When you look at your washing machine, one of the first secrets that catches your eye is probably the three drawers that are part of the detergent drawer. How many times have you asked yourself why there are three and how to use them correctly? Although most of them are simply ignored or misused, we will reveal to you the secrets of how they work. Get ready to make your laundry cleaner than ever!
Have you ever wondered why your washing machine has it? three drawers and are you even using them correctly? Although most of us regularly fill them with detergent and fabric softener, we rarely really understand what each drawer actually does. If you want your clothes to be always clean after washing, soft and without annoying detergent residues, the key is in the correct use of these three mysterious drawers. In this article, we will reveal what they are for and how they can help you do better laundry.
1. Drawer for the main wash - your best friend
The first, and probably the most used drawer in the washing machine, is for the main wash. This is where you insert the detergent that you use for most washing - be it liquid or powder detergent. Although most people are quite familiar with it, there are a few tricks that you may not know. Always use the correct amount of detergent – too much detergent will leave stains and too little will not clean your clothes effectively.
Tip:
If you use liquid detergent, you can also put it directly in the drum, but make sure that you use the container intended for this, which you put in the middle of the laundry.
2. Drawer for fabric softener – an ally of softness
The second drawer is usually smaller and is for fabric softener. This drawer is your key to soft, fragrant clothes that won't feel like a piece of sandpaper after washing. But don't forget that you shouldn't use too much fabric softener, as it can clog fabrics and even weaken the absorbency of towels.
Tip:
If you are a fan of environmentally friendly washing, you can use vinegar as an alternative to fabric softener. Yes, you read that right! White vinegar will soften your laundry and at the same time prevent the formation of scale in the washing machine.
3. Prewash Drawer - Often overlooked but very useful
The last, third drawer, is often overlooked, but it is extremely useful. It is intended for pre-washing, which is usually used for very dirty laundry. If you're wondering what exactly that means - think of those muddy socks after a hike in the mountains or the children's clothes that have survived mini-wars in the sandbox. In this drawer, the detergent helps remove most stubborn stains before the main wash even begins.
Tip:
The use of pre-wash is not necessary for every wash. If you only have lightly soiled laundry, the normal cycle will be perfectly sufficient. Also, the use of prewash increases the washing time, which affects energy and water consumption.
How to use all three drawers correctly?
Each drawer has its own special purpose, so it is important to use them correctly. When the laundry is not too dirty, focus only on the main drawer and the fabric softener. But if the clothes are full of stubborn stains, don't hesitate to use the pre-wash drawer as well. In this way, your machine will work optimally, and your clothes will be cleaner and smell better.
Common mistakes we make when using a washing machine
Despite the fact that we use the washing machine regularly, many people still make some common mistakes. One of the most common is to fill the drum too much. Not only will the clothes not be clean enough, the washing machine will also break down faster. Another mistake is the incorrect use of detergents - either too much or too little detergent can damage both the washing machine and the clothes. Therefore, always check the instructions for use of the detergent and the washing machine.
Conclusion: The real key to clean laundry is in the correct use of drawers!
Washing machines are not as complicated as they seem at first glance. Once you understand what each drawer does, doing laundry will become faster, more efficient, and—probably—even a little less annoying. The next time you load your washing machine, think about these tips and you will definitely see a difference in the quality of your wash.
