SQ 432 fabric softener question

[johnrk]

Like others on here, the latest Rivas Maytag video is encouraging. Like convertibles, for which there is also no practical reason these days, perhaps top loaders aren't dead for good--yet. Perhaps people will be free to choose what they wish. Amusing that some freak out about water use, but who will waste gasoline, electricity, and other resources without a thought.

I have this new Speed Queen 432 top loader. There is a fabric softener dispenser in the top of the agitator. I've been using my usual, white vinegar as a natural softener.

But I'm wondering: how exactly does this work? I know that fabric softeners are made to be used in the rinse cycle, and certainly my Affinity FL had a fabric softener recess in the detergent drawer. But this appears to have nothing mechanical at all!

Does this work simply by slinging all the softener out while the tub is spinning at its maximum speed after the wash cycle, thereby getting the softener on the clothing? I've never used Downy or the waxy, soapy based softeners so never gave it much thought with my old top loaders.

As always, thanks for any information. And I do hope all had a good Thanksgiving.

 

[supersurgilator]

The dispenser essentially has 2 cups, and inner (where you put the softener) and an outer. When the machine spins, the softener will sling out of the inner cup into the outer cup. Once the machine stops, the softener falls from the outer cup into the center of the agitator where it is released thru the holes down the side of the agitator into the basket.

 

[yogitunes]

 

[DADoES]

 
The video specifically references "bleach and fabric softener dispenser" as if both products are aimed to go into the one agitator-mounted dispenser.  That's wrong, of course, LOL.  It's surprising that these manufacturer-sourced instructional videos often have blatant errors.

 

[johnrk]

Thanks!

Thanks for the explanation! I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I've ever put chlorine bleach in a washing machine. That bleach slot just sits there.

I think it's interesting that GE introduced a bleach dispenser in about 1960 that would automatically dispense it. There was a receptacle on the front of the cabinet that you could put a month's supply of bleach into, and by choosing the option on the machine it'd dispense it.

What, of course, they didn't address was how long and strong that chlorine bleach would last when exposed to air! We all know how fast it'll turn into water if we don't put the cap back on tightly..

 

[washman]

I like vinegar.

 

[agiflow2]

I don't even bother using the bleach dispenser on mine anymore for fear of that area rusting out. How much I took for granted when machines had porcelain tops and lids.