For most Samsung washers, liquid or powder detergent goes in the main-wash compartment of the detergent drawer, using the liquid insert only when your model’s manual or labels call for it. Pods and capsules go directly into the drum, not the drawer. Drawer layouts differ between Samsung models, so check the markings on your own drawer and the manual for your exact model before you add detergent, softener, or bleach.
Locate the drawer and identify your machine type
Front-load models generally have the drawer on the front of the machine. Top-load models usually have it under the lid. Some models, including FlexWash and auto-dispenser designs, use a different layout. Samsung does not use one universal drawer arrangement, so the position of each compartment can change from model to model. Do not assume a compartment is in a particular spot; read the labels on the drawer itself and follow the manual for your model.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Samsung DC97-21423A Washer Detergent Dispenser Drawer | $112.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Samsung DC97-16963G Assy Case Detergent | $68.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Samsung DC97-07125Z Assembly Housing Drawer | $155.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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AAZ72925601 Washer Detergent Container Box Assembly for LG Washer | $31.03 | Buy on Amazon |
Where liquid and powder detergent go
Samsung’s US guidance for ordinary detergent directs you to the main-wash section, with liquid detergent placed in the liquid detergent cup in that compartment. Powder is handled differently because the liquid cup is removed. Use the steps below for the standard drawer.
- Pull out the detergent drawer until it stops, then check which insert is installed.
- For liquid detergent, leave the liquid detergent cup in the main-wash compartment and pour in the amount your detergent’s dosing directions give for the load.
- For powder detergent, remove the liquid cup where your model’s instructions say to do so, then add powder directly to the main-wash compartment.
- Confirm the insert and markings on your model before closing the drawer. Inserts and their labels vary, so if the cup or compartment does not match these steps, follow the instructions printed on your washer or in its manual.
- Close the drawer and select your cycle.
The other compartments in the drawer
Many Samsung drawers contain more than one section. Each one has a separate job, and putting the wrong product in the wrong section is the most common placement mistake.
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- The DC97-21423A Detergent Dispenser Drawer is a genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (Authentic OEM) part from Samsung that fits various models from the following brands of washers: Samsung
- OEM Part DC97-21423A Detergent Dispenser Drawer is a brand new part; quality tested as per Samsung standards. The genuine replacement part is a new Samsung part that doesn't replace any other part
- The Samsung DC97-21423A Washer Detergent Dispenser Drawer slides in and out to be filled with detergent, fabric softer and/or bleach
- This is an authorized, brand new, genuine Samsung part
- It is recommended to either refer to your appliance service manual, contact your appliance manufacturer, or contact a service professional to validate the needed part number for your appliance prior to purchasing
Prewash
Samsung’s UK guidance on its drawer compartments describes a prewash section as a separate area from the main wash. Add detergent there only when you select a prewash cycle. For a normal wash, leave the prewash section empty.
Fabric softener
Softener has its own compartment. Do not fill it above the MAX line where one is marked. Because the position and size of this compartment varies between models, check the label on your drawer rather than relying on a general description.
Rank #2
- This is an O.E.M. Authorized part
- Fits with various Samsung brand models
- Oem part DC97-16963G
- Country of Origin: United States
Chlorine bleach
Samsung’s US guidance on washing whites states that chlorine bleach should never go in the detergent compartment. It belongs in the separate bleach compartment. Where that compartment sits depends on the washer’s design, so use the labels and manual for your model.
Pods and capsules
Detergent pods and capsules belong in the drum, placed before the clothes, not in the detergent drawer. Samsung’s US and UK guidance both say this. Dissolving a pod in the drawer can leave residue behind and does not give the product the way it is designed to be used.
Rank #3
- This is an O.E.M. Authorized part
- Fits with various Samsung brand models
- Oem part # DC97-07125Z
- Product Dimension: 9.0"L x 21.0"W x 8.0"H
FlexWash and auto-dispenser models
FlexWash upper washer
Samsung’s US guidance says detergent pods or sheets should not be used in the upper washer of a FlexWash, because that washer is too small for them to work correctly. For liquid or powder in the upper washer, Samsung Canada’s support page refers readers to the instructions for their model’s Aqua Pebble, and the US guidance likewise points to the model manual. Neither source gives a general powder procedure for the upper washer, so confirm the method in your manual before adding powder there.
