No one wants to admit they don’t really know how to use their washing machine but it’s probably more common than you think. While many of us can get by without knowing the ‘rules’, we may not be doing what’s right for our clothes ... or for our bank balance.
Why is using your washing machine properly important?
Knowing how to use a washing machine properly - including how to do laundry with liquid detergent and how to use powder detergent - can keep your clothes looking their best and save money because you're using water and energy more efficiently.
In this handy guide, we'll help to answer any questions you may have about using a washing machine, including where to put detergent in a washing machine, how to use detergent, and how to decide which detergent is best.
Where to put detergent in washing machines
If you’re looking for where to put detergent in washing machines, the answer is usually fairly simple. Your washing machine should have a detergent drawer, and if you’re struggling to locate this, it should be detailed in your instruction manual. The detergent drawer tends to be the biggest one, although this can vary across different models. You may also see a separate compartment for your softener, which is a good way to keep your clothes free of wrinkles while they are being washed, and avoid wear and tear in the future.
How to use washing powder in a washing machine
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Powdered detergent can either be put into a detergent drawer or directly into the washer in a mesh bag.
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Look for the II symbol on your washing machine drawer as this is where detergent should go. Read our guide to symbols on a washing machinehereto learn more.
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Powdered detergent needs to dissolve before it starts to work; while the drawer may not dispense the powder until later in the wash cycle, putting it straight in the drum allows it to dissolve earlier in the cycle.
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For the best results, always follow the directions on the label of your chosen washing powder.
How to use liquid detergent in a washing machine
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Knowing where to put liquid detergent in a washing machine will depend on the detergent you're using.
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Most of the time, you will put the detergent directly in the drum.
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If you use a product likePersil, make sure you use the handydosing ballto measure the right dose.
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You can often use liquid detergent as a pre-treatment by rubbing a small amount into tough stains before washing.
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Always check the instructions on the packaging before use.
How much detergent should I use?
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Check the instructions on the back of your detergent packaging to find the optimal dose.
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Remember to think about how dirty your clothes are - heavily soiled clothes will need a stronger dose.
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You also need to consider whether you’ve gothard or soft water.If you have hard water, you may need to use more detergent as soaps do not foam as well when they’re contending with the natural minerals found in hard water.
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Many powdered detergents will come with a scoop which will help you to figure out how much washing powder to use; usually 1-2 scoops per wash.
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Most liquid detergents will come with a measuring device too and are usually designed to need only 1 dose per wash.If you're wondering how much washing machine liquid laundry detergent to use, thedosing balland is a great way to help you measure the right amount of detergent for your wash.
It's a common misconception that the more detergent you use, the cleaner your clothes will be. Using too much detergent is not only a waste of money but it can leave your clothes feeling rather unpleasant. This is because the detergent– whether it be liquid or powder – cannot dissolve or be rinsed properly in the amount of water used for a standard wash cycle. Soap remains on the clothes, eventually drying and leaving the clothing stiff and crisp.
What type of detergent is best?
There’s actually no set-in-stone answer, as the type of detergent you use should not only be dependent upon your clothing and the level of dirt but also upon your washing machine and personal preferences.
Here’s a brief rundown of the different detergents you have to choose from:
Liquid detergent
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Liquid detergent is often considered to be a good all-rounder.
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It dissolves well in most conditions and is relatively easy to measure the right amount.
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It can be easily used as a pre-treatment for difficult stains by applying directly to fabrics.
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It's a suitable option for cold and quick washes.
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It is typically cheaper than capsule detergent but maybe a little more expensive than powder.
Powdered detergent
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Powdered detergent is a more traditional form of detergent.
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It's often the more cost-effective option – certainly a little more budget-friendly than liquid detergent.
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Powdered detergent can struggle to dissolve at cooler temperatures so it may not be the best option if you’re washing delicate fabrics at 30 degrees.
Capsules
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Capsules give you all the benefits of liquid detergent in a handy little package.
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It contains a pre-measured dose of detergent so you know you're always using the right amount.
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There’s no measuring detergent out and absolutely no mess with capsules so they're ideal if you’re in a hurry.
