It seems simple enough – throw clothes in the drum, add detergent, and hit start – but where do you put detergent in a washing machine?
Unfortunately, there is no one answer. It can all depend on the type of detergent you are using, and whether you have a front- or top-loading machine.
Luckily, cleaning and laundry professionals are here to iron out the kinks for us, breaking down where to put detergent in a washing machine so you can finally master how to do laundry.
Where to put detergent in a washing machine
Putting detergent in the wrong place is one of the most common washing machine mistakes people make that impacts the overall quality of the laundry cycle. Here, we will break down where to put all the main laundry room essentials in your best washing machine.
Where to put liquid detergent
The most common place laundry experts put liquid detergents is straight into the drum of the washing machine, before adding the dirty clothes.
Although this can vary a little depending on the type of washing machine you have, or sometimes the type of liquid detergent you're using, more often than not, liquid detergent works best when applied directly to clothes, says Hugo Guerrero, certified cleaning technician and consultant at Mattressive.
Johanes Godoy, laundry and cleaning expert at Liox Clean, agrees, adding, ‘I suggest adding liquid detergent directly to the washing machine drum instead of the detergent drawer. This approach ensures the detergent dissolves properly and spreads evenly throughout the wash.’
Hugo continues, ‘Adding liquid detergent straight to the drum is also a good idea if you are not sure how the drawer works on your machine. Some machines may have a designated compartment for liquid detergent in the drawer, while others may have a dispenser on the top of the agitator that is specifically designed for liquid detergent.
‘It is important to check the manufacturer's instructions to determine the best method for your washing machine – although adding liquid detergent to the drum is always a safe bet.’
To ensure your clothes come out fresh but free from irritants, consider using a gentle detergent, such as Tide Free & Gentle, from Target. This laundry detergent dispensing set, from Amazon, helps you get the correct amount of detergent every time to avoid waste.
Where to put powdered detergent
Powdered detergents should always go in the detergent drawer of your washing machine so that they can be properly dissolved and diluted before they reach your clothes, preventing detergent stains on fabrics.
Johanes says that this should go into the section of the detergent drawer marked with a ‘II’ – a laundry symbol on appliances signifying the main wash cycle.
He urges, ‘Avoid adding detergent to the pre-wash or fabric softener compartments which often sit beside it.’
This powdered detergent tin and measuring cup, from Target, make it easy to dispense the correct amount of detergent per load, preventing waste and damaged clothing.
Where to put detergent pods
The laundry pods vs. liquid detergent debate is a fierce one, but if you favor the convenience of the pods for cutting down on detergent to save clothes, Rebekah Nixon, VP of global product innovation at doTERRA says, ‘Simply toss one laundry pod per standard load into the drum of your washing machine before putting in your dirty laundry. Two pods may be used for larger or soiled loads.
‘I love this because you don’t have to worry about how much you’re using.’
To cut toxic chemicals out of your laundry routine, consider opting for non-toxic laundry pods from AspenClean, available at Amazon. They come in two fragrances and are made without plastic, making them better for the environment, too.
Where to put fabric softener
When using fabric softener in laundry, add it into the detergent drawer. For this, you are usually looking for the section of the drawer marked with a flower symbol.
The same rule applies if you are using non-toxic fabric softener alternatives, such as switching out softener to use white vinegar in laundry to soften towels and clothes without irritating chemicals. Walmart offers XL containers of white vinegar for convenience.
Where to put pre-wash detergent
The pre-rinse cycle is usually an underutilized washing machine setting, but it can be very helpful when trying to remove stains. To get the most out of this additional cycle, add pre-wash detergent to the detergent drawer compartment marked with a ‘I’.
Where to put scent boosters
Looking to make laundry smell better? If adding scent beads or boosters such as Downy Laundry Beads, from Walmart, to your washing machine, it is wise to check the product manufacturer's instructions first to ensure the right dosage and positioning in your machine. Usually, however, these are tossed into the drum before your detergent or dirty laundry is added.
Looking for a chemical-free way to keep clothes smelling nice beyond laundry day? Consider using essential oils in laundry instead. This essential oil starter set, from Walmart, will allow you to customize your fragrance.
FAQs
How much detergent should you use in a washer?
Regardless of whether you put liquid detergent in the drawer or directly into the drum, you should use the same amount of detergent. However, finding the limit varies widely depending on your washing machine's capacity, the degree of soiling, and the hardness of your water.
Cleaning technician Hugo Guerrero suggests, ‘‘As a general rule of thumb, a medium-sized laundry load requires ¼-⅓ cup of detergent in the drum of your machine,’ he says, ‘but you can experiment using less.’ There are plenty of measures and dispensers available online, such as this dispenser set from Amazon, that can help you to get the same amount for every load.
It is possible to use too little liquid detergent, and it's not possible to wash clothes without detergent if you want a proper clean.
Where do I put detergent in a washer without a dispenser?
If your washing machine model does not have a detergent drawer, add the detergent straight into the drum of the machine. It is important that you put detergent in a washing machine first to avoid staining your clothing.
Your detergents, softeners, and boosters will only do so much to clean and scent clothes. For perfect laundry results, make sure to clean a washing machine and clean a washing machine detergent drawer regularly – at least once a month.