Auto-dispenser models
On models with an auto dispenser, Samsung’s US guidance states that the auto compartments dispense liquid detergent and liquid softener. Controls and compartment locations differ by model. Samsung US also advises turning the auto dispenser off if you use pods while it contains detergent, so that the machine does not dispense detergent on top of the pod. The US guidance covers liquid for the auto compartments only; for manual use of powder, check the exact manual for your model.
Rank #4
- Part Number:AAZ72925601 Washer Detergent Container Box Assembly Compatible With LG Washer Replaces AAZ73855901 2652392 AP5217542 PS3530587 EAP3530587
- Assembly Composition:8.46×5.17×1.49 In,The AAZ72925601 washing machine detergent caddy assembly includes compartments for detergent, fabric softener and bleach
- Product Function:The AAZ72925601 detergent container for washing machine is mainly used to store detergent for the convenience of the user during the washing process. It not only automates the laundry process, but also helps to protect the environment and conserve resources. Through proper design and use of this container, users can have a more convenient, efficient and environmentally friendly laundry experience
- Accessory Suitability:AAZ72925601 washer box compatible with a wide range of LG washing machine models. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you check if the part fits your washing machine model before purchasing
- Compatible With LG Washer:WT5001CW WT1101CW WT4970CW WT5101HW WT5170HW WT1701CW WT4870CW WT7700HWA WT5480CW WT1501CW WT5270CW WT5680HWA WT1201CW WT6001HW WT7500CW WT1701CW/00 WT1301CW/00 WT5101HW/00 WT5070CW WT1101CW/00 WT1501CW/00 WT7300CW/01 WT7700HWA/00 WT7500CW/00 WT5480CW/00 WT7400CW/00 WT7405CW/00 WT7155CW/00 WT5001CW/00 WT5070CW/00 WT7005CW/03 WT7800CW WT7600HWA
Quick reference by washer type
| Washer or dispenser | Liquid detergent | Powder detergent | Pods or capsules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-load, standard drawer | Liquid detergent cup in the main-wash compartment, where supplied (Samsung US guidance) | Remove the liquid cup where instructed, then add powder to the main-wash compartment (Samsung US guidance) | Directly in the drum, not the drawer (Samsung US and UK guidance) |
| Top-load, drawer under the lid | Liquid detergent cup in the main-wash compartment (Samsung US guidance) | Remove the liquid cup and add powder to the compartment where instructed (Samsung US guidance) | Directly in the tub, before the clothes (Samsung US guidance) |
| FlexWash upper washer | Follow the instructions for your model’s Aqua Pebble (Samsung Canada guidance) | Not stated in the Samsung US or Canada guidance; check your model manual | Not to be used in the upper washer; too small to work correctly (Samsung US guidance) |
| Auto dispenser | Auto compartments dispense liquid detergent and liquid softener (Samsung US guidance) | The cited US auto compartments are for liquid; check your model manual for manual powder use (Samsung US guidance) | Add to the drum, and turn off the auto dispenser if it contains detergent (Samsung US guidance) |
Detergent type: the HE requirement
Samsung US states that its washers require HE detergent. Samsung Canada describes HE detergent as recommended. Read the HE label and the dosing directions on your product, and follow the washer manual for amounts. Using HE detergent does not change where it goes in the drawer.
When the labels and the manual do not match
If the markings on your drawer differ from the instructions in this article, follow the labels and the manual for your exact model. Regional Samsung support pages can describe different configurations, so a page for another country may not match the drawer you have. The sources used here are Samsung’s own support pages: the US guide “How to use detergent in your Samsung washing machine,” the UK guide “How to use the detergent drawer compartments in my Samsung washing machine” (updated 29 May 2026), the US guides “Wash whites in your Samsung washing machine” and “Use the auto dispenser on your Samsung washing machine,” and the Canadian guide “How to properly use detergent in your Samsung washer.” These pages are instructional and do not provide measured performance data.
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