Why is the Kenmore Washer wash detergent compartment full of water?

I have a Kenmore Front Loading Washer Model 796.4118. The main wash detergent compartment of my Kenmore Front Loading Washer Model 796.4118 is always full of water after I do the laundry. I understand that a small amount of water is normal in the bleach and softener compartments, but this is A LOT of water in the MAIN compartment. It is full nearly to the brim after every wash. Is that normal? There is a little white tab covering the small cylinder in the liquid detergent cup that shows the Max and Normal level lines. Am I supposed to remove that little white tab so that the top of the cylinder is open?