Washing machines are essential in any household – we rely on them constantly to keep our laundry mountains under control. And if you’ve ever used powder or liquid detergent, you’ll know about the detergent drawer. But do you actually know what each of the three compartments is for? And are you confident you’re using them correctly?
It might seem obvious, but it turns out it’s not always so clear, and many of us might be getting it wrong! That could mean people are putting detergent in the wrong section, potentially leading to residue build-up or less-than-clean laundry.
Let’s break it down and take a closer look at what each compartment does, and how to keep them clean and working properly.
Washing machine drawer sections
There are three main sections to a washing machine drawer: pre-wash, detergent and fabric softener. Let’s see what each section does and how to best use them…
The pre-wash compartment
Starting on the right-hand side, the pre-wash section is usually the second-largest space in the drawer. It’s where you put detergent specifically for the pre-wash part of your cycle – perfect for tackling stubborn stains or when washing heavily soiled clothes like muddy kits or workwear.
To use it, just pop your pre-wash detergent into the top left part of the drawer before starting your washing machine. But remember not to go over the recommended amount – too much can cause damage to clothes or even the washer itself.
Laundry tip: You don’t have to buy a special pre-wash product – regular detergent will do the trick. And if your machine doesn’t run a pre-wash, don’t worry. It will still flush this compartment, even if you didn’t select that setting.
Main wash compartment
This is the most used compartment – the main wash section – and you’ll usually find it on the left-hand side. It’s also the largest of the three.
This is where your everyday detergent goes, whether you prefer powder or liquid. The washing machine will draw from this compartment when the main cycle begins. Always check the recommended dosage for your detergent – using too much or too little can affect your results.
Laundry tip: Some washing machines come with an auto-dosing feature, which takes the guesswork out of detergent amounts. Just keep the detergent topped up and let the machine do the rest.
The fabric softener compartment
That slim compartment in the middle? That’s for your fabric softener. It’s designed to release during the final rinse, giving your laundry that fresh, soft finish. A little goes a long way, so there’s no need to overfill it.
Softener isn’t a must for every load, but it’s especially nice for things like towels and bed linen.
Caring for your detergent drawer
Keeping your detergent drawer clean is simple but really important. If you don’t clean it regularly, detergent can build up and cause blockages – or worse, mould.
Thankfully, most drawers are removable. Look for a release button, press it down and gently pull the drawer out.
For cleaning, use a mild detergent or a non-abrasive cleaner with warm water. A toothbrush is great for getting into small corners and tackling residue. And before you slot the drawer back in, make sure it’s completely dry.
Don’t forget to regularly clean your washing machine to keep every aspect of it running smoothly and efficiently.
Looking to upgrade your washing machine?
We’ve got lots of advice on washing machines, and what to look out for when you are getting a new machine, or upgrading to tackle more laundry loads. Our washing machine guide has all the need to know info when looking to upgrade your laundry set up.
FAQs
How do I remove washing machine detergent drawer for cleaning?
To remove the washing machine detergent drawer for cleaning, find the release button (generally toward the back of the middle section), press down and gently pull the drawer out. By doing this you can easily clean any residue off the washing machine detergent drawer and clean the spray nozzles in the washing machine.
How do I clean a washing machine drawer effectively?
To clean your washing machine drawer effectively, remove the detergent drawer. Soak it in warm soapy water for 5-10 minutes, gently scrub away any build up or residue and then thoroughly rinse it off. Make sure the drawer is completely dry before you put it back in the machine. While the drawer is soaking, you can wipe down the inside of the detergent drawer compartment with a damp cloth using warm water or vinegar. You can also run a hot cleaning cycle to make sure all debris is gone and leave the doors open once complete to let the washing machine air dry.
?fmt=auto)
