If detergent is left in the drawer of the LG WM4500HBA or does not dispense fully, LG's manual gives four causes: the compartments clogged from incorrect filling, too much detergent, an insufficient water supply, and normal residue that has built up. The fixes are to put each product in its correct compartment, fully close the drawer before starting, use only HE detergent in the maker's recommended amount, and clean the drawer once or twice a month with warm water and no soap.
Differential
Likely causes of “LG front-load or top-load washer does not dispense detergent, bleach or softener correctly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A detergent compartment that is clogged from incorrect filling
What separates it Detergent or additives are stuck in the drawer at the end of the cycle
How to confirm Check that each product is in its correct compartment and that concentrates are diluted to the fill line
- 2
Too much detergent
What separates it Clumped detergent and slow dispensing with the right type of detergent
How to confirm Compare the dose with the detergent maker's recommendation and LG's rule of a quarter to a half of the maximum
- 3
An insufficient water supply
What separates it Little water flows through the dispenser during the fill
How to confirm Check that the hot and cold faucets are fully open; LG lists this as a cause
- 4
Residue built up in the drawer
What separates it A crust of dried detergent in the drawer and the recess behind it
How to confirm Remove the drawer and look at the drawer, the inserts and the opening
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which compartment holds the leftover and whether it is powder, liquid or gel
- Whether the drawer was fully closed before the cycle started
- How long since the drawer was last removed and cleaned
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedLoad the right compartments
ReversiblePut detergent and additives in the correct compartments and make sure the drawer is fully closed before the cycle begins, as LG says for all detergent types.
Cut the amount
ReversibleUse only HE detergent and no more than the maker's recommendation. LG says to use as little detergent as possible, and that you can dilute detergent with water up to the fill line on the compartment to avoid clogging.
Pull the drawer and clean it
ReversibleUnplug the washer, pull the drawer straight out until it stops, press down hard on the disengage button and pull it out completely, then remove the inserts.
Wash and dry the parts
ReversibleClean the drawer and inserts with warm water and a soft cloth or brush; LG says not to use soap. Wipe off any moisture with a dry towel.
Clean the recess and refit
ReversibleUse a small non-metal brush to remove all residue from the upper and lower parts of the drawer opening, then replace the drawer and check both faucets are fully open.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Dispenser drawer care
- Remove and clean the drawer once or twice a month using warm water and a soft brush, no soap; clean the recess with a small non-metal brush. The disengage button releases the drawer.
- Tools and supplies
- A soft brush, towels and a flashlight; nothing sharp or metal for the recess.
- Parts for this problem on the WM4500HBA (RepairClinic, 2026-09-20)
- water valve, part number 5220FR2006Z, at $65.73.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WM6500HBA, WM5500HWA, WM4200HWA, WM4000HWA, WM3600HWA, WM3400CW, WM8900HBA, WM9500HKA, WM6998HBA, WKEX200HBA, WKEX300HBA, WT8405CW, WT7900HBA, WT7400CW, WT7300CW, WT7150CW, WT6105CW, WD300CV.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If water drips from the dispenser recess into the cabinet or electronics, stop and unplug the washer
- !If the drawer will not release, do not force it; press the disengage button as the manual says or call service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
LG USA support page listing this model's manuals and warranty.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-20.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is detergent left in the WM4500HBA drawer?+
LG lists clogging from incorrect filling, too much detergent, an insufficient water supply and normal residue buildup.
How often should I clean the drawer?+
Once or twice a month, per the maintenance chapter.
Can I use soap to clean the drawer?+
No. Clean the drawer and inserts with warm water and a soft cloth or brush; do not use soap.
Where does powdered detergent go?+
In the main detergent dispenser after removing the liquid detergent insert; powdered color-safe bleach goes directly in the drum.
Is some leftover detergent normal?+
A small amount of detergent remaining in the dispenser is normal; buildup that interferes with dispensing needs cleaning.
How much bleach is safe?+
Measure it and never fill above the max line; a half cup is enough for most loads and never more than 1 cup.
Why does bleach dispense too early?+
Overfilling or closing the drawer too fast makes bleach or softener dispense immediately, which can damage the laundry or the washer.
Which detergent should I use?+
Only HE (High-Efficiency) detergent with the HE logo, at a quarter to a half of the maximum the maker recommends.