If you feel like your clothes don't smell as fresh after washing as the commercial for that "ultra" detergent promises, it might be time to take a look somewhere you rarely look - the detergent drawer of your washing machine.
Do you know your washing machine? Let's face it: most of us are the first washing tasks in the hope that the machine will “know” what it is doing. We separate colors, sort laundry by feel, and pour detergent… well, we somehow pour it into the place where there is the most space. But did you know that each of those three compartments has a specific purpose? And that using it incorrectly can mean less efficient washing, a worse smell, and more detergent consumption?
Now is finally the time to shed light on this often overlooked mystery of everyday household chores.
Three compartments in the washing machine and three purposes
Most modern washing machines have a drawer with two to three sections, which often look more complicated than they really are. Here's an explanation, without jargon and with a little healthy irony.
1. Largest compartment – for the main wash
This is the main stage, the place where the detergent does most of the work. This is where the detergent for a standard wash cycle comes in – whether liquid detergent, powder or capsule (although capsules are usually thrown right into the drum). Important: always adjust the amount of detergent to the amount of laundry. More is not better, unless you want a foamy party in the bathroom.
2. Smallest compartment – for fabric softener
Ah, fabric softener. That secret ingredient that gives clothes that “mountain fresh” or “spring morning” scent—whatever that means. This compartment is usually marked with a flower symbol. A small amount of fabric softener goes in there—and right up to the marked line. Any more will just clog the system, not soften the shirt.
3. Middle compartment – for pre-wash
Now for that famously overlooked third drawer! This one is reserved for pre-wash, which you use for very dirty laundry – for example after sporting exploits, garden battles or art experiments with the children. You can add some extra detergent here to help loosen stubborn dirt even more. before the main cycle begins. If your machine does not have a prewash function, you can safely ignore this compartment.
What do the symbols in the washing machine drawer mean?
If you've ever wondered what those mysterious lines and icons mean, here's the translation from "washing machine lingo" to human language:
- One line = prewash (third compartment)
- Two dashes = main detergent (first compartment)
- Flower = softener (second compartment)
And no, the flower is not there just to look pretty.
Why is this even important?
Because using these compartments incorrectly is not only a little awkward, but it can affect washing efficiency, detergent consumption (and money), and the lifespan of your machine. If you put fabric softener in the wrong compartment, it will go through the wash cycle with the detergent and lose its effectiveness. If you pour detergent into the softener compartment, well… well, you’ve probably noticed something’s not right.
Let the washing machine do the washing, but you can use the drawers like a pro
Now that you know what goes where, you can look into your washing machine drawer without shame and say to yourself, "I can handle this." Your machine will be happier, your laundry will smell better, and you'll be one step closer to that feeling of being a household masterpiece.
And if you know anyone else who shamelessly pours softener in the prewash compartment – share this article with him. Let him educate himself before he washes jeans with the scent of a gas station again.
