How to Fix Whirlpool Dishwasher Soap Dispenser WPW10224430

Is your Whirlpool dishwasher leaving your dishes spotty and unclean? The culprit could be a faulty detergent dispenser that needs replacing. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide and a helpful video tutorial just below to fix this common issue and restore your dishwasher to peak performance.

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If your Whirlpool dishwasher isn’t dispensing detergent properly or the dispenser lid won’t latch or open, it might be time to replace the detergent dispenser. Part number WPW10224430 is the component responsible for releasing soap at just the right time during a wash cycle. When it stops working, your dishes may come out dirty or streaky. Fortunately, replacing the dispenser is a manageable DIY fix. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to remove the old dispenser and install a new one step by step. Let’s get started.

Watch here: How to replace a dishwasher detergent dispenser

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What You’ll Need

Before starting this repair, make sure you have the following tools and supplies on hand:

• Dishwasher detergent dispenser WPW10224430-Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your unit. 
• T15 Torx
• 3/16-inch nut driver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Protective gloves
• A large towel 
• Bucket 

Safety first 

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair. 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Step 1- Open the dishwasher

The first step is accessing the detergent dispenser by opening up the dishwasher door:

1. Using the T15 Torx screwdriver, remove the 6 outer screws from the door panel (do not remove the 2 screws holding the control panel).
2. With the door open, carefully lift the front panel up and outward to unlatch it from the outer door panel. This will likely spill some residual water, so have your towel ready!
3. Set the front panel aside. You now have access to begin removing the old dispenser.

Step 2- Remove the old detergent dispenser

With the front panel removed, locating the dispenser is easy. It sits on the left inner side of the door:

1. Disconnect the dispenser’s electrical wiring harness by pinching the locking tab and firmly pulling it apart.
2. Using your 3/16-inch nut driver, remove the 2 screws holding the dispenser’s mounting bracket in place. Set both the screws and bracket aside.
3. Using your flathead screwdriver, release the upper and lower metal locking tabs by inserting the screwdriver and gently prying them upwards.
4. With the tabs released, simply pull the dispenser body outward and downwards while rotating slightly. It should be released from the opening.
5. Pull the dispenser completely free from the dishwasher cavity through the open door.

You’ve successfully removed the old, malfunctioning dispenser! Now let’s get that replacement detergent dispenser installed.

Step 3- Install the replacement dispenser

With the defective dispenser removed, installing the replacement Whirlpool part WPW10224430  is simple:

1. Before installing the new dispenser, take a minute to clean any debris from the dispenser opening and cavity using your flathead screwdriver and a rag. Pay special attention to making sure the rubber sealing lip is clean for a watertight fit.
2. Insert the new Whirlpool detergent dispenser into the opening and rotate slightly while firmly pressing to latch the side-locking tabs in place. You’ll hear them click when properly seated.
3. Replace the dispenser’s metal mounting bracket and reattach the 2 screws using your 3/16-inch nut driver, tightening just enough to secure the dispenser snugly.
4. Reconnect the dispenser wiring harness until the locking tab clicks into place.

The new detergent dispenser is now fully installed!

Step 4- Reassemble the dishwasher

The final steps are reversing the disassembly to complete the repair:

1. Reposition the front dishwasher door panel back onto the outer door’s hinge points, being careful not to pinch the bottom seal.
2. Holding the door open, replace the 6 Torx screws to reattach the front panel using your T15 screwdriver. Tighten just until snug.
3. Slowly close the door to make sure it latches correctly without resistance.

That’s all there is to it! You’ve finished this detergent dispenser replacement like an appliance repair pro.

Step 5- Finish up

Before running a full load, briefly run an empty dishwasher cycle and listen for sounds of leaks or problems with the dispenser:

• What you want to hear is the normal rush of water through the spray arms and perhaps faint clicking from the dispenser.
• Any dripping water noise indicates a leak that requires rechecking the dispenser seal or panel alignment.

Assuming no leaks or odd noises, your Whirlpool dishwasher with new detergent dispenser WPW10224430 is ready for cleaning a full load! Enjoy not having to prewash dishes before loading.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the detergent dispenser in your Whirlpool dishwasher. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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