We may earn a commission on purchases made through links.
You may know where to store laundry detergent bottles, but where should you put the detergent itself? Although detergent dispensers are designed to hold detergent, many people still pour directly into the washing machine drum. As it turns out, it can actually prevent your laundry from getting as clean as it could! In general, liquid detergents and powders usually go into the appropriate dispensing compartment for best results, while other forms should be added directly to the drum.
The dispenser is designed to help the laundry detergent dissolve properly and spread evenly so that you don’t get unwashed clothes or detergent stains or residue on your clothes, which is one of the common. Disadvantages of using powder detergent Dispensers in particular often only hold enough detergent for one load at a time. If you have a feature like Whirlpool’s load and go system, however, it will hold several loads of detergent and dispense a little at a time as needed.
If you choose laundry pods and detergent sheets, these usually go in the drum rather than the dispenser. Although some machines have a special compartment for pods, never assume that you can put them in the dispenser, as improper use can cause them to clog. Powder detergents are a bit more variable. It may need to go into a drum or you may be able to put it in a dispenser. Many machines make you remove or adjust the liquid detergent tray in the compartment when using powder detergent in the dispenser. No matter what type of detergent you use, reading the detergent and machine instructions is crucial. Maintenance tips to extend the life of your washer.
Where do you put detergent if you don’t have a dispenser?
You’ll get the most efficient wash with liquid detergent by using a dispenser, but not every washer has one. If you have an older washing machine, especially if it’s a top-loading machine, you may want to consider switching to laundry pods, detergent sheets, or powder detergents, as they are designed to be used in the drum. However, liquid detergent can work just as well in a drum – if you do it right.
Using the wrong amount of liquid detergent in your washer’s drum can cause an uneven wash, leave residue on your clothes, and even damage the fabric. How and when you add your liquid detergent makes a big difference. Start by making sure you’re not Using the wrong amount of detergentBecause this can be a major source of problems. A common mistake people make when adding liquid detergent to the washer drum is pouring it directly onto the clothes. Instead, you should add detergent to the bottom of the washing machine before loading it. As the washer fills with water, it will carry the detergent up and into your clothes.
Another option is to use dosing balls. Some detergents include dosing balls, but you can also buy things like these Sonnet dosing ball Separately you can also use the lid as a dosing ball. Simply pour the liquid detergent into the dosing ball, and set the whole ball on top of your clothes in the machine so that the detergent doesn’t start mixing with the clothes until the cycle starts. You can also use powdered detergent with the dosing ball if you prefer.
