Compartments in a washing machine: their purpose, differences and designations. What product and where should I put it in the washing machine? Is it possible to pour powder directly into the drum of a washing machine?
An automatic washing machine is perhaps the most useful invention according to women all over the planet. This device saves a lot of time and effort. In addition, it protects the delicate skin of women’s hands and also protects it from the harmful effects of water and chemicals. It would seem that there is nothing easier than throwing laundry into the machine and starting it up.
But it's not that simple. Many housewives quite often have difficulties with intricate compartments for detergents. Despite the fact that there are only three of them (and sometimes 2), women are afraid of harming their new assistant and do not risk using them to the fullest. This article will try to correct the current situation and help our lovely ladies in solving their problems.
Where to put powder in the washing machine for pre- and main wash
Before loading laundry into the washing machine, you need to sort it by color, type of fabric, and degree of soiling. For especially severe cases, washing machines have programs with preliminary (additional) washing. These cycles should not be used for daily washing, since long cycles are not suitable for many types of fabrics.
Options for placing trays in different types/brands of machines
LG
The machines from this company have a classic 3-section tray division. The right compartment is for pre-wash, the left for the main wash. The manufacturer identifies the conditioner container in blue.
Bosch
Top-loading machines have the following arrangement of receivers: on the left is a compartment for pre-wash, in the middle for rinse aid, on the right for the main wash.
Samsung
Washing machines are equipped with a 3-section tray. The left compartment is for the main wash, the right is for the additional wash. The air conditioning section is painted blue.
Indesit
The leftmost section is for additional washing, the middle one for the main wash. The compartment with the flower serves as a rinse aid receptacle.
Compartment markings
The structure of the receiving tray in different models may have its own characteristics. But the symbols of the sections themselves are unified:
- The pre-wash compartment may be marked with a unit (Roman or Arabic) or the letter A.
- The main wash container has the largest volume in the tray and is designated by a two (Roman or Arabic) or the letter B.
- The rinse aid receptacle is most often marked with a flower (less often with the number 3).
Never fill the rinse aid compartment above the permissible maximum - this may cause the detergent to get on the powder and cause poor cleaning of things.
In many models, the design of the tray provides an additional bath, which is inserted into the pre-wash container. It is used as a bleach or stain remover.
Is it possible to pour powder into a drum?
Any modern washing machine has a tray for detergents. It is this compartment, according to the manufacturer’s plan, that should ensure the flow of powder into the drum with dirty laundry. But sometimes it can be poured directly into the machine.
This exception is suitable for powders that are very foamy. Basically, these are soap-based products with poor solubility in cold water, and the manufacturer necessarily warns about this feature of the product on the packaging.
Among the powders that can be poured into the drum are for washing children's clothes. They have a special gentle formula and are not washed off so well with water from the receiving tray.
Proponents of pouring powder directly into the drum claim that this improves the quality of washing and saves detergents. Opponents are inclined to think that the powder in this mode comes into contact with the laundry undiluted and can spoil the products.
Manufacturers of washing machines do not give clear prohibitions on pouring powder directly into the drum. Unlike using bleaches and stain removers in this way, they can only be loaded into the receiving tray.
Personal experience
I myself received a washing machine in a very unsightly state. I cleaned the tray with different means, and this is what I got.
There was everything in the tray: plaque, mold, powder
First, I tried using Cif cream with microgranules and a whitening effect. I successfully use the cream in the kitchen. The advantage of this product is its creamy consistency. It is convenient to apply, it does not spread or leak out of the tray. And it also has a pleasant smell. I left the product on for 15-20 minutes and then scrubbed it off with a brush. Of course, there was an effect, but it was insignificant. Most likely, this cream will cope with fresh stains. It will not help in advanced cases.
Next, I tried a product from Faberlic for ovens and stoves based on caustic soda. Its consistency is also an advantage. The product is available in the form of a thick, colorless gel. The smell is unpleasant, but weak - tolerable. After 15 minutes of soaking there was a slight improvement. This means that it still works a little better than Cif cream.
This is what the tray looked like after treatment with household chemicals
Then I turned to folk remedies. The first thing I used was baking soda. Using a toothbrush, I wiped all the surfaces with soda slurry. The downside is that in order for the soda to “work”, you had to rub as hard as you could.
Tray after treatment with soda
Finally, I soaked my tray in a 9% vinegar solution overnight. Soaking is inconvenient - the tray is large. I had to adapt it in such a way that the vinegar would not spill out of the pockets. The next morning, the limescale deposits had not disappeared, but the tray had noticeably turned white.
