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Machine washable powder: how to add it correctly? Video
White stains on clothes, unwashed stains, a chemical smell from clothes, frequent breakdowns of the washing machine – all this may be because you incorrectly fill the machine with powder or fill the conditioner. We are figuring out how to get rid of all these misfortunes.
For the main and preliminary
Typically, the powder drawer in an automatic washing machine is divided into three compartments. One of them, the smallest one, is marked with a flower (or an asterisk) symbol and is intended for a fabric softener or rinse aid.
The other two compartments are most often marked with Roman numerals I and II, sometimes there are also letter designations – A and B. In the compartment marked A (or I), powder is poured only if a program with prewash or soak is selected. For the main wash, the powder poured into compartment II (B) is used. This is usually the largest compartment in terms of volume, although some manufacturers make both powder compartments the same size.
If the marking is erased, you can turn on the washing machine by selecting a mode without prewash and pull out the drawer. Water will start pouring into the main wash compartment.
The way liquid detergents are used depends on their thickness and viscosity. Manufacturers recommend pouring liquid detergents into a container – in the same place as the powder, into the compartment for the main wash (such “shampoos” are not intended for cycles with preliminary wash).
It is better to pour thick concentrated gels for washing directly into the drum of the washing machine (after loading the laundry there). If you pour gel into the tray, unlike powders and liquids, which rinse immediately into the washing drum, the gel will drain slowly into it. In this case, the detergent solution may even get into the rinse water.
Some gels are available in bottles with a special dispenser knob. In such cases, the agent can be put into the drum along with the knob; during the washing process, the gel will be completely washed out.
When using thick fabric softeners, you can pre-dilute them with water to prevent the detergent from sticking to the sides of the compartment.
By the way, liquid and gel products are intended for washing at low temperatures – not higher than 60 ° C.
Liquid bleaches and stain removers must be poured into the detergent drawer in the prewash compartment. Detergents in the form of tablets or strips are placed directly into the drum.
However, manufacturers of some powders (in particular, for washing children’s clothes) also recommend pouring the product not into the tray, but into the drum. Therefore, carefully read the instructions before using a new brand of powder.
How much powder is needed for washing
Automatic “washers” are designed to use detergents with reduced foaming. On the packaging of such products there is the word “automatic” (or matic) and an icon with the image of a washing machine. But even when using such powders, an increased level of foam can sometimes be observed. This is usually due to an overdose of detergent.
The recommended consumption of the product is usually indicated on the packaging of washing powder. But, since manufacturers of detergents are interested in increasing the marketing of their products, sometimes they indicate the maximum dosage.
The standard standard for washing linen is 1 tablespoon of powder per kilogram of dry linen. Therefore, if your machine is designed for 5 kilograms of dry laundry, but you load it only halfway, 2-3 spoons will be enough.