Washing detergent not dissolving in soap drawer

[Samr39]

So I just got my first wash done in my new washing machine. I was told that it didn’t matter which detergent I used. But after the wash had finished, I opened the drawer and noticed that at least half of the surf powder was still there. When fitted, the washer was only connected to the cold water supply. From my previous experience, the detergent dissolved better in warm water. Would liquid detergent be a better choice? Tia.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Yes, detergent does dissolve better in warm water, but the detergent isn't supposed to dissolve in the drawer. The detergent is just flushed down into the drum and dissolves in the wash water. So if detergent is left inside the drawer, then it's not a dissolving problem but a problem with the water pressure not being string enough to flush the detergent properly into the drum.

Another possibility is if the washing machine is sloping slightly forward or backward. Make sure that the washing machine is properly level from front to back as well as from side to side. Make sure the water supply to the washing machine is on fully.

I also do not rate liquid detergent - which is the best type of washing machine detergent?

[Samr39]

Ok Andy. Thanks for taking the time to reply. The machine was installed by know how c/o Currys so it was installed correctly. The switch on the cold water outlet broke whilst turning on due to the exceptional cold weather conditions we had at time off fitting. I’ll check and see if it’s fully on. Bought some pods and gonna give them a try.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Thanks for the update. To be perfectly honest if it was installed by people working for the retailer there's no guarantee that it was properly levelled up. Maybe if these guys work directly for Currys they will have done it properly but I've heard countless tales of people playing a retailer for installation and receiving very poor service. I even remember calling out to a few where they hadn't even taken out the transit packaging. A lot of retailers just use third-party companies and they don't pay them much. Many of the people installing and connecting up these appliances are just delivery men. Make sure you have good water pressure.

[Samr39]

Cheers Andy will do I’ll check the valve for the cold water intake is fully open. 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

To check properly you can’t assume there is a healthy water supply even if the tap is fully open. There could be a fault in the plumbing like the tap is faulty inside and not actually opening fully. 

Disconnect the fill hose from the washing machine and point it into the sink or a bucket. Then turn the tap on fully and see if the water pressure is good enough. 

This article looks in detail at low water pressure in washing machines