The detergent drawer of the washing machine is a mystery to many people – the right-hand compartment in particular is often misunderstood or not used at all. What belongs in it, and what is it for? In fact, the layout of the compartments is very structured and each compartment has a clear function. Here you can find out what the compartments are for and how to use them correctly.
The correct layout of the detergent drawer
Modern washing machines usually have a detergent drawer with three compartments. The correct use of these compartments is as follows:
- Left compartment (often labeled “II”)This compartment is used for the detergent for the main wash cycle. If you do not set a pre-wash cycle, this is the most important compartment, as the detergent for the regular washing process goes in here. You can fill it with powder detergent, liquid detergent or even washing powder capsules (on some machines).
- Middle compartment (often marked with a flower or star symbol)This compartment is intended for the fabric softener. The fabric softener is only added in the last rinse cycle to soften the fabric and give it a pleasant fragrance. Caution: Pay attention to the “MAX” mark, as excess fabric softener could leak out prematurely.
- Right compartment (often marked “I”): This is where the detergent for the Prewash inside. The prewash cycle is an optional step that is useful for heavily soiled laundry, such as work clothes, baby clothes or sportswear. If you have not set a prewash cycle, this compartment will remain empty.
The order of these compartments – in particular the position of the main wash, fabric softener and prewash – is the same for most washing machine manufacturers. However, there are some models with a different arrangement, so it is always worth taking a look at the operating instructions for your washing machine.
When should you use the right-hand compartment?
The right compartment is only used for washing programs with prewash. This is useful for:
- Extremely soiled clothes, such as muddy outdoor clothes or greasy work clothes.
- Laundry that has strongly absorbed unpleasant odors such as sweat.
- Bed linen or towels that have been stored unused for a long time.
For everyday, lightly soiled laundry, however, you don’t need the prewash cycle, which is why the right-hand compartment can remain empty for most washes. Modern detergents are powerful enough for normal soiling to ensure clean results without a prewash.
This is what happens if you use the wrong compartment
It is more common for the pre-wash compartment (i.e. the one on the right) to be filled with the main detergent. Another mistake is that liquid detergent or fabric softener is used incorrectly and ends up in the wrong compartment.
If you put the detergent in the wrong compartment, this is not too dramatic at first. If the fabric softener ends up in the main compartment, for example, the laundry will probably have to be washed again as the detergent will leave a greasy residue on the textiles and will not clean them.
If the detergent is poured into the right-hand compartment even though no prewash is planned, it will remain there unused. The machine then washes without detergent and, in the worst case, the wash cycle has to be repeated because the laundry does not get clean.
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How to clean the detergent drawer properly
Over time, detergent or fabric softener residue can build up in the detergent drawer. This can form mold or impair the functionality. Pull the drawer out completely at regular intervals (by pressing lightly on a release button) and clean it thoroughly with warm water and a brush. Pay particular attention to small corners and the area through which water flushes the detergent into the drum.
So, the matter should now be clear: The right-hand compartment in your washing machine is for the pre-wash cycle and is only needed for particularly dirty laundry. And even if something goes into the wrong compartment, that’s no problem. In the worst case, simply wash again. It’s all pretty simple, isn’t it?
Source: myhomebook
