The secret of clean laundry is, among other things, hidden in the dispenser drawer. Therefore, you should know what the third chamber of the washing machine is used for.
Most of us use the washing machine without taking a closer look at what the individual compartments in the dispenser drawer are really for. At the same time, the correct dosage of detergents and their placement in the correct compartments can significantly affect the cleanliness and appearance of the washed laundry. Their number and designation may differ slightly depending on the specific model of the washing machine, but the basic principle is the same.
How and why to use the 3rd compartment in the washing machine drawer? Watch an interesting YouTube video on the In The Wash channel:
Source: Youtube
First compartment
It is commonly denoted by the numeral “1” or the Roman version of “I”. As a rule, it is the largest and is intended for detergent for the main wash, which is necessary for effective washing and removing common dirt and stains from laundry. The choice of detergent depends on the type of fabric, degree of soiling and water hardness.
Both bulk and liquid detergents are available on the current market. Bulk detergents are generally cheaper, but can leave deposits in the washing machine. Liquid detergents are gentler on fabrics and dissolve more easily. The dosage of the detergent is usually given by the manufacturer’s instructions and depends on the amount of laundry and the degree of its soiling.
Second compartment
The next compartment is usually marked with the number “2”, the Roman “II”, but often also with the symbol of a flower or an asterisk. Fabric softener is poured into it, which softens the laundry, facilitates ironing and at the same time gives it a pleasant aroma. The choice of fabric softener is a matter of personal preference. Fabric softeners are currently available not only in many scents, but also for different types of fabrics. The dosage again depends on the manufacturer’s instructions, but also on the type of material you are washing.
Third compartment
The mysterious third compartment, which is usually marked with the number “3” or the triangle symbol or the letters “CL”, is not used by many users and mostly because they do not know what it is really for. It is intended for bleaching agents that are used to remove stubborn stains and refresh white laundry. The current market offers different types of whitening agents.
Bleach with added chlorine is effective, but can degrade colored clothes. Bleach with the addition of oxygen is gentler on colors and is therefore suitable not only for white clothes, but also for colored ones. Enzymatic bleaches are special agents designed to remove biological stains such as blood or grass. The dosage is again recommended by the manufacturer according to the specific product and it is always good to follow it so as not to damage your clothes unnecessarily. Before using a given bleaching agent, it is necessary to check the label on the washed piece of fabric.
Pre-wash
Some washing machines also have one more compartment, which is usually located in front of the main compartment for detergent. It is intended for pre-washing heavily soiled laundry, for example work or sports clothes, which require a longer and more intensive washing process. A small amount of detergent is added to this compartment to prepare the laundry for the main wash.
Regular maintenance
Clean the dosing drawer regularly, at least once every two months. Long-term use can cause detergent residue to build up in these compartments, which can cause them to become clogged or moldy. As a result, detergent deposits can impair the washing efficiency and also cause an unpleasant smell. When cleaning, it is usually possible to simply remove the entire drawer and wash it under running water.
Never overfill the washing machine
Always be careful not to unnecessarily overload the washing machine with a large amount of laundry. Detergent residues could stick to it after washing. In the same way, observe their correct dosage according to the volume of laundry you will wash.
Resources: www.tomsguide.com, www.scrubhub.org.uk, www.inthewash.co.uk
