Washing machines have a compartment for putting in detergent, which will dispense the detergent into the drum when the cycle starts. However, it is common to see people taking shortcuts like pouring the detergent directly into the drum. are there any effects? On the other hand, will it be cleaner better?

Is it recommendable? Can you pour your liquid detergent directly into the drum? Yes, you can put your detergent in the drum, but in a certain procedure such as using a mesh or dosing ball. However, there is no reason for you to pour your detergent directly into the drum if you have a detergent dispenser. When detergent is dispensed into the drum, it mixes well with the water, as opposed to pouring it into the drum directly.

In this article, we discuss the importance of using the soap dispenser, the cons of pouring directly into the drum, the correct way of using detergent in your washer, and other related questions. Keep reading for a deeper insight.

Why Is It Necessary to Use the Detergent Compartment?

A washing machine can be complex if you do not read the manual. There are many dos and don’ts when it comes to using one. Unknowingly, you may be doing some laundry mishaps that are not doing any good on your clothes or even your money. One of them is using the detergent in the wrong way.

As mentioned, most washers if not all, come with a detergent dispenser. This is the designated area to pour in your detergent. Unless yours has broken down, or it is not dispensing your detergent the way it should, you do not have an excuse for opting to pour your detergent directly into the drum.

Using the detergent dispenser has its benefits. First, the detergent will be released at the right time when the drum is full of water. Second, the detergent will dissolve properly in the water and you will not have some parts more concentrated than others, which may even leave some film on your clothes.

Cons of Pouring Detergent Directly Into the Drum

Now as it is, your drum is already loaded with laundry. Pouring the detergent directly in the drum is equivalent to pouring it on the clothes. The detergent might be caught up in the load, thus not dissolving properly. This means some may even not be distributed properly in the water.

How Then Can You Use The Drum Efficiently?

If you are going to use the drum, there is a right way to do, so that you do not encounter the problems mentioned above. You are not going to simply pour it in top of the clothes. Rather, use a detergent dosing ball.

Additionally with this method, do not put in the clothes to capacity. Leave some space so that there is ample spinning space for the detergent to disburse evenly.

Given the container, you are going to place in the drum, be ready to tolerate the noise it is going to make as the load spins.

Why Is It Important To Use the Detergent in the Right Way?

When you use detergent the right way, you are not only preserving your clothes well, but you will also be saving up on energy. Remember, both are expensive investments.

You do not want your clothes getting spots or bleach marks just because you used detergent the wrong way. Similarly, you do not want to spend so much water trying to rinse of the detergent that you used in excess.

Below are guidelines for using both liquid and powder detergent.

• Powder Detergent

For powder, you can either put it in the detergent compartment or put it in a mesh bag and toss it into the drum. In the drawer, it may not be dispensed immediately at the beginning of the cycle, but it will dissolve evenly once it is released.

On the other hand, if you put in a mesh bag and toss it in the drum, it will be in operation right from the beginning of the cycle.

However, to attain the best results, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Liquid Detergent

The placement of liquid detergent depends on the type of detergent. Some detergents are mild, and you can simply put them in a dosing ball and put them directly in the drum.

Remember that liquid detergent can also be used as a pre-treatment. Just take a small amount and rub it on the stain before tossing the cloth into the washer.

Since detergents differ depending on the manufacturer, do not forget to read the instructions before use.

How Much Detergent Is Enough?

Each detergent box or container has instructions about the amount of detergent to use per load.

Besides that, the amount of detergent you will use also depends on how dirty the clothes are. If it says to use three scoops per load, you may want to add an extra scoop for heavily soiled clothes.

Additionally, if you are using hard water, you may need a little more detergent compared to when using soft water.

Most powdered laundry detergents normally have a measuring scoop. Mostly you will be required to use a scoop or two.

Liquid detergents too have a measuring device to easy your work when it comes to amount needed.

Some people have the misguided notion that more detergent results in cleaner clothes; this is not true. Whether you are using powder or liquid detergent, too much of it will not rinse out properly with the water on a standard wash cycle. The excess soap will form a residue on your clothes, and once the dry out, the spots are noticeable. You do not want this, do you?

On the other hand, if you use insufficient detergent, your clothes may not come out as clean as they should. Thus, it is important to measure and use the right amount.

What Kind of Detergent Is Good?

When it comes to the best form of detergent, there is no one-size-fits-all. It all depends on your clothes, the level of dirt, your washer and personal preferences. Below is just what you expect to get from the three forms that is liquid powder, and capsules.

• Powdered laundry detergent-This is the traditional form, considered more cost-effective than the other two. It may take time to dissolve cooler temperatures, thus it may not be ideal for delicate fabrics that have to be done at 30 degrees.
• Liquid laundry detergent- this one is considered as an all-rounder and it can dissolve well at any water temperature. It can also act as a pre-treatment and you canit use for cold and quick cycles. It is easier to measure.
• Capsule- capsules come in a pre-measured dose, so you don’t have to worry about measurement. They give you all the benefits of using the liquid one without creating any mess. However, you must keep them out of reach of children to avoid poisoning.

Top Loading, Front Loading, and Stain Removal Detergents

Top loading detergent, sometimes known as high efficiency detergent is the one designed for top-loading washers. It gets deep into the fibers, resulting in thorough clean up.

Front-loading detergent, normally used in front loader washers is made in such a way that it reduces soap suds, which normally stick to the door mechanisms making it difficult to rinse. Although it does not foam like the rest, it still cleans well.

Stain removal detergents is one that contains stain removal agents. Since they work just as any other separate pre-treatment that you may use, you do not have to use a pre-treatment before washing. Some contain a bleaching agent but others don’t.

Related Questions

How do you place liquid detergent in the washer?

To put liquid detergent in your washing machine, simply put the preferred amount in the measuring cup and pour it in the machine bowl or in the center of the detergent drawer. This works for most standard washers.

Can the washer be damaged if you use liquid detergent?

No, the liquid detergent does not cause damage to the washer as it is already pre-dissolved. However, for a HE washer, you have to use a detergent meant for He washers, otherwise, you will damage the machine.