The Amana NTW4516 does not have a detergent drawer: Amana's guide has you put a measured amount of HE detergent, or a single-dose laundry packet, in the bottom of the basket before the clothes go in, and the only dispensers are the liquid chlorine bleach compartment and the optional fabric softener dispenser that fits on the agitator. A dispenser problem here is usually residue in the bleach compartment, a packet added to the wrong place, or softener added by hand without Extra Rinse.
Differential
Likely causes of “Amana NTW4516 top-load washer does not dispense detergent, bleach or softener correctly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Residue built up in the bleach dispenser
What separates it Bleach does not flush or the area looks crusty
How to confirm Wipe with a damp cloth and towel-dry; use an all-purpose cleaner if needed
- 2
A single-dose packet put in the dispenser
What separates it The packet does not dissolve and leaves gel on clothes
How to confirm Add the packet to the basket before the clothes; never in the dispenser
- 3
Softener added by hand without Extra Rinse
What separates it The softener stains the clothes or is poorly distributed because it was added by hand without Extra Rinse
How to confirm Select Extra Rinse whenever softener is added manually
- 4
An unlevel washer
What separates it Water splashes off the load and disturbs the dispenser
How to confirm Check the feet are firm and the washer is level
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which dispenser or product is failing
- Whether a packet or liquid was used and where it was placed
- Whether Extra Rinse was selected with softener
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedPut detergent in the basket
ReversibleAdd a measured amount of HE detergent or one single-dose packet to the bottom of the basket before adding clothes; add Oxi boosters or color-safe bleach there too.
Clean the bleach dispenser
ReversibleWipe it with a damp cloth and towel-dry. The dispensers and trim are not removable.
Add softener correctly
ReversibleDuring the final rinse wait for the washer to finish filling, press Start/Stop/Pause/Unlock Lid, add the measured softener, close the lid and press again; select Extra Rinse.
Use the accessory if fitted
ReversibleThe optional fabric softener dispenser connects to the agitator and saves adding softener by hand.
Level the washer
ReversibleFront and rear feet must sit firmly; an unlevel washer splashes water off the tub.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Which products go where
- The guide puts detergent, single-dose packets, Oxi-type boosters, color-safe bleach and fabric softener crystals in the bottom of the basket before the clothes, and liquid chlorine bleach in the dispenser at no more than 1 cup, without diluting. Do not use color-safe bleach or Oxi products in the same cycle as liquid chlorine bleach.
- Parts for this problem on the NTW4516 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- bleach dispenser, part number WPW10192089, at $12.03; water inlet valve, part number W11210459, at $66.77.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the NFW5800 front-load washer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If bleach leaks into the cabinet, stop and wipe it up; some products damage the finish
- !If the dispenser is cracked, stop using it and call Amana
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Amana's own table of top-load washer codes and resolutions.
Amana's own symptom articles for top-load washers, each.
A dealer listing giving the NTW4516FW's capacity, cabinet size and feature list.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Where does detergent go in the Amana NTW4516?+
In the bottom of the basket, before the clothes; the guide says to add a measured amount of HE detergent or a single-dose packet.
Can I put a laundry packet in the dispenser?+
No. The guide says to add the packet to the basket before the clothes and not to the dispenser.
How much bleach can I use?+
No more than 1 cup (236 mL) of liquid chlorine bleach, without overfilling or diluting.
Can I remove the dispensers to clean them?+
No; the guide says they and the trim are not removable.
Does the washer have a softener dispenser?+
It is an optional accessory that connects to the agitator; otherwise add softener by hand in the final rinse.
Why select Extra Rinse with softener?+
Cycles with a spray rinse need it for proper softener distribution.
What should I have ready before I call service?+
Have the model number, the serial number and a note of what the washer did, so that the call is quick.
Why is my load still wet after the spin?+
An unbalanced or overloaded drum can end the spin early, so rebalance the load and spin again.