- Standard marking of trays for loading detergents and their purpose
- Where to pour liquid and loose powder in the washing machine: general recommendations
- Options for loading washing powder into automatic machines from different manufacturers: photo instructions
- How to place powder in a semi-automatic washing machine and which one is better to use
- How much powder to pour into the washing machine: requirements from manufacturers and washing modes
- Loading powder into the drum at different modes: 30, 40, 60°C
Standard marking of trays for loading detergents and their purpose
There are “washing machines” that are not equipped with a compartment for filling detergents, but if such equipment is present, then it is important to know exactly which section is responsible for what. Often the tray is divided into three containers, masked with a certain symbol. Let's take a closer look.
| Symbol | Explanation and purpose |
| I (1) or A | This compartment is designed to be filled with washing powder or liquid gel detergent. During operation, the washing machine fills this container with water only if the selected washing function provides for pre-cleaning of items. You can also place bleaches and stain removers in this compartment. |
| II (2) or B | This marking indicates that the tray is intended for loading powder or any detergent for the main wash. |
| * ❄ star or snowflake | In terms of size, this compartment is usually the narrowest and smallest; its function is to wash out fabric softeners or fabric softeners. Begins to be used only during the last rinse stage. |
Good to know!
Do not place bleach or stain removers directly into the drum. Even the correctly selected washing mode will not save the item from damage.
What to clean: the best products
We have decided how to combat pollution. Now let’s find out what is the best way to wash fossilized washing powder. Use factory-made household chemicals. It will bring the cuvette and the main components of the unit into proper shape.
The most popular means:
- Frisch Activ. An effective remedy in the fight to keep the dispenser clean. Suitable for trays with light soiling.
- "Doctor TEN." Recommended for dry cleaning of the washing machine and dispenser. Also used for minor stains.
- Sandokkaebi. The most effective composition of South Korean production. It cleans not only the container, but also the hoses and pipes of the SMA. An important advantage is the affordable price.
For soaking the tray, you can use more aggressive chemicals, because it is not poured into the machine. Suitable products for cleaning plumbing fixtures and toilets. For example, “Domestos” or “Toilet duckling”.
Where to pour liquid and loose powder in the washing machine: general recommendations
You can find out which compartment you need to pour detergents into directly in the instructions for your household appliances. If for some reason it is missing, pay attention to the symbols from the previous section.
Washing things with liquid detergent is done in cases where dry powders are not reliable. It is important to know which compartment of the tray to pour it into:
- Liquid bleach or gel-based stain remover is placed in the compartment labeled I (1) or A. These chemicals are intended for pre-washing clothes.
- The liquid product in capsules is poured directly into the drum of the washing machine and dissolves there. If you put it in the filler compartment, then under weak water pressure the capsule does not dissolve and does not penetrate dirty laundry.
- Bulk detergent is placed in the compartment marked I for pre-wash or hole II for the main mode.
- Liquid rinse aids are always poured into the smallest size container. On many models it has an additional cover and is indicated in blue, in which it has a small hole.
How to measure the right amount of powder
All manufacturers give recommendations on the amount of powder required for washing. Most often, they calculate the consumption for a full machine load (4.5-5 kg of dry things). But you shouldn’t wait for the required amount of dirty laundry to accumulate. In order to measure the powder, approximately calculate the weight of the items and compare it with the instructions on the product.
A special glass or spoon will help you measure the powder. If these were not included with the powder, you can use the prompts (divisions) directly inside the tray. With experience, many owners do not calculate the required amount of powder each time, but intuitively pour it into the washing machine compartment.
There is no need for uniform distribution of powder in the tray hopper; the water pressure will wash it away anyway. The main thing is to make sure that it does not scatter past the receiver, this can interfere with the close contact of the tray with the machine and become an obstacle to its full operation.
Options for loading washing powder into automatic machines from different manufacturers: photo instructions
If you correctly study the design of trays in modern washing machines, understanding the method of loading detergents is not so difficult. However, to make it easier to find the right compartment, our editors offer visual instructions with photos for each individual brand of popular automatic washing machines.