The vinegar didn’t cope with the stain, but it significantly refreshed the tray.
From my experiment we can draw an unambiguous conclusion: all remedies are good if used on time.
Where to pour shampoo and liquid washing powders
Most often, “shampoos” are called means for cleaning high-tech or down clothes, which have their own subtleties in care. For proper use, always follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the shampoo itself and the washing machine itself.
Do not use shampoos to wash your hair in automatic machines. They are ineffective for most types of dirt, lather too much and can damage your machine!
What is special about liquid products? Once in the tray, they literally immediately (without the participation of water) begin to flow into the drum. Some machine manufacturers provide an additional curtain in the tray. It serves for accurate calculation of liquids (as it has divisions), but in general it also does not prevent drainage.
In machines with a different tray structure, this curtain may not be present. Then users are advised to pour liquid detergent into the main wash compartment immediately before starting or use special containers that are placed in the drum along with dirty clothes.
Sometimes manufacturers prohibit pouring liquid products directly into the tray, so always read the instructions carefully!
How many compartments and what are they for?
In common models of machines with both top and side loading, the manufacturer provides a special compartment for adding washing components.
In side-loading washing machines, it is located at the top of the front panel, next to the appliance control panel. In top-loading equipment, in order to see the powder compartment, you need to open the hatch cover. The compartment can be located next to the drum or directly on the lid.
Opening the powder tray, you can see 3 compartments into which it is divided.
The purpose of each of these compartments is determined by the icon depicted on it:
- The Latin letter A or Roman numeral I indicates the prewash compartment. Powder is poured into it if the appropriate program is selected, where the washing procedure consists of 2 stages. From this compartment the powder will be washed into the drum during the first stage.
- Latin letter B or Roman numeral II - this is how the compartment for the main wash is designated, regardless of the program, as well as the second stage of washing in a mode with a preliminary stage.
- The star or flower icon indicates the conditioner or rinse aid compartment. The product intended for this separation is usually in liquid form. You can pour conditioner into this compartment both before and during washing. The main thing is to be in time before the machine starts to draw water for rinsing. Otherwise, the product will not penetrate into the drum.
Also, in the compartments numbered I or II, in addition to the main laundry detergent, you can add bulk stain removers, bleaches and products for cleaning the machine from scale and dirt.
The third compartment can only be used for components used in rinsing laundry.
Where to put capsules and tablets for washing
Capsules and tablets further simplify the washing process, since there is no need to fuss about the dosage of powder - these products are designed for 4-5 kg of laundry. In case of heavy soiling and a larger volume of items, 2 capsules or tablets can be used per wash cycle.
Before starting the machine and loading laundry, the capsule must be placed on the bottom of the drum. This will ensure its uniform and rapid dissolution. Pour conditioner into the tray of the machine and you can start the cycle. The gel contained inside the capsule will quickly react with water and begin to clean the products literally from the first minutes of washing.
Tablets are used in 2 ways: placed in a powder container (i.e., in a tray) or, like capsules, directly in a drum. There is no fundamental difference in the use of methods, but faster (and therefore more effective) dissolution of tablets occurs in the drum.
Loading powder into the drum at different modes: 30, 40, 60°C
Contrary to the belief that pouring detergent directly into the drum is much more economical than pouring it into a tray, the editors report that this is just a myth, and in fact it will be more economical to send laundry detergent into the tray. Of course, if your compartment is broken and won’t open, then you need to load the detergent directly into the drum, but you won’t be able to use pre-wash and many others that require a dosage of powder, and it may not rinse out completely. For example, when washing at 30°C, the powder poured into the drum does not completely dissolve, and its particles may remain on the inner parts of the clothing, which will subsequently cause irritation on the body.
Laundry gels and capsules work better if they immediately dissolve in warm water, regardless of the existing temperature regime. The higher the indicator, the more efficient the washing will be.
Good to know!
In this case, try to use a gentle washing mode so as not to spoil things, but it is better to set one of the long-term functions.
It is better to pre-dissolve all gels and capsules for washing, as well as stain removers, in warm water. Thus, they are activated faster and will begin to act from the first minute of washing. If you need to use laundry soap, but don’t want to wash your clothes by hand, you need to grate it on a fine grater and put it in the drum, starting the pre-wash mode.
