What are the 3 Compartments in a Washing Machine Drawer?

How to Use Washing Machine Detergent Drawer Tray Compartments

With the rise of the 3-in-1 laundry capsules, it’s less common to use the washing machine drawer on a front-loading washing machine. So much so, that it’s hard to remember what the three compartments are for. And the cryptic symbols aren’t much help…

Located on the front of your machine, usually on the top left-hand side, will be a drawer which you can pull out. Inside is 3 separate compartments, each with its own symbol explaining its usage.

The 3 Washing Machine Drawer Compartments:

I – ‘Pre wash’
II – ‘Main wash’
III or a Flower symbol – ‘Fabric softener’

Whether you’ve got a brand new machine or it’s your first time doing laundry, knowing where to put your detergent is something you’ll want to get right.

The only two compartments most people use are the ‘main wash’ and fabric softener, or even just fabric softener if you’re putting detergent straight into the drum.

Read on to find out more about the 3 compartments in a washing machine drawer, how to correctly use the washing machine drawer, as well as some laundry FAQs.

What are the 3 Compartments in a Washing Machine Drawer For?

1. The ‘pre-wash’ compartment

The pre-wash compartment in a washing machine is designed to hold detergent or other products that can help pre-treat heavily soiled clothes before they go through the main wash cycle.

2. The ‘main wash’ compartment

The detergent drawer in a washing machine is used to hold the detergent used to actually clean the clothes. The type of detergent used can range from liquid to powder, as well as detergent tablets.

It’s important to follow the instructions on the detergent packaging to ensure that the right amount of detergent is used in the wash. Too much detergent can leave a residue on the clothes while using too little detergent will not provide a thorough clean.

3. The ‘fabric softener’ compartment

The fabric softener compartment in a washing machine is designed to hold products that add a softer feel to clothes and reduce static after a wash cycle. Fabric softener products are most likely to be liquid, but you can also get fabric softener sheets.

Follow the instructions on the product packaging to ensure that the right amount of fabric softener is used. Too much fabric softener can leave a residue on the clothes.

What do the symbols on a washing machine drawer mean?

(I) – Pre-wash, (II) – Main detergent drawer, (Flower) – Fabric softener. The order from left to right is usually the main detergent, then fabric softener, and then pre-wash.

Washing Machine Drawers – Conclusion

Knowing where to put the detergent is important to get the best results from your washing machine.

A washing machine drawer usually has three compartments – pre-wash, main wash, and fabric softener. The pre-wash compartment is for heavily soiled clothes, the main wash is for the detergent used to clean clothes, and the fabric softener compartment is for products that add a softer feel to clothes and reduce static.

Be sure to follow the instructions on your product’s packaging to ensure the right amount of detergent and fabric softener is used to avoid leftover sticky residue.

Washing Machine Drawer FAQs

Which drawer does liquid detergent go in?

Liquid detergent should be placed in the main wash compartment of the washing machine drawer. This will almost always be marked with a (II) symbol.

What are the 3 compartments in a washing machine drawer?

The three compartments in a washing machine drawer are the pre-wash compartment, main wash compartment, and fabric softener compartment.

Is it better to put detergent in drum or drawer?

It is generally recommended to put detergent in the washing machine drawer rather than directly in the drum. This helps ensure that the detergent is evenly distributed throughout the wash.

What is an auto-dispenser?

An auto-dispenser is a feature on some washing machines that automatically dispenses detergent and other laundry products at the appropriate time during the wash cycle. This can help ensure that the right amount of detergent is used and can save time and effort for the user.