Is it okay to put washing powder in the drum?

Author: Trace Heidenreich  |  Last update: Sunday, November 2, 2025

Your two main options when using powdered detergent are: 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. Place the powder in a mesh bag directly in the drum to allow it to dissolve quicker.

Can I put laundry powder in the 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.

Do you put powder in a drum clean?

You can put powder in the drum first but a fair amount of it might go through the drum holes and into the sump before the water comes in. Not a good idea to put the powder directly on top of the clothes.

Where to put washing powder in a washing machine?

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.

Can I put laundry powder directly in washer?

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. Use the right temperature setting for your machine and season.

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

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.

Do you put detergent in a 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.

Does washing powder clog the washing machine?

If it builds up too much, it can clog up your machine, meaning your detergent is not dispensed properly and leaving your clothes unwashed. To avoid washing powder residue, just follow the steps below and watch the video.

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.

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.

Why is my washing powder clumping?

Another way in which the washing powder can clog up in the drawer is if you're doing several washing loads one after another and if the draw is still wet from the previous cycle and you're putting powder into it, again the powder is going to get damp and clog up in the drawer.

What do you put in a washing machine drum?

A quick and easy solution for cleaning your washing machine drum is white wine vinegar. White wine vinegar is excellent for cleaning and removing odours; add a glass to the empty drum and then run a normal cycle.

Is it better to put detergent directly on clothes?

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.

Can you put laundry conditioner in the drum?

Unlike detergent, fabric softener shouldn't ever be put directly in the drum. For a top loading machine, if your machine has a softener compartment, pour one cap of fabric softener at the start of wash cycle. Otherwise, pour one cap of fabric softener in machine tub during last rinse cycle.

Is powder OK for washing machine?

The liquid vs. powder debate clearly concludes that liquid detergent is best for washing machines. For washing machines, detergent powder is not the ideal choice, but it has its own unique advantages. Ultimately, it is crucial to assess your requirements before making a purchasing decision.

Can I put washing powder directly in the drum?

Your two main options when using powdered detergent are: 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. Place the powder in a mesh bag directly in the drum to allow it to dissolve quicker.

Where do you put powder in the washing machine?

The symbols on your washing machine drawer can be confusing. 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.

Does washing powder ruin clothes?

As laundry detergent builds up on clothes, fibers can become more coated with residue, causing the fabric to become stiff. Beyond the impact on clothes, using too much laundry detergent in your wash may also irritate skin.

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 laundry detergent in a drum?

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.

What is the best thing to clean a drum set with?

What to use: Any high-quality (non-abrasive) furniture/guitar/drum polish/wax should give excellent results on lacquered and covered finishes. Trick Cleaner "wipes" are easy to use and an excellent alternative to spray on cleaners.

Can I use washing powder in a washing machine?

You can get washing detergents in powder, liquid and tablet form, although which to use depends on your laundry needs and the machine you're using. If you have a semi-automatic washing machine, regular Ariel washing powder helps you see the best results for outstanding stain removal that's also good for your machine.

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.

Is it bad to put detergent down the sink?

Wondering how to properly dispose of laundry products like detergent or fabric softener? Don't worry – these products are designed to be added to water and rinsed safely down the drain, so there's no harm in pouring out any liquid products you no longer wish to use along with plenty of running water.

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