How does my fabric softener dispenser work?

[CrankyAsAnOldMan]

I used to never use fabric softener in my washer, so I've gotten through 30+ years of life without having to ponder this. It's a stupid question, but now I wonder with every load....

The dispensing cup is located in the center of the agitator post in the washer (it's a top-loader). It has no holes in the bottom, but three slots near the lip where (presumably) water can flow in and mix with the fabric softener. Fine. But how does the cup empty completely? I suppose if it spun hard enough, it would come out, but the spinning happens after the rinse cycle. Plus it would have to spin pretty fast to make it run up over the lip (given that's in the center), wouldn't it?

Yes, I'm a natural blonde...what makes you ask?

[Jois]

There is a spin after the wash cycle and it forces the fabric softener up and to the outer inside of the dispenser and as the spinning comes to a end the liquid falls down by gravity.

If you look at the washer for a while you'll see how a iece of plastic pushes a little recessed thingie down when the top closes. Depress the recessed thingie and the machine will go through it spin cycle as if the door were closed. You'll be able to watch the whole thing. My dog will stand on the washer and watch this 'til we are both tired.

Jois

[Skelji]

Jois, be careful if your washer has a center agitator post that is removable. It could fly off if their are heavyweight items in there and they move in such a way as to push it up during the spin cycle. Wham. There it goes.

I've had it happen, but fortunately, the lid was down. I heard a big thud as it hit the underside.

The dispenser cups just work on centrifugal force.

On a related note...

"How do Downy laundry dispensers work?"

http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mdowny.html

[CrankyAsAnOldMan]

Thanks, very helpful.

New questions arise for Jois. Is this something you do often? How did you figure out your dog finds it fascinating? And I'm working on a visual here, so I've gotta ask: are we talking about some breed like a teacup poodle or a chihuahua perched up there looking? Or more like a Great Dane straddling the open washer precariously?

Your post intrigued me more than the original mystery.

[Jois]

Sorry, CrankyAsAnOldMan, the dog (a miniature poodle named Kiss) stands on the *dryer* which opens at the front and looks into the washer which is against the dryer and opens from the top. I have a bunch of quilts that I wash once a year by soaking them in the washer, spinning the soapy water out, and soaking in the rinse water, and then spinning that water out. It a slow job and she's good company.

Jois