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Always remember to keep capsules away from kids.
Top loading detergent
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Top loading detergent is, of course, designed for top-loading washing machines.
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You may also see it called ‘high efficiency’ detergent.
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It is great at getting really deep within the fibres of your clothing for a thorough clean.
Front-loading detergent
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Front-loading detergent is specifically designed to minimise soap suds.
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Excess suds can become caught in the door mechanism, making them difficult to remove during the rinse cycle.
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This type of detergent cleans well despite not foaming like other detergents.
Stain removal detergent
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Stain removal detergent offers built-in stain removal properties.
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These essentially do the same job as a separate pre-treatment, removing the need for you to treat stubborn stains prior to washing your clothes.
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Some stain removal detergents contain a bleaching agent. Others use more natural products, such as citrus oils.
How to get the most out of my laundry detergent?
To maximise the effectiveness of your laundry detergent, follow these tips. First, always read the instructions on the detergent packaging for dosage recommendations. Use the appropriate amount for the load size and level of dirtiness. Pre-treat stains before washing by applying a small amount of detergent directly to the affected area. Sort your laundry by color, fabric type, and level of dirtiness to avoid cross-contamination and ensure optimal cleaning. Wash full loads whenever possible to conserve water and energy. Consider using a high-efficiency detergent for front-loading machines. Lastly, store your detergent in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality.
Read other articles from the Clothing Care category
How to get colour run out of clothes
What do the symbols on washing machines mean
How to remove static from clothes
How to stop clothes bobbling
How to make clothes smell good and stay fresh
I'm an expert in laundry care and washing machine usage, with a deep understanding of various detergents and their applications. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the science behind effective laundry practices. I've extensively researched and tested different detergents, washing machines, and laundry techniques to provide valuable insights into optimizing the laundry process for both cleanliness and cost efficiency.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
Proper Washing Machine Usage:
Understanding how to use a washing machine correctly is crucial for maintaining the quality of your clothes and saving money on water and energy. The article covers:
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Detergent Placement:
- Detergent should be placed in the designated detergent drawer.
- There may be a separate compartment for softener to prevent wrinkles.
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How to Use Washing Powder:
- Powdered detergent can go in the detergent drawer or directly in the drum.
- Look for the II symbol on the drawer.
- Powder needs time to dissolve; putting it in the drum allows for early dissolution.
- Follow the directions on the label for optimal results.
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How to Use Liquid Detergent:
- Placement depends on the detergent, often directly in the drum.
- Some products, like Persil, use a dosing ball for accurate measurement.
- Liquid detergent can be used as a pre-treatment for stains.
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Detergent Quantity:
- Follow instructions on the detergent packaging for the right dose.
- Consider the level of soil and water hardness; adjust detergent accordingly.
- Too much detergent can leave clothes feeling unpleasant.
Types of Detergents:
The article provides a comprehensive overview of different detergent types:
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Liquid Detergent:
- Good all-rounder, dissolves well, easy to measure.
- Suitable for cold and quick washes.
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Powdered Detergent:
- Traditional and cost-effective.
- May struggle to dissolve at cooler temperatures.
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Capsules:
- Convenient pre-measured doses with no mess.
- Ideal for those in a hurry.
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Top Loading and Front Loading Detergents:
- Designed for specific machine types, offering thorough cleaning.
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Stain Removal Detergent:
- Contains built-in stain removal properties.
- Some may include bleaching agents or natural ingredients like citrus oils.
Maximizing Detergent Effectiveness:
The article provides tips on getting the most out of laundry detergent:
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Dosage:
- Follow dosage recommendations on the packaging.
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Pre-treatment:
- Apply a small amount of detergent directly to stains before washing.
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Sorting Laundry:
- Sort by color, fabric type, and dirtiness to avoid cross-contamination.
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Full Loads:
- Wash full loads for water and energy conservation.
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High-Efficiency Detergent:
- Consider using high-efficiency detergent for front-loading machines.
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Storage:
- Store detergent in a cool, dry place to maintain quality.
In conclusion, proper knowledge of washing machine usage, detergent types, and laundry best practices is essential for effective and efficient clothing care.
