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.
Although this can vary a little depending on the type of washing machine you have, or sometimes the type of liquid detergent you're using, more often than not liquid detergent works best when applied directly to clothes, says Hugo Guerrero, certified cleaning technician.
The correct way to use liquid detergent in your washing machine is to pour the liquid into a dosing ball and place on top and the back of the laundry; this will prevent the liquid from settling in your machines hoses.
Main wash compartment: This is usually the largest section and is where you put your primary cleaning agent. Pre-wash compartment: A smaller section, often marked with "I" or "pre-wash". Fabric softener compartment: Usually marked with a flower symbol or "softener" text.
Administer detergent properly.
For best results, let the drum fill with water first, then pour in the detergent, and finally add the clothes. This is so that the detergent can be evenly distributed before the clothes are thrown in.
Powerful cleaning agents that can be included in powdered detergent formulas, but not liquid forms, work to help remove mud, grass or clay stains. Liquid detergent is best used for grease or oil stains on your day to day items, because of its ability to help release and break down stains in fabrics.
As a general rule of thumb, you should only use about a tablespoon of laundry detergent per regular load size. (The measuring cup that comes with your liquid laundry detergent is about 10 times larger than the actual amount of laundry soap needed.)
The detergent molecules also help to make the washing process more effective by reducing the surface tension of the water. Surface tension is the force which helps a blob of water on a surface hold its shape and not spread out.
If using detergent pods, detergent sheets, color-safe bleach or fabric softener crystals, add them directly to the tub before loading clothes. Do not put in the dispenser or on top of clothes. Use designated dispensers when adding liquid chlorine bleach and fabric softener.
As discussed previously, the detergent's job is to help pull away the dirt and grime from the clothing and rinse it out with water. The actual "wearing" out of clothes is more likely due to the rubbing of clothes in the washing machine (i.e. the agitation), not from the detergents themselves.
It is much better to do multiple loads than to cram everything into one load and ruin the washer. Put the soap in first: Putting soap on top of the dirty clothes means that only the clothes that have soap on them will get clean.
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.
The best way to hand wash clothes is to submerge the item in water mixed with detergent. Use your hands to gently wash garments, swishing the water by hand. Then soak items for up to 30 minutes.
Standard or Normal: A regular wash cycle takes 40 to 90 minutes, depending on your washing machine and its capacity. It's the most commonly used cycle and is suitable for everyday laundry. Permanent Press: Think of it like an at-home dry cleaning, but for clothes that wrinkle easily.
Generally, cold wash cycles are fine for all clothes including delicates and colored clothing. Warm water should be used for clothes that are more soiled and for whites, and hot water for very soiled clothing or items that need to be kept clean, like underwear and towels.
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.
Because of the caustic properties of concentrated laundry detergent, it's not safe to put it on clothes directly. Ideally, you should pour it into the dispenser.
Pods are generally safe for your washing machine, but always check your model's owner's manual. Be sure to take a few precautions as you work them into your laundry routine. Disable any bulk or automatic dispensers in your washer to avoid a double dose of detergent.
If you value convenience over costs, then a laundry pod is best. If you have kids with lots of outdoor stains, then a powder detergent is best for removing those stains. Liquid laundry detergent works well on oily stains and if you are washing in cold water.