What is the correct way to use a washer?

Question

I have a friend who insist that you should not pour the detergent in the washer before adding the clothes (like my washer directions say). She says some of it will seep down in the holes. She says you should start the washer, let the water build up, then add the detergent.
Does anybody know exactly how a washer works in relation to this so I can determine if this is true or not?

Answer 1

An automatic washer consists of a water tight tank within which is a centfifuge drum that has lots of little holes in it. When you fill it up with water, the little holes have nothing to do with anything. The little holes are only useful during spin cycle when the machine is centrifuging the washwater and/or rinsewater out of the clothes. It really doesn't matter whether the detergent seeps down into the holes or not, since it will still all remain in the water tight tank. however, your friend's strategy is correct when adding Chlorine Bleach. It will fry your clothes unless you add it only after the water level has built up and can dilute it to non-frying concentrations.

Answer 2

If your detergent is liquid, yes, it will seep down the holes. But the holes don't go to the drain right away. The washer will fill up with water and then start to agitate, so the washer will not force out the water and detergent for some time. The washer agitation will move around the detergent and get all of your clothes clean before it starts to push out the water.

Answer 3

Every washer I have ever used (except heavy duty ones at the laundry mat) says to add the detergent first. I don't think it is possible for it to seep into the holes, and even if it did the water would get it out...the water doesn't seep into them until it is supposed to. If you have ever put clothes, water, and then detergent into your washer you will notice that you do not get nearly as many suds. I don't profess to know exactly how a washer works, but the manufacturers do, so I'd stick with their opinions. Hope it helps.
Beth

Answer 4

I use powder detergent and always put it in, then add the clothes, then start the machine. Unless, I'm washing darks, in which case, I will start the washer, then add the soap and then add the clothes. This makes it less likely that there will be any white soap streaks visible on the dark clothing.

Answer 5

start the washer put the clothes in add the detergent very simple

Answer 6

When I wash clothes, I start the water and let it run for a few seconds then add the detergent, then the clothes. This works best for me.