Features of the structure of the trays in the Indesit washing machine: where to pour the powder into them
Most modern washing machines from the Indesit brand have three compartments for storing detergents. The widest tank, indicated by the arrow, is intended for dry powder or liquid detergent for the main wash cycle.
Where to put powder in an LG washing machine for the main washing function
In washing machines of the LG brand, the placement of trays is individual, for example, the compartment for placing rinse aids or conditioners is located right in the depths of the pre-wash tank. But you need to pour powder for regular washing of things into the compartment with icon II, as shown in the photo.
Where to put washing powder in a Samsung automatic machine?
Regardless of the model of Samsung washing machines, the internal structure of the detergent tanks is practically the same. Take a look at the photo where to correctly send the powder for the main washing cycle. If you are using liquid products or capsules, they must be placed directly into the drum.
Helpful information!
If you hold the tray open for a few minutes while the wash is running, you will see where the water is collected first, and accordingly, you will be able to determine where to send the powder.
In which compartment of the Bosch washing machine should I pour pre-wash powder?
In the previous section, you have already become familiar with the methods of marking trays for detergents. If you need to thoroughly wash laundry or remove stains from children's clothing, you need to start the pre-wash mode, respectively, pour washing powder into the compartment marked (I), see photo.
Where to put capsules and tablets for washing
Capsules and tablets further simplify the washing process, since there is no need to fuss about the dosage of powder - these products are designed for 4-5 kg of laundry. In case of heavy soiling and a larger volume of items, 2 capsules or tablets can be used per wash cycle.
Before starting the machine and loading laundry, the capsule must be placed on the bottom of the drum. This will ensure its uniform and rapid dissolution. Pour conditioner into the tray of the machine and you can start the cycle. The gel contained inside the capsule will quickly react with water and begin to clean the products literally from the first minutes of washing.
Tablets are used in 2 ways: placed in a powder container (i.e., in a tray) or, like capsules, directly in a drum. There is no fundamental difference in the use of methods, but faster (and therefore more effective) dissolution of tablets occurs in the drum.
How much powder to pour into the washing machine: requirements from manufacturers and washing modes
How much powder to put in the washing machine depends on what mode you prefer to wash in, and, of course, the requirements on the packaging of the purchased detergent.
For example, when washing at a temperature of 30-60°C, it is enough to pour 220-250 ml of branded detergent. If you live in conditions where water of a high degree of hardness is used, then you should not skimp on the powder, otherwise your things will remain dirty. The washing machine instructions also include a brochure detailing the possibility of using detergents. For liquid stain removers and washing gels, the kit includes a special dispenser, with the help of which the product is collected in an exact amount.
Natural remedies
Don't like chemistry? Use natural remedies to combat dirt and plaque in the litter box.
- Soda. Add the same amount of soda to half a glass of water. Stir with a spoon. Pull out the cuvette and pour the resulting composition into it. Rub thoroughly with a sponge. Wash with water.
- Soda and vinegar. Remove the container. Pour baking soda into it and pour vinegar on top. The two main ingredients will cause a reaction (be careful not to burn yourself). After this, vigorously scrub the walls of the container with a brush. Was the effect weak? Repeat the procedure.
- Lemon acid. It will help to clean not only the cuvette, but also the pipes from powder, scale and dirt. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of acid into the powder compartment and run a “idle” wash at 60 degrees. A pleasant bonus of this cleaning method is the light lemon aroma after washing.
- Vinegar. Dissolve 1 liter of hot water and 250 ml of 9% vinegar in a basin. Place a container in it. Leave to soak overnight. In the morning, remove dirt and scale with a sponge.
