Pre-wash in a Bosch washing machine
Almost all Bosch models feature a prewash option. You'll see the option labeled or indicated on the control panel. This is an additional program that can be added to the main cycle if needed.
Despite the popularity of this feature, many housewives don't fully understand what happens to their laundry during this stage. Let's explore the purpose of the prewash option in a Bosch washing machine and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this mode.
An analogue of the usual soaking
Housewives often equate this process with soaking. In fact, it's a different procedure. Pre-washing replaces hand washing of clothes.
This mode should be used if the laundry is heavily soiled or has stubborn stains. For example, activating this option would be appropriate if the drum contains work clothes, a tablecloth soiled during a meal, or a child's pants after they fell in a puddle.
The purpose of the pre-wash is not to remove stubborn stains, but to soften them so that the dirt can be washed out during the main cycle.
In fact, the effect of this mode is noticeable. Let's take a closer look at how the machine operates during the pre-wash cycle.
What happens at this stage?
This option is compatible with almost all Bosch washing machine programs. It can be activated when cleaning synthetics, cottons, jeans, shirts, and delicates. Some programs require pre-treatment, such as "Cotton 90." Here, it's added directly to the main wash cycle.
How does pre-wash work?
- The machine fills with water and heats it to 30°C. At this temperature, stains from grass, juices, cosmetics, and coffee are easily removed.
- Dissolve the detergent in water. Be sure to pour the powder into the designated compartment.
- The drum begins to rotate smoothly, cleaning the fabric.
- At the end, the used liquid is drained and the machine starts the main wash.
Typically, adding this mode to the cycle extends the machine's cycle time by 30-120 minutes. The duration of the pre-treatment depends on the Bosch washing machine model.
When selecting a function, the powder should be poured into two compartments of the dispenser at once - for the main and pre-wash (marked with the symbol “1”, “I” or “A”).
Launch Features
Starting a prewash cycle is not much different from turning on a standard washing machine. The main difference is that you'll need to pour detergent into both compartments and press the button marked with the icon. This activates the function. The sequence is as follows:
- put the items in the drum;
- Pour the powder into section "1". This may also be marked with the Roman numeral I or the letter A;
- Add detergent to the main wash compartment. You can also add stain-fighting mixture or oxygen bleach (it's important that it's dry);
- set the desired cleaning program;
- Enable the pre-wash function. Bosch machines have either a corresponding sign or a "basin with a stick" icon on the control panel;
- wait until the machine finishes working;
- remove the laundry from the drum.
If you're worried that the machine will "consume" the detergent from both compartments during the pre-wash, check this. Stop the cycle after 20 minutes and check to see if there's any detergent left in the compartment.
An experiment will help you confirm the effectiveness of the additional washing step. Run one load of laundry on a standard cycle, and a second with pre-treatment enabled. Judging by reviews from homeowners, items washed with this feature enabled are much cleaner.
Features of using the function
The manual will explain how to correctly select and combine the options programmed into the washing machine's memory. The guide explains all the intricacies of using the modes. If you read about the prewash function, you'll learn the following:
- Only dry detergents, stain removers, and bleaches may be added to the main cycle compartment. Do not add gel detergent to the compartment. Liquid will inevitably flow through the hoses into the tank during the initial stage.
- The add-on is not compatible with express programs. If the option doesn't work, you're probably using the quick wash cycle.
- Only dry powder may be poured into the pre-cleaning section.
The manufacturer decided against adding a pre-wash option to express programs. This would defeat the purpose of the quick clean option, as the cycle time would double. Therefore, if your laundry is heavily soiled, you'll have to forgo the short cycle and opt for a longer cycle.
Advantages and disadvantages
Each option programmed into the washing machine has its pros and cons. The pre-wash mode is absolutely safe and does not harm even the most delicate fabrics. Any item that can be washed in a washing machine can be subjected to this procedure.
Adding a cycle increases washing efficiency. And that's a plus. Items washed first in 30-degree water and then in warmer water come out cleaner than in a standard cycle. By turning on this function, you can be sure that all the dirt will be washed out of the fabric fibers and "run" down the drain.
The main drawback is increased water and energy consumption. Pre-wash typically lasts from half an hour to two hours, depending on the washing machine model. During this time, the machine consumes extra kilowatts and uses an additional ten liters of water. Some housewives prefer to wash their laundry by hand for this very reason.
As for time, it's a two-pronged situation. On the one hand, you'll have to wait longer for the machine to finish washing. On the other hand, the machine will do your work, leaving you free to do other important and productive things.
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After reading the section "Features of using the function," I concluded that the gel cannot be poured into either the first or second tray, but where should it be poured, into the drum?