Dear readers, if you have any questions regarding this article, ask them in the comments below the article. We always welcome feedback and public opinion.
How to measure the right amount of powder
All manufacturers give recommendations on the amount of powder required for washing. Most often, they calculate the consumption for a full machine load (4.5-5 kg of dry things). But you shouldn’t wait for the required amount of dirty laundry to accumulate. In order to measure the powder, approximately calculate the weight of the items and compare it with the instructions on the product.
A special glass or spoon will help you measure the powder. If these were not included with the powder, you can use the prompts (divisions) directly inside the tray. With experience, many owners do not calculate the required amount of powder each time, but intuitively pour it into the washing machine compartment.
There is no need for uniform distribution of powder in the tray hopper; the water pressure will wash it away anyway. The main thing is to make sure that it does not scatter past the receiver, this can interfere with the close contact of the tray with the machine and become an obstacle to its full operation.
How to download correctly
Washing machines from different manufacturers have significant differences in the range of programs and washing modes. The amount of powder that will be consumed during a particular washing program is indicated in the operating instructions for the household appliance. In addition, each manufacturer of synthetic detergent for automatic cars indicates its approximate dosage on the packaging. But all this data is conditional.
The following factors may influence the dosage of washing powder:
- Initial weight of loaded laundry. The greater the weight, the more product you need to add. If only a few items are to be washed, the calculated amount of product should be reduced.
- Degree of pollution . If things are heavily soiled or have stains that are difficult to remove, the concentration of the powder should be increased.
- Water hardness level . The higher it is, the more detergent will be needed for a positive washing result.
- Washing program. Different types of fabrics require different amounts of detergent.
Load powder, stain remover or bleach strictly into the appropriate tray before starting the washing process.
In order to pour the powder, it is best to use a special measuring cup.
It has a convenient spout that allows you to pour powder exactly into the compartment, and there are marks on its walls, making it easy to measure the required amount of powder. You can buy it at any hardware store. Also, some manufacturers of washing powders put it in the package with the product as a nice bonus. This usually applies to packages with a large weight.
There is an opinion that the powder can be poured directly into the drum after loading laundry there. This method has both positive and negative sides.
pros
less detergent consumption;
possibility of washing if the cuvette breaks;
Possibility of washing when the hoses supplying water for washing off the powder are clogged.
Minuses
less detergent consumption;
possibility of washing if the cuvette breaks;
Possibility of washing when the hoses supplying water for washing off the powder are clogged.
If there is a need to add the product directly to the drum, you need to use special plastic containers for this.
Their use will protect the laundry from bleaching, and small holes in the lid of such a container will allow the powder to dissolve inside and the soap solution to be poured into the drum gradually.
Detergent in the form of gels and capsules can be loaded directly into the drum of the washing machine. Most often, they do not have aggressive components, and their application to clothing will not damage it.
In some models of washing machines, manufacturers have provided a dispenser for gel-based laundry care products.
It is a plate that must be installed in the main powder compartment, where special grooves are located. Then pour in the gel. There will be a small space between this partition and the bottom of the compartment, through which the gel will enter the drum only when the water supply starts.
The easiest way to figure it out is by adding conditioner. You can pour it both before washing and during the washing process, before rinsing. The amount of rinse aid required is indicated on its packaging. But even if the conditioner is used less or more than the specified norm, this will not affect the cleanliness of the laundry.
Caring for the tray: how to pull it out and clean it
The tray in the washing machine is a kind of receiving and dispensing point. Despite the fact that it comes into direct contact with detergents, it must be additionally washed and dried. This will protect it from plaque, mold and will guarantee full operation of the machine.
In models with vertical loading, cleaning containers for powder and conditioner is quite difficult, since manipulations must be carried out stationary. Front-loading machines do not have this problem - the tray can be pulled out.
For this purpose, modern models have a special button (indicated by the inscription PUSH). In some machines, this is a special plastic lever located directly in the air conditioning compartment. If there are no such devices, the tray can be pulled out by simply pulling it towards you.
Professionals recommend cleaning the tray after every 2-3 washes. In this mode there will be no need for additional manipulations. The tray can be cleaned with a simple sponge or brush. If this fails, try using agents to combat plaque and mold. Another option is cleansing using improvised means: soda, vinegar and citric acid.
Select effective laundry detergents, load them according to all standards, and be sure to clean the tray. Then your assistant will delight you with clean and fresh linen for a long time!
