If your laundry smells more like "yesterday's gym" than that fresh scent from the commercial, it's time for an honest household reality check. The cause is not bad detergent, not the cotton program, but the wrong washing machine drawer. Yes, the one that most people use with the same level of understanding as the little icons in Excel.
How do you use the third drawer of your washing machine? Most of us entered the world of laundry with a lot of enthusiasm and very little reading of instructions. Washing clothes starts out like driving a car – a little by feel, a little by memory from mom, a little by advice from TikTok. But what confuses us the most is the detergent drawer: divided into several mysterious compartments that act as encrypted communication between the washing machine and the universe. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s time to reveal why it matters where you pour what – and what it means for your laundry, your machine and your nose.
Three washing machine drawers, three functions – but eternal chaos
Most modern washing machines have drawer with two or three compartments, and although they may look like random plastic niches, each has its own precise role. Home appliance manufacturers (such as Bosch, Gorenje, Miele and others) confirm that Incorrect use of these drawers affects washing efficiency, water and detergent consumption, and the longevity of the machine itself.
Drawer I – Prewash (symbol: |)
This drawer is often the “forgotten middle” in the composition. It is usually located on the right side and is marked with a single line. It is used for pre-wash, which is only activated when you select a program that allows it - for example, for very dirty laundry: muddy sports jerseys, work clothes, wrinkled children's T-shirts.
What happens if you pour fabric softener or main detergent in here?
Simple – this stuff will be washed out before the main cycle starts. Which means you just threw away a euro or two and your laundry will neither smell good nor be clean.
Drawer II – Main wash (symbol: ||)
This is the main player. Pour your liquid detergent or powder into this compartment (if you use capsules, they are usually placed directly into the drum). This is where most of the washing takes place.
Professional advice:
-
- Too much detergent doesn't mean cleaner laundry, but residue on clothes and a clogged inside of the machine.
- Too little detergent can mean that stains won't be removed – especially in hard water, where detergent is less effective.
How do you know how much detergent you need?
Check the water hardness in your area (e.g. with a test strip or on your local water company’s website), then follow the instructions on the detergent packaging. Most people overdo it – which leads to unnecessary costs and poor machine performance.
Hand over the symbol of the flower – Softener
Cutely marked, but also often misused. You have to pour the softener up to the marked line, often called MAXThe excess will go directly into the drum at the beginning, which means that the fabric softener loses its effect – your laundry perfume will just be an opening scene without the main story.
By the way: Fabric softener is not recommended for all fabrics – microfiber, sportswear, and baby clothes (especially diapers) don’t like it. It can make them less absorbent and irritate the skin.
What happens if we pour everything in the wrong way?
The washing machine is not smarter than the user – it is just more patient. However, incorrect distribution of detergents can lead to:
-
- Poorly washed laundry (fabric softener does not remove stains),
- Clogged pipes and valves (softener is not intended for early entry),
- Unpleasant smell (clogged or rotting debris in the drawer),
- Shorter machine life (because substances that do not belong there accumulate inside),
- Higher repair costs (or new t-shirts because the old one is “not white anymore”).
Bonus: How to clean the washing machine drawer?
If you've just looked in your drawer and noticed strange residue, dried detergent, or even mold – you're not alone.
Regular cleaning of the drawer (at least once a month) is key. Simply pull it out, rinse it with warm water, use an old toothbrush if necessary, and let it dry completely. The inside of the machine, where the drawer sits, also tends to collect detergent – check!
Conclusion: Now you have control. Even over the third drawer of the washing machine.
The next time you open your washing machine drawer, don't look at it like it's a mysterious black hole. Now you know what goes where. And why it matters.
Your washing machine will thank you – both in terms of smell and lifespan. Your laundry will be softer, more fragrant and most importantly: washed the way you always wanted it.
And if you know anyone who still softener If he's pouring anywhere, just send him this article. You might save his life. Or at least a white shirt.
