Most of us have a washing machine at home. For good reason, the latter makes it possible to obtain clean linen in a short time and without significant effort. However, not everyone can boast of mastering its use to perfection. The proof, many of us do not know the function of its 3rd compartment. Let’s find out what exactly it is for.
Most washing machines have three compartments. However, it seems that many people have no idea what each of them is for. And it is because it is important to clarify this point that we are going to draw your attention to a compartment of the machine that is often poorly exploited.
What is the 3rd compartment of the washing machine used for?
Drawer of a washing machine – Source: spm
Although the washing machine is easy to use, many people still get the wrong compartment when adding detergent. Because, this lack of knowledge can have negative repercussions on the quality of the wash. To prevent this and not end up with stained laundry, for example, let’s remember the role of each of the compartments:
The compartment symbolized by a cloverleaf, namely “the third block”, is intended for fabric softener. You can also add white vinegar and conditioner to it, instead of regular fabric softener. Not only does it have softening properties, but it will better maintain the linen in the long term.
Adding fabric softener to the washing machine – Source: spm
As for the compartment with the “I” symbol, it is intended for pre-washing and can be used when your laundry is particularly dirty. However, it is not compulsory to use it since it requires a large amount of water, which is not very environmentally friendly. If you want to use it, favor the use of white vinegar instead of detergent, especially since the latter is an excellent limescale remover.
Finally, the compartment marked with the symbol “II” is intended for laundry.
It should be noted that these three compartments are most often present in front-loading washing machines as a detergent drawer unlike front-loading machines that only hold two.
What are the consequences if you use the wrong compartment of the detergent drawer?
As mentioned above, you risk ending up with poorly washed clothes if you choose the wrong compartment when using your washing machine. For good reason, the efficiency of the machine is impacted if, for example, you add powder detergent to the compartment that is not intended for it.
Likewise, if you pour detergent into the fabric softener compartment, your laundry will not benefit from a quality wash and will therefore not be safe from stains. In this specific case, the detergent will only be used at the end of the cycle, which means that the washing cycle will not be optimal for the clothes.
Top loading machine – Source: spm
If you have a top-loading washing machine, that means it has no compartments and detergent should be poured directly into the drum. In this case, you simply need to pour the recommended dose. If you wish, you can add a dose of softener afterwards before placing your laundry in the machine. In addition, it is not recommended to put your laundry in it before having poured the softener and the detergent. This is likely to stain your clothes.
As you have seen, knowing what each compartment of the washing machine is for will save you a lot of problems when washing your clothes.
Read also In which compartment should the detergent be poured? The slightest mistake can affect your laundry
Via SPM
