Can laundry detergent go in the drum?

Author: Amie Borer  |  Last update: Thursday, March 20, 2025

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.

Can you put detergent in the washing machine drum?

Yes, the detergent can be put in the drum with your clothes. If you're using powder it helps to run some water into the powder before adding clothes because powder will sometimes stick to clothes if it isn't diluted first.

Is it better to put laundry detergent in drawer or drum?

Yes it does matter. It depends upon a liquid detergent you're using. If you use persil small & mighty , you should put the detergent into the drum inside the dosing ball . Other liquid detergents may need placing into the detergent drawer which is usually separated into 3 compartments.

How to use liquid laundry detergent without a dispenser?

The short answer to your question is simply put a cap full of liquid detergent in your washer as it's filling up with water. The caps on liquid detergent plastic bottles are made precisely for that purpose. Just fill the cap from the bottle and dump it in.

Can you pour laundry detergent directly into the machine?

Liquid detergent can go into the drum with no problem, but this should be avoided with powder. Adding powder to the drawer ensures it will dissolve before hitting your clothes to prevent powdery marks and white stains. Adding it to the drum may result in an uneven wash and oily residue.

Is it OK to put detergent into the drum of your washer? 

Where do I put liquid detergent in my washing machine?

For liquid detergent, you have two options:
  1. Main wash compartment. You can pour liquid detergent directly into the same compartment where washing powder goes.
  2. Dosing ball or cup. Some washing machines allow you to place a dosing ball filled with liquid detergent directly in the drum with your clothes.

Do you put detergent in for drum clean?

  1. The water temperature for Drum Clean+ is set to 70°C, which cannot be changed.
  2. Make sure the drum is empty.
  3. Do NOT use any cleaning agents or detergents for cleaning the drum. It can cause damage the drum of the washing machine - this applies to Tub Clean as well.

Is liquid detergent better than powder?

As liquids dissolve quickly and evenly, they can better penetrate fabrics, ensuring that the scent adheres to the fibres more effectively than powder detergents, which may leave residues inhibiting scent retention.

Can you put detergent in the drawer?

Main wash compartment

The main wash compartment is (you've guessed it) the main section of the drawer. It's generally located on the left and is the most frequently used compartment. It's also the largest compartment. This is the place to put your regular washing detergent - either liquid or powder.

Can you put laundry cleanser in the drum?

Laundry Cleanser should be used instead of fabric softener; place it in the compartment normally reserved for the latter.

What goes in the washing machine drum?

Liquid can be measured out and goes either in the drum or into the dispenser drawer. Meanwhile, powder goes into the dispenser drawer. It's important to make sure you get the amount of detergent right for your wash, so pay attention to the detergent dosing instructions.

Do you put detergent in before or after clothes?

If you have a regular top-loading machine, it's best to fill your washer with water first, then add your detergent, then add your clothes. This helps evenly distribute the detergent in the water before it hits your clothes. Remember that the nicer you are to your washer and dryer the longer they'll last.

What happens if you put detergent in the wrong compartment?

Don't put detergent in the fabric softener drawer

For one thing, it would miss the actual wash cycle. 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.

What is the best laundry detergent?

The Best Laundry Detergent
  • Top pick. Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Top pick. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Runner-up. Persil Original Liquid Detergent Everyday Clean. ...
  • Best for... Tide Pods Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Best for... Dirty Labs Free & Clear Bio Laundry Detergent.

Can you put detergent in the drum of a front loader?

You can use powder detergent in a front-load washer, however, you will add it directly to the washer drum and not to the detergent dispenser. Make sure to pour the recommended amount of powder detergent based on your load size.

Is fabric softener necessary?

Remember, fabric softener is completely optional, and your garments will likely pop out of the dryer feeling fresh, clean, and soft without it. However, “For some, it might make doing their laundry a little more fun to use an extra product that smells very good and is colorful,” Fulford says.

What is the healthiest laundry detergent?

The best non-toxic laundry detergent is one that delivers cleanliness to your clothes while ensuring safety and sustainability.
  • NaturOli* (Our Top Pick)
  • Truly Free*
  • Ecos Free & Clear*
  • Meliora Unscented Powder Detergent*
  • Molly's Suds*
  • Aspen*
  • ATTITUDE*
  • Clean Cult*

Why don't more people use powder detergent?

Powdered Detergent Cons

More difficult to use for pretreating stains. Must be stored in a dry area to prevent caking. Does not dissolve well in extremely cold water leaving white residue on fabrics and in the washer. The fillers in powdered detergent can build up in septic systems and cause clogs.

Is it OK to put liquid detergent in the 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.

How often should I wash my washing machine drum?

It's best to clean your washing machine drum every 1-3 months, depending on how often you use it. Regular cleaning stops build-up and keeps your machine working well. If you do several loads a week, clean it monthly. If you use it less often, every three months should do the trick.

Where do you put detergent in a drum?

Your two main options when using powdered detergent are:
  1. Place it directly into the compartment drawer of your washing machine – you should consult you washing machine manual to learn which is the correct compartment to use.
  2. Place the powder in a mesh bag directly in the drum to allow it to dissolve quicker.

Should liquid detergent go in the drawer or drum?

' The correct way to use liquid detergent If you pour the liquid detergent into your washing machines Soap drawer; most of the liquid detergent could go astray in the machines soap drawer compartment and Sump hose, completely bypassing the drum and your laundry – reducing the effectiveness of the liquid detergent.

Can I put liquid laundry detergent directly in the washer?

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.

Why is the conditioner drawer full of water?

Is your washing machine level? If your washing machine is not level, this could cause a water runoff problem, leaving you with a fabric softener tray full of water. Use a level (or download a water level app) to establish whether the front and back, as well as the left to right side of your machine, are level.

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