Loading powder into the drum at different modes: 30, 40, 60°C
Contrary to the belief that pouring detergent directly into the drum is much more economical than pouring it into a tray, the editors report that this is just a myth, and in fact it will be more economical to send laundry detergent into the tray. Of course, if your compartment is broken and won’t open, then you need to load the detergent directly into the drum, but you won’t be able to use pre-wash and many others that require a dosage of powder, and it may not rinse out completely. For example, when washing at 30°C, the powder poured into the drum does not completely dissolve, and its particles may remain on the inner parts of the clothing, which will subsequently cause irritation on the body.
Laundry gels and capsules work better if they immediately dissolve in warm water, regardless of the existing temperature regime. The higher the indicator, the more efficient the washing will be.
Good to know!
In this case, try to use a gentle washing mode so as not to spoil things, but it is better to set one of the long-term functions.
It is better to pre-dissolve all gels and capsules for washing, as well as stain removers, in warm water. Thus, they are activated faster and will begin to act from the first minute of washing. If you need to use laundry soap, but don’t want to wash your clothes by hand, you need to grate it on a fine grater and put it in the drum, starting the pre-wash mode.
Dear readers, if you have any questions regarding this article, ask them in the comments below the article. We always welcome feedback and public opinion.
How to clean the dispenser mechanically
The MCA cuvette is the dirty part of the device. The only dirtier things are the tank, hoses and pipes. It is very difficult to get them out and wash them properly. Cleaning the container is not difficult. He is always in sight.
Often the machine stops working normally when powder is clogged in the container. You invite a specialist to your home to carry out repairs. He doesn't fix anything. Simply wash the dispenser and the device functions again without any problems. The specialist leaves and charges a lot of money for the visit and a basic procedure. It's a shame? Undoubtedly! You could read on the Internet how to remove the powder and deal with the problem yourself.
To avoid troubles, make it a rule to clean the compartment every 2-3 washes. Some users do not know how to remove the container. It couldn't be easier to do this. Most machines from different manufacturers are equipped with a simple straight dispenser with a locking tongue. Press down and slightly pull the device towards you. The cuvette will come out quickly and easily.
There are very few SMAs with non-standard trays. They are all well known. These are Indesit and Ariston.
Some models of vertical machines have a compartment built into the body. Taking the tray out of them for the first time is not easy, but it is possible. The main thing is to get used to it and understand the principle by studying the video instructions in detail on the Internet.
The easiest way to remove unnecessary contaminants from a container is mechanically. You need to do this:
- Remove the container and rinse thoroughly with hot water.
- Simply rub it with a hard sponge or brush. This way you can remove particles of dried detergent and sticky residue.
- Rinse the container thoroughly under the tap and wipe dry.
This method without soaking and using chemicals is suitable if the cuvette is not very dirty.
There is no need to use overly hard brushes. There are special marks on the surface of the dispensers that are easily erased when exposed to particularly hard surfaces.
Why is it necessary to clean the tray?
Not every housewife knows about the need to clean the powder compartment. Ignoring this mandatory work can lead to various negative consequences. Among them are the following:
- Deterioration in the appearance of clothing. There may be particles of detergent left in the tray that are only suitable for one type of fabric. If you do not remove them, then during the next wash they will get into the drum of the device and ruin your wardrobe items.
- Fading of bright colors. This problem may occur after using bleach. If you do not clean the tray of product residues, washed colored items will become pale.
- The appearance of dirt and mold. If you regularly ignore cleaning the tray, a large amount of detergent can accumulate in it. Gradually it will turn black and acquire an unpleasant odor. If you do not start cleaning the powder compartment after this, mold will appear in it.
- Blockage. If there is no cleaning for a long time, dirt can block the hole through which water enters the tray and washes out the powder. As a result, washing will turn into a useless task.
Use of capsules
Special washing capsules are designed for direct loading into the drum. Under the durable shell of the product there is a concentrated gel. During washing, the capsule gradually dissolves. The gel is evenly mixed with the total volume of water, without eating away stains on clothes.
Liquid products can be poured into the tank provided they do not contain aggressive concentrated additives. This includes various rinses, conditioners, and fabric softeners. You need to know where and when to apply any powder or solution. This is the only way to guarantee high-quality and safe washing.
