Most of the modern washing machines come with a separate detergent dispenser. Even separate dispensers for bleach and fabric softeners are available in many machines. Still, some people want to go for a shortcut; thereby, they put the detergent directly into the drum. Then there comes a question, “Is there any problem associated with this act?”
Technically, there is no harm in adding the liquid detergent directly into the drum. However, this should be done by using a mesh ball. Other than that, a detergent dispenser is made to increase the efficiency of detergent as it gets dissolve better in water. Therefore, it is better to use the detergent dispenser.
The correct way is to use the dispenser. If you cannot afford a minor inconvenience to your washing machine, stick to the right method. There can be several cons of pouring the liquid detergent directly into the drum of the washing machine.
Importance of Detergent Dispenser
Home appliances, including washing machines, are a complex system that is made with great care. These appliances demand equal care while you use them. It is necessary to read the owner’s manual before using any electrical appliance you buy. You will find so much information in it. This also makes you aware of the importance of each part of the appliance.
A washing machine is one of those electrical appliances that demand care and maintenance. If you do the complete opposite of what was written on the owner’s manual, then how can you expect your washer to work properly?
Using the detergent dispenser is one of many important rules that you should follow. A detergent dispenser is made for a specific task; therefore, it is essential to pour the laundry detergent into the dispenser. Straying from the correct method may lead to a big mishap.
It is beneficial for you to use the detergent dispenser correctly. It was constructed in such a way that when the water gets completely filled in the drum, detergent from the dispenser releases. This ensures the release at the right time. Also, the liquid detergent gets dissolved in the water evenly. If you add the detergent yourself directly to the drum, there are chances that some parts become more concentrated.
Such concentrated regions are likely to leave stains and films on your clothes.
How to Add Liquid Detergent to the Dispenser
Front-load and High-efficiency washing machines come with a separate compartment for laundry detergent. These compartments are usually located on the top of washing machines. Detergent dispensers might not be available in top-loading washing machines.
The dispenser usually constitutes three compartments. These are the main wash compartment, softener compartment, and prewash compartment.
In order to pour liquid detergent into the compartment, you need to slide open the dispenser. Fill the dispenser with the correct amount of liquid detergent. Make sure not to exceed the amount of one tablespoon of detergent in a regular load of laundry.
Press the Start button after that. The detergent will be released from the dispenser automatically by the washing machine.
You can use a measuring cup or a spoon for the correct measurement.
Read More: Liquid Detergents: Can It Freeze?
Cons of Using the Detergent Dispenser
Normally, using the detergent dispenser is the best and preferred method to pour the liquid detergent. However, this can be a little heavy on your pockets.
Since you add the detergent to the dispenser, the detergent has to go through pipes to reach the drum. Traveling from the dispenser to the drum results in the loss of a good amount of detergent.
This little loss, every time you do laundry, will turn into bottles of detergent, thereby emptying your pockets. Unfortunately, we do not have a better option. Therefore, we need to compromise and go with the flow.
On the other hand, if you pour the detergent directly into the drum, no such issue will appear. You will be able to utilize the detergent completely without any loss.
Liquid detergent is also likely to clog the pipes through which it passes. Detergent also clogs the dispenser in which it is poured.
Due to these reasons, people are moving more towards the drum filling instead of using the detergent dispenser.
Cons of Pouring Liquid Detergent in the Drum
The major con of pouring detergent directly into the drum is the appearance of stains and films. Water and clothes are already present inside the washing machine. When you pour the liquid detergent on the top, detergent can get stuck to a specific portion of clothes, thereby staining the clothes.
It is common that detergent leaves stains on clothes right before getting diluted by the water. If your detergent contains blue dye, the situation can get even worse.
The other issue can be the uneven dissolving of liquid detergent in the water. In this case, the detergent is likely to get stuck in a load of clothes, which is why the detergent does not reach some clothes, leaving them dirty.
Correct Method of Adding Liquid Detergent to the Drum
Not everyone lazily adds the detergent to the drum. Sometimes, people are forced to do so. The reason can be a malfunction of the detergent dispenser or, in some cases, poor detergent release in the drum.
You should not panic if you face such a situation. There is a very simple solution to this problem.
Dosing Balls
You can add the liquid detergent to the drum by using balls made specifically for this purpose. These balls are made to ensure that your clothes get an even amount of detergent, and they come all clean and fresh without any stain.
To use a dosing ball, you will need to fill it according to your need to a certain point. After filling the ball, simply place it on the top of your clothes placed inside the washer. Once the wash cycle starts, the detergent present in the ball will be distributed evenly in the washing machine.
These balls are reusable, which means they are eco-friendly. You will be producing zero waste as you use them. Other than that, you are saving your clothes from stains produced by those laundry detergents.
There are other similar methods you can use to pour the liquid detergent. Dosing balls are the best. Many times, you don’t even have to pay for them. They come for free with several detergents.
Unfortunately, there is a drawback to using the dosing ball. As it is present inside the washer, it can make unwanted noises when striking the walls of the drum. You have to tolerate these noises to get the best cleaning results.
How Many Detergents Should I Add?
The amount of detergent you add depends upon various factors. The major ones include dirt on the laundry and the strength of the liquid detergent you are using.
Read the Instructions
To determine the correct amount of laundry detergent to be added, read the instruction on the bottle of laundry detergent. This will give you the exact idea of how much detergent you should add.
Add More Detergent, if…
However, in case your clothes are dirtier than usual, then you need to add a little more detergent than you normally add. Also, if you use hard water to do laundry, you will have to add more amount of detergent to make it soft.
While adding more detergent, do not be reckless enough to overdose on the laundry. Overdosing can bring disastrous results, majorly due to the formation of suds in the washing machine.
Use the Detergent in Several Ways
Liquid detergents are not always harmful to clothes if they are added directly to them. Sometimes, the detergent is mild and made with eco-friendly and natural chemicals that do not harm your clothes.
In this case, you do not have to bother about using a dosing ball. You can carefully pour the detergent into the washer to get the best results.
Liquid detergents are also used as pretreatment. A small amount of detergent is added to the top of the stain. You have to leave the stain for a while, but do not let it dry. Otherwise, it will leave spots on your cloth. Simply wash it in the washing machine afterward.
Read More: Is Liquid Detergent Bad for Washing Machine?
Myth
You need to overcome the myth that says more detergent means cleaner clothes. This act will only cause a mishap. When you add more detergent than needed, the clothes do not get rinse off effectively, and so a good amount of detergent gets stuck in them. When you wear such clothes, you will feel itchiness and dryness.
In Conclusion
You can pour the liquid detergent in the drum, but with a dosing ball only. Pouring it directly in the drum containing laundry will destroy all your clothes. The liquid detergent is likely to cause staining on the garments.
The preferred way is to use the detergent dispenser, which is made specifically for this purpose. If you are not satisfied with the results it is giving; then you can skip this procedure.
Both methods have their pros and cons. It is better to use the detergent dispenser. In case of some serious problems like clogging, you can shift to the direct pouring method. But make sure to use a dosing ball to prevent staining.