Can I pour powder into the drum of an automatic washing machine?

Everyone knows that liquid detergent capsules can be placed directly into the drum for optimal results; that's what they're designed for. But can you do the same with powder detergent? Many online users actively recommend this approach, even though all instructions strictly advise against pouring detergent directly into the drum. So who's right?

The danger of such actions

You'll agree that if detergent or washing machine manufacturers recommend against adding powder to the drum, there's some reason for it. Indeed, liquid detergents are much gentler and, thanks to their structure, dissolve well in water. Powder, on the other hand, has a structure consisting of rigid granular particles, some of which are colored. If such a granule gets on clothing, it may leave a stain.

Furthermore, solid detergents and bleaches are very aggressive. If you place them in the detergent dispenser, the machine will distribute the detergent evenly to avoid damaging your laundry. However, if you place laundry detergent inside the washing machine, your clothes will inevitably come into contact with the harsh chemicals, which can leave streaks or, worse, even holes in the fabric.

If you believe that washing powder in the drum, when properly dissolved, improves washing results, consider purchasing a special device, a ball with holes, into which you pour the powder. The ball is placed in the drum, preventing damage to clothes from increased contact with the detergent.

Similar containers for powder are sometimes included with washing machines.

Do not exceed the dosage of detergent

Contrary to popular belief, washing quality is not directly proportional to the amount of detergent used. While it may feel like your laundry is fresher and cleaner, this is merely a deceptive impression, and problems from overdosing on detergent are quite real.

1. Clogged hoses. The solid powder is extremely difficult to dissolve. And if you add too much, the residue will inevitably settle on some parts of the car, dry out, and cause real problems.
2. It's not cost-effective. You'll simply be wasting money by using twice as much detergent as needed for a good wash.
3. Damage to things. This has already been discussed above.

Now the question arises: how to guess the amount of powder if each manufacturer recommends its own dose. There are generally accepted standards that say that one tablespoon of the product should be added to one kilogram of laundry.Accordingly, roughly estimate what proportion of the 6 kilogram load your items make up and add the appropriate amount of detergent.

Important! For ease of calculation, load the machine completely. This way, you'll know for sure that it holds 6 kg of laundry (or another figure depending on the load) and can easily calculate how many tablespoons of detergent you need.

Basics of using a powder tray

Finding the detergent drawer is usually easy. On standard front-loading machines, it's located in the upper left corner above the door, while on top-loading machines, it's on the side or on the inside of the door.

Why does the compartment have three sections? This question is often asked by those using a washing machine for the first time. Typically, the first compartment is labeled I, the second II, and the third *.

For regular washing, use the middle compartment or the second compartment, depending on your preference. This is where you pour in powder or liquid detergent. The compartments on the sides are for special washing situations. The first one is for heavily soiled items, if you select an aggressive wash cycle, and the last one is for fabric softener. The machine typically uses the contents of this compartment during the last wash cycle.

   

Readers' comments