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

Author: Abbie Stiedemann  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Adding it to the drum may result in an uneven wash and oily residue. When adding liquid laundry detergent to your washing machine, it is best that it goes into the drum directly rather than into the drawer for an even wash.

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.

Where to throw detergent in a washing machine?

Here's what they typically mean:
  • "II" or main wash symbol: This is where you put washing powder or liquid detergent for the main wash.
  • "I" or pre-wash symbol: Use this compartment if you're running a pre-wash cycle.
  • Flower symbol: This indicates where fabric softener should go.

When washing clothes where do you put detergent?

  • Top-Loading Machines: Typically, you add detergent directly to the drum before loading your clothes.
  • Front-Loading Machines: Most have a detergent drawer with compartments. Usually, the first compartment (marked ``1'') is for pre-wash detergent, and the second compartment (marked ``2'') is for the main wash detergent.

Does it matter where you put detergent in 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.

I Didn't Know That! Are You Using Too Much Detergent on Your Clothes?

What is the rule of detergent in washing clothes?

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.

Can I put liquid detergent straight into 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. You can often use liquid detergent as a pre-treatment by rubbing a small amount into tough stains before washing.

Can you put detergent in the middle of the washer?

It all depends. If you have an HE front-loading washer, it should have a special compartment in which to pour the detergent. 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.

In which compartment does liquid detergent go?

the main-wash compartment.

This is the section labelled II (or sometimes 2) and is the one that you'll need to use for your doses of liquid or powder if you're not a capsule convert. It's also the section you'll need to use if you're adding a stain remover to your wash.

Where to put detergent if there is no dispenser?

The most common place laundry experts put liquid laundry detergents is straight into the drum of the washing machine, with the dirty clothes.

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

' 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.

Where to put detergent in top loader?

Your model will determine where to put detergent in your top load washer, most often to either a dispenser compartment or added directly to the washer basket.

Why are my clothes still dirty after washing?

A full or partial blockage in the filter or pump will affect your washing machines ability to drain water from the drum. This will lead to poor rinsing results and poorly washed clothes as a result. Before you start a programme, clean the filter and remove any foreign objects which could be blocking the impeller.

Can detergent ruin washing machine?

This, in turn, can lead to mold and mildew growth on rubber gaskets and bad odors. At worst, using too much laundry soap in your washing machine can cause drainage issues and permanent damage to your washing machine.

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 pour liquid detergent directly into a washing machine?

When using the drawer on your washing machine to add detergent, liquid and powdered detergent go in the same main compartment. The difference arises when it comes to adding detergents to the drum. Liquid detergent can go into the drum with no problem, but this should be avoided with powder.

Does detergent go in the middle of washing machine?

Pour detergent in the dispenser or, if there isn't one, directly into the tub before adding clothes. Always follow the instructions on the packaging when measuring. If your washer is High-Efficiency (HE), only use HE detergent.

What is the difference between a top load and front load washer?

Front loaders also often have faster spinning speeds that expel more water from clothing, so drying times tend to be shorter. Top load washers tend to use more water but can have faster cycles than those of a front load washer.

Do you just throw laundry detergent in the washer?

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.

Why is soap better than detergent?

Soaps are generally more biodegradable and environmentally friendly than detergents. However, they can form a scum in hard water, which can be harmful to aquatic life. Detergents are often less biodegradable and can contain harmful chemicals, but they do not form scum in hard water.

Can you put too much detergent in laundry?

Laundry detergent obviously gets dirt and stains out of your clothes, but if you use too much, you wind up creating a new mess. This is a result of detergent residue that hasn't been fully rinsed out, and it can turn your previously soft wardrobe into a crunchy, scratchy, uncomfortable-to-wear load of clothes.

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