Where do I put the powder in the washing machine?

At first glance, it seems like only a simpleton would ask the question of where to put the detergent in an automatic washing machine. This is not at all the case. In fact, the issue lies much deeper than it seems and boils down to saving detergent and achieving better washing results. In this article, we will cover all the key aspects of this issue and enlighten you on the proper placement of detergent in an automatic washing machine.

Understanding the powder tray

If the question posed in the article's title were to be answered simply, the answer would be obvious: pour the detergent into a special dispenser. A dispenser is also called a powder drawer or a powder receptacle. Finding the dispenser in an automatic washing machine is easy. Everything will depend mainly on the type of machine and its loading method.

In a top-loading washing machine, meaning one with the laundry hatch located on top, the detergent dispenser is a special drawer attached to the inside of the hatch cover. This drawer is quite large, usually even larger than in front-loading machines. In rare cases, older models of vertical washing machines had powder dispensers located to the left of the door. This turned out to be inconvenient, so manufacturers later abandoned this option for placing the powder receptacle.

The detergent dispenser in a front-loading washing machine can be found in the upper left corner of the machine. It's a small pull-out drawer with several compartments inside. What are these compartments for? First, note that every washing machine has a symbol next to each compartment in the dispenser; it's a good idea to decipher these symbols.

• I or "A." These symbols can be found next to the narrow compartment in the washing machine's dispenser drawer. Both of these symbols represent the same thing: the prewash compartment. So, if you select the "Prewash" program, you pour a small amount of detergent into this compartment. Only dry detergent is suitable for this compartment.
• * or Softener or a flower image. These symbols can be found next to a tiny compartment, which is often made of plastic of a different color. This compartment is where you pour the conditioner; under no circumstances should you add detergent.
• II or "B". These designate the largest compartment of the washing machine's dispenser. This compartment is the most important and is used to load powder during the main wash. When choosing most washing programs, this is the compartment you should use.

Please note! The modern variety of washing programs requires a variety of detergent dispenser compartments. For effective washing, you need to know not only how much detergent to add, but where and under what conditions.

This will need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the washing machine model. For example, in a front-loading washing machine, when selecting a program that involves a 30-minute soak followed by a wash, you must use at least two compartments: I and II, and, if necessary, the fabric softener compartment.

Features of the powder compartments of different machines – an overview

Washing machines use a variety of detergent drawers. We'll review several models and use them as examples to explain the features of detergent compartments.

1. Whirlpool AWE 6516/1. The detergent compartment of this top-loading machine consists of a prewash compartment, a main wash compartment, a fabric softener compartment, and a starch compartment. The starch compartment cannot be filled with dry detergent, only with a mixture of water and starch.
2. The Hotpoint Ariston AQS1D is a mid-range front-loading washing machine. Its detergent drawer has several compartments: a prewash compartment, a main wash compartment, a fabric softener compartment, and a bleach compartment. Moreover, The bleach compartment is removable; if you install it, you won't be able to turn on the "pre-wash" function.
3. Bosch WAW32540OE. An excellent German washing machine in the luxury class. It has a relatively simple powder dispenser consisting of a prewash compartment, a main wash compartment, a liquid starch or fabric softener compartment, and a liquid detergent compartment. The manufacturer warns: for better rinsing of thick detergent from the drawer, it should be diluted with water.
4. Indesit EWD 71052 CIS. An inexpensive but quite good washing machine from a well-known manufacturer. It has a four-compartment powder dispenser. It contains a prewash compartment, a main wash compartment (powder or liquid detergent), a compartment for liquid fabric softeners and fragrances, and a removable bleach compartment. A unique feature is that the bleach compartment is further divided into two sections: one for thick bleach and one for gentle bleach.

As this review shows, the detergent drawers of different washing machines are generally similar. However, there are some nuances that, if ignored, can impact wash performance, so experts strongly recommend carefully reading the instructions before starting a program.

What if you don't use the powder tray?

Experts approach this issue cautiously, preferring to agree with washing machine manufacturers, who insist that detergent should not be poured directly into the drum; a dispenser should be used. And, indeed, there are very specific reasons for this assertion.

1. If you pour the powder directly onto dark items in the drum, there is a risk that the granular concentrated substance will begin to dissolve directly on the clothes, resulting in white spots appearing on them.
2. If you sprinkle powder underneath the laundry on the side of the drum, some of it will flow down the drain along with the water that the pump will pump out of the drum. After all, there's always water left in the drum from previous washes.
3. Some washing programs are designed to release detergent gradually, in batches, rather than all at once. If you pour the detergent into the drum, these programs won't be able to fully perform their function.

On the other hand, in older washing machine models, the detergent dispensers are extremely poorly designed. Often, most of the detergent remains in the dispenser, which compromises wash quality. What can be done in this case? How can the aforementioned disadvantages of pouring detergent directly into the drum be mitigated?

First, you need to get a special plastic container for the powder, which is placed in the drum of the machine. By the way, these containers are often included with your washing machine, but even if you don't have them, it's no big deal. A pair of these containers only costs $1, so buy them and use them. You can also use special detergents to improve the washing results. washing balls.

Please note! The container has one compartment where you pour the detergent. Its lid has special holes through which water enters the container, dissolving the detergent and flushing it into the machine's tank.

So, where should you pour laundry detergent into the machine so it dissolves properly? Of course, you should pour it into the special dispenser. This is the case in most cases. But, as they say, in exceptional cases, you can use a special container for the detergent, which you place directly into the drum, remembering to pour the detergent into it. Under no circumstances should you pour powder directly into the drum onto items of clothing – this can damage items, especially black ones.

   

4 reader comments

1. June 17, 2017 at 2:09 PM

   Vak:

   I still haven’t figured out the proportions of powder to add to sections I and II of the dispenser?
   LG automatic washing machine, 6 kg.

   Answer
2. July 1, 2017 at 9:26 PM

   Lyuba:

   I couldn't find the correct proportions for adding washing powder to a 7 kg LG machine?

   Answer
3. December 24, 2017 at 2:36 PM

   Natasha:

   I have Atlas.

   Answer
4. June 24, 2018 at 11:34 AM

   Sergey:

   Where do I pour the liquid detergent? As I understand it, compartments 1 and 2 are washed out at the same time, as it flows into the main container.

   Answer