Do you put powder detergent in the drum?

Author: Dr. Dion Pfeffer  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Laundry Powder is easy to use, but it must be dissolved during the wash cycle to effectively clean your clothes. For best results, follow these steps: Use the right amount of powder for your machine and load. Place powder directly in the washing machine drum before adding clothes.

Do you put powder detergent in the drawer or drum?

If you're using washing powder, it should go in the main wash compartment. This is usually the largest section of the drawer, often marked with "II" or a washing machine symbol. Pour the recommended amount of powder directly into this compartment.

Where do you put powder detergent in a washer?

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.

Do you put powder in the washing machine for drum clean?

I always put powder in the drum. If you use the drawer there always seems to be a lot of slimy gunk left so not all the powder does the job it's supposed to. I use one 25ml scoop of powder and I know that all of it will be used. If I put that amount in the drawer it probably won't all be used.

Do you put powder laundry detergent directly on clothes?

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 OK to put detergent into the drum of your washer? 

What is the best way to use powder laundry detergent?

Use powder detergent as a presoak solution to remove heavy soil and stains. For cotton clothes, dissolve powder detergent in hot water before adding the clothes. For synthetic fabrics, dissolve the detergent in hot water and add cool water to the mixture before soaking the clothes.

Do you put powder detergent in the tray?

You can add the powder detergent to the tub before you load the clothing in or you can remove the inside tray and then add the powdered HE detergent to the tray.

Can you put detergent directly in the drum?

Most of the time, you will put the detergent directly in the drum. If you use a product like Persil, make sure you use the handy dosing ball to measure the right dose.

Is powdered laundry detergent better than liquid?

Liquid detergents dissolve more easily at lower temperatures, making them suitable for energy-efficient cycles and machines. On the other hand, powder detergents can offer more cleaning power per kilogram, potentially providing a more cost-effective solution for heavy-duty washing needs.

How much powder detergent to use in a front loader?

Powder detergent: Standard washers take a quarter cup. If you're dealing with some serious dirt, use a half cup. HE washers work best with two tablespoons. Liquid detergent: Use two tablespoons for a standard washer and two teaspoons for an HE washer.

How do you use powder detergent in a HE washing machine?

Pour the detergent into the detergent compartment, or if your HE top-loader machine doesn't have one, pour it directly into the washing drum. Proceed to load your garments loosely into the washing drum, distributing the load evenly around the edges of the wash plate.

How to wash clothes with detergent powder?

How to Use Powder Detergent
  1. Check the dosing instructions on the packaging.
  2. Use the scoop to measure out the correct dose.
  3. If you're using a top loader or a semi-automatic washing machine, dose detergent directly into the drum before adding clothes.
  4. If using a front loader, add the powder detergent to the drawer.

Is it okay to use powder detergent in front load washer?

Can you use powder detergent in a front-load washer? 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.

Where do you put powder detergent in a machine?

Things You Should Know

Load powder detergent in the little drawer that pops out in your machine. Put the powder in the same container where liquid detergent goes. If you don't have a container for detergent, load your clothes and pour the powder directly into the drum.

Does powder clog your washing machine?

Powdered detergents can also leave behind residue if they don't dissolve properly. This can cause white stains on your clothes or a buildup in your washing machine's drain, especially when used with cold or hard water.

Does powder detergent work in cold water?

In most cases, Laundry Powder will work well in the 'cold' cycle, but you may want to use 'semi-warm' or 'warm' in cold weather. Laundry Powder, like all other laundry detergents and soaps, requires water to be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.56 degrees Celsius) to work properly.

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.

Does powder laundry detergent clog pipes?

In general, powdered laundry detergent isn't a glaring problem by itself. However, in large quantities, powdered detergent can cause clogs due to clumping. The trick here is either to use less of the powdered stuff or switch to a liquid kind.

Which cleans better, powder or liquid detergent?

Fighting Stains: Powder vs. Liquid Detergent

Hot water cycles: Powder detergents dissolve excellently in hot water, making them effective for white and heavily soiled clothes. Hard water areas: With ingredients that combat water hardness, powders reduce the mineral buildup better than liquids.

Why is the washing powder not dissolving in the drawer?

If the syphon tube in the drawer is blocked or missing this will result in detergent staying in the detergent compartment. If the syphon tube is blocked, take it out and clean it.

Does it matter where you put detergent in the washing machine?

1 Main wash compartment: Detergent for the main wash, water softener, pre-soaking agent, bleach, and stain remover. 2 Softener compartment: Fabric softener (do not fill higher than the line indicated by MAX). 3 Prewash compartment: Detergent for prewash or starch.

Should washing powder go in the drum?

Bek claims that putting the powder in the drawer clogs your machine. Over time, this could build up and cause damage. She says putting the washing powder straight in the drum with your clothes will help the water to foam up.

Which compartment does powder detergent go in?

The powder detergent goes into the largest section of the drawer, usually on the left-hand side. If in any doubt, check your washing machine's manual. The liquid softener goes into the partially covered section of the drawer with the flower symbol.

How to stop washing powder clumping in box?

If your talking about in the box style. Just keep in a dry area. If you live where humidity is high, I then say leave in the area is cool. But if you use in the washer, just set to warm or hot wash to melt in a load of wash.

Previous article
What is the color trend in kitchen cabinets in 2025?
Next article
How do I choose the right insulation?