Hi tr12.
Thank you for reaching out regarding your Samsung - 4.2 Cu. Ft. High-Efficiency Stackable Front Load Washer with Vibration Reduction Technology+ if you can use HE detergent pods and on why you need to remove the soap dispenser if you use powdered detergent. Regarding your concern, your Washer is designed to use high efficiency (HE) detergents. For best cleaning results, use a high-efficiency detergent such as Tide HE, Wisk HE, Cheer HE, or Gain HE*. High-efficiency detergents contain suds suppressors that reduce or eliminate suds. When fewer suds are produced, the load tumbles more efficiently and maximizes cleaning. For the detergent dispenser, you just need to pour the recommended amount of laundry detergent directly into the detergent compartment before starting your Washer.
Here is the link to your user manual for further assistance. Please go to pages 26 to 27.
https://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201904/20190416101808805/BETTER_WF42H5000-DC68-03397A-14_A2.pdf
Should you need more assistance, please feel free to get back to us via the following options:
1. Facebook Messenger: http://m.me/samsungsupport
2. Twitter: https://twitter.com/messages/compose?recipient_id=18768513
3. Samsung Community: https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Samsung-Community/ct-p/us
Thank you for being a valued customer of Samsung. Have a great day.
Reference Ticket Number: 1144317484
^Camille