I have to admit, for the longest time i was never sure where to put detergent in a washing machine. Each time was a game of Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe and picking a random cycle. My clothes came out clean, so I didn't really care!
Then baby Theo came along. With all the extra clothes washing, let alone washing of reusable nappies and wipes i decided it was finally time to learn how each compartment worked.
Front loading washing machine
A common washing machine drawer
Located on the front of the machine will be a drawer which you can pull out. Inside will be 3 separate compartments, each with their own symbol:
- I - 'Pre wash'
- II - 'Main wash'
- Flower symbol - 'Fabric softener'
Pre-wash will be on the right, main wash on the left and fabric softener in the middle.
I - Pre-wash
A pre-wash is normally a cycle that is selected in addition to the main wash cycle. Think of it as its own separate starter wash. The washing machine will fill with cold water, add the detergent present in the I - 'Pre wash' compartment, tumble and then drain, ready for the main wash.
It is used when you have particularly stained or soiled clothing and can help get rid of the worst dirt and grime before the main cycle. It's not necessary, but you can add detergent or stain remover to the pre wash compartment for maximum effectiveness.
II - Main wash
The compartment that you will use most of the time. There will be a small flap at the back. If you use liquid detergent, this flap needs to be set down so that when you fill the compartment it doesn't immediately leak into the washing drum. If you use powder, you can leave the flap up.
Top tip: If you use laundry pods or plastic-free laundry detergent sheets, you normally toss them straight into the washing machine. However, if you need to run a pre-wash that won't work as they will be used to early in the cycle. Add them to the main compartment to make sure they are used at the right time. 👍
Flower symbol - Fabric softener
My mind was blown when i learned this - Fabric softener is actually added right at the end of the main wash cycled, during the rinse stage.
Why? Because the point of fabric softeners is to coat fabric in compounds which reduce static cling and keep garments feeling soft. If it was added during the main washing, most of this coating would be washed away and displaced.
FAQs
1 Main wash compartment: Detergent for the main wash, water softener, pre-soaking agent, bleach, and stain remover. 2 Softener compartment: Fabric softener (do not fill higher than the line indicated by MAX). 3 Prewash compartment: Detergent for prewash or starch.
What are 3 compartments in a washing machine drawer? ›
1 Main wash compartment: Detergent for the main wash, water softener, pre-soaking agent, bleach, and stain remover. 2 Softener compartment: Fabric softener (do not fill higher than the line indicated by MAX). 3 Prewash compartment: Detergent for prewash or starch.
Which compartment does fabric conditioner go in? ›
The third and tiniest section in your washing machine drawer is the place where you will pour your fabric softener or conditioner. You'll notice that it's marked by the number 3, III, a flower or a star symbol.
What are the three compartments in a washing machine drawer hoover? ›
The detergent drawer is split into 3 compartments: - the compartment labelled "1" is for prewash detergent; - the compartment labelled " " is for special additives, fabric softeners, fragrances, starch, brighteners etc; - the compartment labelled "2" is for main wash detergent.
Where do I put fabric softener in my washing machine? ›
Step 1. Measure the amount of fabric conditioner you should add to your top load washer by using the cap of your softening container. Step 2. Pour your favorite Snuggle® fabric softener into the top of the dispenser, typically found in the center column of your washing machine.
What are the three compartments in a washing machine drawer Indesit? ›
Do not pour detergent into the compartment 1. Detergent should only be poured into the compartment 2. compartment 2: Detergent for the wash cycle (powder or liquid) Liquid detergent should only be poured in immediately prior to the start of the wash cycle. compartment 3: Additives (fabric softeners, etc.)
Where to put vinegar in a washing machine? ›
Using vinegar in laundry is simple. You can add it to the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine or pour it in during the final rinse cycle. When adding vinegar towards the end of the cycle, manually pause your machine right before the final rinse cycle and add a 1/2 cup of diluted white vinegar to the load.
Where to put liquid detergent in washing machine front-load? ›
Liquid laundry detergent works in both top-load and front-load machines. When using a top-load machine, add the detergent directly to the drum. For front-load machines, add the detergent directly to the detergent section of the dispenser.
Will bleach damage my washing machine? ›
Bleach can be used inside your washing machine for cleaning it as well as working well as a washing machine disinfectant. The most important thing to remember is that you must run at least one empty cycle after cleaning, to remove all remaining bleach and help prevent bleaching next time you do a load of laundry.
Does bleach go in prewash? ›
We always recommend adding your diluted laundry bleach to the pre-treatment or pre-wash dispenser of your machine.
Instead, liquid chlorine bleach should be added to your washer's bleach dispenser, which automatically dilutes the bleach with water the machine adds to the drum. If your washer doesn't have a bleach dispenser, add it to the wash water as the washer fills, before you add clothing.
What happens if you put detergent in the wrong compartment? ›
Putting detergent in the wrong compartment can also result in detergent residue remaining on the fabric, which can cause skin irritations, according to the IKW. Fabric softener, on the other hand, is made to form a protective film over the fabric's fibres.
Which drawer do you put conditioner in? ›
The liquid softener goes into the partially covered section of the drawer with the flower symbol. This is either in the centre or on the right-hand side of the drawer, depending on your model.
What do you put in the prewash compartment of a washing machine? ›
It's usually marked as '1' or 'I'. If your cycle has a pre-wash element that helps remove dirt before the main wash part of the cycle, this compartment is the one you should use for the laundry detergent, like Ariel Matic Washing Powder or Ariel Matic Liquid Laundry Detergent.
Which compartment to put vinegar in a washing machine? ›
You can add it to the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine or pour it in during the final rinse cycle.
Should liquid detergent go in the drawer or drum? ›
Dosing directly into the drum helps you to achieve outstanding results. In fact, if you pour the liquid into the drawer, the detergent could get lost in the washing machine pipes before reaching the drum, reducing effectiveness.
