Fabric Softener Dispensers on Toploaders

[autowasherfreak]

I was doing a load of work clothes a little while ago, and was looking at the fabric softener dispenser on my Maytag, and it made me curious about toploader dispensers. What washer manufacturer came out with the first dispenser? I remember having one one our '72 or '73 Whirlpool, and the same exact dispenser worked on the '83 Whirlpool. The lady I used to clean house had one on her Sears Kenmore, which I think was a 700 series.[this post was last edited: 11/2/2010-18:32]

 

[washerlover]

Are you referring to the agitator-type dispensers? I want to believe it was Norge that came up with that technology? (photo of my '72 Wards Signature with various dispensers galore!)

 

[bobbins]

Very good question...I am curious too!

I recalled thinking that Sears Kenmore 1969 model had it then...the Gold dispenser screwed on to the agitator shaft.

I am thinking that Maytag might one of the first for the agitator mounted fabric softener dispensers..

 

[peterh770]

Norge Dispenser Wheel... Early 1950's...

 

[Unimatic1140]

I agree that it was Norge but it was 1957. As far as I can tell the first rinse cycle fabric softener came out in 1956 called NuSoft. I have a bottle of that original softener in my detergent collection.