The Haier HLC1700AXW has a dispenser drawer in the upper left corner with three compartments: Prewash, Main Wash and Fabric Softener. Haier's manual gives the rules: with the Prewash option use only powdered HE detergent in both the prewash and main wash compartments, otherwise liquid HE detergent can go in the main wash compartment; liquid softener goes in the softener compartment no higher than the max fill mark; never use powdered softener, because it does not dissolve and clogs the dispenser. Haier's support article adds that soap may clump and block the drain hole in the detergent cup, and that clear water left in the cup needs no service.
Differential
Likely causes of “Haier HLC1700 washer/dryer combo does not dispense detergent, bleach or softener correctly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Clumped or caked soap blocking the drain hole
What separates it Water or soap is left in the detergent cup because clumped or caked soap is blocking the drain hole
How to confirm Inspect the dispenser for foreign matter that could block the siphon process
- 2
Powdered softener or overfilled softener
What separates it The softener compartment clogs or overflows because powdered softener or too much softener was used
How to confirm Use liquid softener only and never above the max fill mark
- 3
Liquid detergent used with Prewash
What separates it Detergent flows straight into the drum during the prewash
How to confirm Use only powdered HE detergent when the Prewash option is selected
- 4
Dried detergent and debris in the compartment
What separates it The drawer sticks or does not flush because dried detergent and debris are in the compartment
How to confirm Remove the insert, rinse it in a sink and brush out debris
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which compartment of the drawer has the problem
- What product you put in and how much
- Whether Prewash was selected for the cycle
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedPull the drawer
ReversiblePull the drawer, which is in the upper left corner, by pulling it straight out.
Remove the insert
ReversibleThe Detergent Dispenser Compartment has a removable insert; rinse it in a sink or remove debris with a soft brush.
Check the drain hole
ReversibleClear caked soap from the hole in the detergent cup so the siphon can work.
Refill correctly
ReversibleLiquid softener to the max fill line only; powdered HE detergent for both prewash and main wash if Prewash is on.
Wipe spills
ReversibleWipe spills, by wiping any softener, bleach or detergent off the cabinet immediately, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Three compartments and what goes in them
- The dispenser drawer sits in the upper left corner and pulls straight out. Its prewash compartment is flushed with water during the prewash, its main wash compartment during the wash, and its fabric softener compartment during the final rinse. Liquid detergent poured into the main wash compartment with Prewash selected flows into the drum at once and is used up in the prewash.
- Parts for this problem on the HWD100 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- condenser tank, part number WD-7250-01, at $25.07.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the HWD100 combination washer/dryer.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If detergent water is not clear and drains slowly, clean the compartment; if water still backs up, call Haier on 1-877-337-3639
- !If the drawer is cracked or the insert will not seat, stop using it
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Haier's own manual for this unit, read from the operating instructions through the warranty, 2026-09-25.
Haier's own error-code table for its combination washer/dryers.
Haier's own support-content articles, each.
Haier's product page and a dealer listing for the capacity, cycle counts and dimensions.
The OEM part numbers and prices for the folded model.
Exact questions
Common questions
Where does detergent go in the HLC1700AXW?+
In the dispenser drawer's main wash compartment (and the prewash compartment if Prewash is selected); the drawer has three compartments.
Can I use liquid detergent with Prewash?+
No. Use only powdered HE detergent in both compartments; liquid flows into the drum immediately.
Can I use powdered softener?+
No; it does not dissolve and clogs the dispenser.
Is water left in the detergent cup a fault?+
If the water is clear no service is needed, per Haier's article.
Why HE detergent?+
Excess suds prevent complete rinsing and can damage the condensing dryer compartment.
Does the drying cycle need cold water?+
Yes, the condensing dryer uses cold water, so keep the cold tap on when you dry.
What does Unb mean on the screen?+
Unb means that the load is unbalanced, so redistribute the clothes and spin again.