft brush, then wipe them dry.
  4. If residue remains, dissolve it with lukewarm water and brush the interior and rear valve.
  5. Brush the drawer recess, then make sure it is dry.
  6. Replace the covers so they seal snugly, and reinstall the drawer.

If these parts or steps do not match your washer, follow its manual instead.

Why does my Samsung washer say “Refill detergent” or “Refill softener”?

A refill message means the washer detects that the corresponding reservoir needs replenishment. Add liquid to the named reservoir and close the drawer fully. If the message appeared after you removed or opened the drawer, Samsung says an air pocket may be involved; leave the drawer closed for about 30 seconds. See Samsung’s refill-message troubleshooting guide.

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The alert may not clear as soon as you refill. Samsung says the washer checks detergent near the beginning of a wash cycle, while it may not check softener until the final rinse. On supported models, Rinse + Spin can prompt the softener check sooner.

If a refill alert persists through an entire cycle even though the relevant reservoir is full and dispensing is enabled, Samsung advises requesting service.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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