It turns out there is a right and wrong way to add detergent to your washing machine – and it’s likely that many of us have been doing it wrong.
Taking to Twitter, Roman Kemp, the 29-year-old son of former Spandau Ballet member Martin Kemp, confessed he had no idea what the three trays in a washing machine are for.
“I’m Roman. I’m 29 years old, and I still have no idea what I put in each of these,” he wrote, with a picture of his Siemens washing machine drawers.
Roman wasn’t alone. Many admitted they also had no idea what the three trays were for.
“Me neither, and I’m 42 years old,” said one commenter.
Another added: “45 here, and I’ve just had to check the drawer of my machine to see if I have 3 compartments, nope, just the two, so no idea what the 3rd would be for.”
What the three washing machine trays are for
That’s when cleaning expert Laura de Barra chimed in to set the record straight.
“OK, listen up,” she says.
“There are usually 3 compartments: prewash, detergent, softener.
“Not knowing what is what can make clothes smellier, scratchier and actually not last as long or do what they should.
“Sound manufacturers make it easy. L-R in order.
“So L is prewash, middle is detergent, R is softener.
“But as it’s not always the case … it’s also imperative that the right s*** hits your clothes at the right time…
“Pre-wash will have more surfactants to help remove heavy soiling, so will need a lot of rinsing to remove; she needs to enter early doors.
“Softener is designed to linger, so needs only a rinse stage, and detergent would never come off & clog fibres if it wasn’t followed by rinses.
“Many machines aren’t in order.
“So suss your symbols!
“You’ll have symbols like @romankemp image. See them above the compartments? I (sometimes 1) is prewash. II (2) is detergent, and the flower (3) is softener.”
More laundry tips:
Don’t overfill your washing machine: sure, running a full load is more energy efficient but don’t go crazy. Not only will clothes not be as clean, but they will be extra crinkled too.
Go easy on the detergent: detergent needs to be rinsed thoroughly from clothes. If you use too much, the detergent will remain on your clothes. Once dry, they will feel crunchy.
Cleaning your washing machine: running a constant short, cold cycle in your machine and using too much detergent will eventually lead to grime and mould building up in your machine. Make sure you clean it regularly. This includes taking the tray out and giving the compartment a good clean.
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Why do my clothes feel crunchy?
Unlikely spot mould is growing in your washing machine
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