Where do I put my laundry detergent in the washing machine?

We know how to start a washing machine.

But sometimes, a question bothers us: in which compartment should I put my detergent?

Don't panic, let's clarify!

In which compartment to put detergent in your washing machine:

Your washing machine is generally equipped with three distinct compartments:

1. Compartment I or A: This is for pre-wash. It is only used for very dirty laundry, but at SENZA, we prefer to limit its use to avoid excessive water consumption.
2. Compartment II or B: This is where you put your detergent, whether powder or liquid. Simple and effective.
3. The compartment with a small flower: This tray is reserved for fabric softener.

But with SENZA detergents, you can do without it. Our natural formulas leave your laundry soft and supple without adding chemicals. (Senza Natural Detergent)

Natural concentrated detergent 5L - €39.00

Lavender concentrated detergent 5L - €39.00

Solid laundry stain remover 200g - €9.90

DISCOVER DISCOVER DISCOVER

Natural concentrated detergent 5L - €39.00

DISCOVER

Lavender concentrated detergent 5L – €39.00

DISCOVER

Solid laundry stain remover 200g – €9.90

DISCOVER

What if I use the wrong compartment?

Don't panic, there's no risk to the machine, but the wash won't be optimal:

• If the detergent ends up in the pre-wash compartment, it will be released too early, during a phase that is too short to clean the laundry properly.
• If it is put in the fabric softener compartment, it will only be released at the end of the cycle, during rinsing, and therefore will not have time to clean properly.

Result: you will probably have to run another wash cycle. This is not the most ecological option, but anyone can make a mistake! In this case, run a quick program, as the laundry has already been agitated with hot water (even 30°) and detergent, which will be more than enough.

Detergent in the drum or in the tray?

You can put powder detergent directly in the drum. This prevents residues in the detergent tray. Dosing balls can be recommended for more homogeneous and gradual diffusion of the detergent, but it's better to recycle your grandmother's old dosing ball, and if not, you can easily do without it.

For liquid detergent, we recommend putting it in the detergent tray (compartment II). It's more practical and allows for better distribution of the product. Accurate and precise dosing is all you need for your laundry to be clean and well-treated.

The 5 things to remember for a smart and eco-friendly wash:

1. Liquid detergent: always in compartment II or B, the largest one.
2. Powder detergent: preferably in the drum to avoid residues in the trays.
3. Pre-wash: only use if your laundry is very dirty, otherwise, it consumes too much water unnecessarily.
4. Do not overdose: you don't need too much to wash well. Too high a dosage can leave residues on the laundry or clog the machine.
5. Natural stain removers: for an ecological pre-wash, prefer natural solutions like SENZA's household soap, white vinegar, or baking soda.

Where to put my detergent in the washing machine - FAQ

In which compartment should I put my detergent in the washing machine?

Detergent should be placed in the compartment marked with symbol II or B. This is generally the largest tray.

In which compartment should I put powder detergent?

Powder detergent should be placed directly in the drum. It is recommended to put powder detergent in before adding the laundry to the drum.

In which compartment should I put liquid detergent?

Liquid detergent should be poured into the detergent tray in compartment II or B. This allows the liquid detergent to be distributed a bit better, both in the machine and on the laundry.

Do I need to add fabric softener? Commercial fabric softener primarily contains an anti-limescale agent. For laundry such as sheets or towels, you can add white vinegar to the appropriate compartment of the machine (the fabric softener compartment) or, once again, soda crystals in the drum. Both will neutralize the limescale that causes the rough feeling on laundry, especially if washed at high temperatures. Avoid vinegar with underwear, as it can damage elastic over time.

To go further:

Choosing the best detergent for babies
Detergent for sensitive skin