Use of capsules
Special washing capsules are designed for direct loading into the drum. Under the durable shell of the product there is a concentrated gel. During washing, the capsule gradually dissolves. The gel is evenly mixed with the total volume of water, without eating away stains on clothes.
Liquid products can be poured into the tank provided they do not contain aggressive concentrated additives. This includes various rinses, conditioners, and fabric softeners. You need to know where and when to apply any powder or solution. This is the only way to guarantee high-quality and safe washing.
Thematic materials
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Traditional methods
The powder tray can be quite successfully cleaned with home remedies, without the use of store-bought, rather toxic, chemicals. Housewives have long used the following methods to clean the tray:
- The baking soda solution, obtained by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water, is poured into the tray. After some time, the dissolved contaminants are removed with a kitchen sponge, using its hard side.
- Citric acid will not only get rid of stubborn stains, but will also thoroughly rinse the pipes through which the laundry detergent is supplied to the drum. The cleaning process is simple: citric acid is poured into the powder compartment and a washing program with a temperature of 60 degrees is started when the drum is empty. In addition to keeping the car clean, this method will create a pleasant smell inside it.
- Ordinary table vinegar will successfully cope with complex stains. The tray must be removed from the machine and placed in a basin of a suitable size. Pour 1 glass of vinegar into a basin and add 1 liter of hot water. After a few hours, remove the dirt with a kitchen sponge.
- A mixture of soda and vinegar. Pour baking soda into the tray and pour vinegar over it. As a result of a violent reaction between them, the contamination falls off the walls and is removed with a sponge. If the dirt is not completely removed, the procedure can be repeated.
Review of fault codes and errors for Bosch washing machines (Bosch)
What to clean: the best products
We have decided how to combat pollution. Now let’s find out what is the best way to wash fossilized washing powder. Use factory-made household chemicals. It will bring the cuvette and the main components of the unit into proper shape.
The most popular means:
- Frisch Activ. An effective remedy in the fight to keep the dispenser clean. Suitable for trays with light soiling.
- "Doctor TEN." Recommended for dry cleaning of the washing machine and dispenser. Also used for minor stains.
- Sandokkaebi. The most effective composition of South Korean production. It cleans not only the container, but also the hoses and pipes of the SMA. An important advantage is the affordable price.
For soaking the tray, you can use more aggressive chemicals, because it is not poured into the machine. Suitable products for cleaning plumbing fixtures and toilets. For example, “Domestos” or “Toilet duckling”.
Combined cleaning
Is water not getting into the compartment? The cuvette is completely clogged. Cleaning with chemicals will not work. Mixed cleaning will help. It goes like this:
- Pull out the device and soak it in a basin in water for 5 minutes (water temperature - at least 60 degrees).
- Add or pour chemical into the water and mix well.
- Let the dispenser sit in the solution for several hours.
- Remove the container and scrub vigorously with a brush.
- Rinse, dry and reinstall.
The fastest way to clean the tray
If the contamination is not too strong, a quick rinse of the tray under hot water will help. Stages of the procedure:
- take out the container;
- remove all removable elements of the powder receiver;
- rinse all parts under running hot water; if stains are not washed off, remove them with a sponge;
- wipe the inside of the machine where the reservoir was located with a damp cloth;
- connect all structural elements and insert the tray into place.
What detergents are used for washing?
The market of synthetic products for automatic units is constantly updated with new products. Each consumer can easily choose the right product for him. When choosing, it is important to consider the composition, price, and country of production.
But there are a number of important components that you should consider before purchasing a synthetic detergent.
- In machines, you must use only the product that is intended for machines of this type. The required mark is on each package. Such products contain components that reduce foaming, which helps the powder to rinse out of the fabric fibers faster. The composition also contains substances that soften water, which helps protect equipment parts from scale and increase the service life of the unit.
- To wash children's clothes you need to choose a separate type of detergent . This powder contains hypoallergenic components. Children's underwear must be washed separately from the rest.
- It is advisable to wash colored items with powder, the packaging of which is marked “Color” . It contains no bleaches, and also contains color-preserving components.
- When choosing a detergent for washing woolen and knitted items, preference should be given to shampoo-type options. They contain components that will help maintain the original shape of the product.
- When purchasing fabric conditioner or fabric softener, you need to pay attention to its consistency. It is better to choose a thicker composition, since the liquid one will be quickly used up. It won’t hurt to decide on the aroma of the conditioner - if the smell is strong, then it will not disappear from the clothes for a long time after washing.
