A liquid-detergent dispenser for a washing machine comprises an open-topped container (8) which can be inserted in the main-wash compartment (3) of the detergent drawer (1) of the machine. In the bottom of the container is an outlet (11) controlled by a valve member (13) which is connected to a float (16) in the form of an air-bell, accommodated in an open-topped float chamber (17). Liquid detergent deposited in the container (8) is retained therein by the valve member (13) until the water is added. Water then enters the float chamber (17) as well s the container and the float (16) is thereby raised to unseat the valve member and allow the water and detergent to flow through the outlet (11) into the compartment (3) and thence into the washing machine. When the supply of water is terminated, water is syphoned from the float chamber through an outlet (24) in the bottom of the chamber and a further outlet (28) in the bottom of the container. This allows the float to descent and reseat the valve member to close the main outlet (11) of the container. Instead of being made for insertion in a compartment of a detergent drawer, the dispenser may be constructed as a permanent part of a detergent drawer.