Where to put washing powder and laundry detergent in your machine

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Knowing how to use a washing machine properly – including how to do laundry with liquid detergent and how to use powder detergent – can keep your clothes looking their best and save money because you’re using water and energy more efficiently. However, when it comes to knowing where to add your washing powder and laundry detergent, many are left clueless. Fortunately, laundry experts at beko have shared how to “correctly” load a washing machine with powder and liquid detergent.

There are two types of washing machines: front loading and top loading. Front-loading type washing machines are most common in the UK, and they have the door in the front with a detergent drawer usually above this.

The experts at beko said: “For the best results, make sure you put the detergent and softener into the right sections of your detergent drawer.”

The washing machine drawer usually has three compartments, but sometimes only two depending on the machine’s manufacturer and model.

Drawers with three compartments have a section for pre-wash detergent, regular detergent, and one for fabric softener.

The experts said: “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.”

Also in most machines, the compartment for washing powder (or other detergents) is marked “II” or “2”. This is likely to be the compartment that is used the most.

For those using a pre-wash cycle, any pre-wash detergent they are using will go in the compartment marked “I” or “1”.

The last compartment in the detergent drawer is for fabric softener. In many washing machines, this compartment usually looks visibly different from the others, and it will usually have a maximum level marker.

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The laundry pros said: “The liquid softener goes into the partially covered section of the drawer with the flower symbol. This is either in the centre or on the right hand side of the drawer, depending on your model.”

When adding the detergent, it is important to use the correct amount of detergent and softener into the drawer according to the load size. 

If households are unsure they can check the guidance on the packaging of the detergent and softener. Also, pay attention to the maximum level indicators in the detergent drawer sections. Less detergent may be required in soft water areas.

The beak experts warned: “Overfilling the drawer with detergent can lead to excessive foaming inside the washing machine which can cause problems with both your washing machine and the laundry inside.”

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For those using washing powder detergent the experts suggested putting it in a mesh bag that is then added to the drum along with the laundry. They said: “This technique can help the washing powder to dissolve quicker.”

There are four main types of detergent, with the main difference being their form and how they are used. The most common types are powder, liquid detergents, laundry pods, and laundry tablets.

Laundry pods are a popular choice because they are just so convenient. These pods are pre-measured, and many contain dedicated stain or odour removers alongside the regular detergent. These pods simply go in the drum with the laundry.

Liquid laundry detergent is available in a range of types, depending on whether households are washing colours, whites, or dark clothing. These work in all cycle temperatures and tend to be effective on nasty stains, such as grease.

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Like washing powder, this type of detergent usually goes in the main cycle compartment in the drawer but can sometimes be used directly in the drum too.

Tablets aren’t as popular, and these are essentially pre-measured washing powder. They usually do not have a protective coat like pods, and instead, feel more like a dishwasher tablet.

This type of tablet is usually designed to go in the detergent drawer, where it will dissolve in the same way as washing powder during the cycle.

Always make sure you check the detergent’s instructions before using it in this way to ensure that it is suitable.

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