When my husband does laundry and he HAS to put in all the water & detergent FIRST before putting in the clothes. I on the other hand, will put in the clothes, add the detergent and then turn on the water. He argues that I do it wrong and he says my way will not clean the clothes. I say it's a waste of time to WAIT for the washer to fill up with H2o before putting in the clothes and that my clothes is never dirty. What are your views on this?
2007-02-04 08:03:50 · 17 answers · asked by Sweet Potato Pie 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
You should always put the clothes in before filling with water. The machine adjusts the water level for the amount of clothing in there. It is more energy efficient to load the clothes first since you will be using less water. Just do laundry when he isnt around so he doesnt know how you are doing it
2007-02-04 12:04:43 · answer #1 · answered by Gary S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're lucky to have help with the laundry so the differences in how you wash shouldn't be a big issue but...the directions on the laundry detergent always says to put the water and detergent in first and then add the clothes ...that way the detergent disolves and dispurses in the water but I happen to do it your way, I turn on the water, add the clothes and then sprinkle on the detergent. As long as I don't overload the clothes, they come just as clean but when I've overloaded, I've run the full cycle and found some undesolved detergent hiding in a fold, cuff or pocket.
I'm a multi-tasker, I have to do several things at once so I could never take the time to fill the machine with water before loading the clothes...I'm off starting the next job while the laundry tub is filling. Not right, not wrong, just a different way.
2007-02-04 08:28:40 · answer #2 · answered by Brokn 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter, the agitator will get everything mixed up properly.
What I do is different from either of you. I run the water, add the soap, and then the clothes. This is so I don't pour anything directly on my clothes. If you had a colorfastness issue, or the detergent was really really strong, pouring it on the clothes could spot it or bleach it. It doesn't matter most of the time, but I would think that since the soap is supposed to work with water, it is safer to use when it is somewhat diluted.
I will spot treat a stain however, by pouring reg laundry soap directly on and rub it into the stain. This, in addition to the amount used for the whole load. I use pretty mild laundry soap and it goes right into the washer, not sitting around for days or anything.
I think this is a stupid marital argument. If you are both doing laundry and the clothes come out okay no matter who does it, it shouldn't be a big deal who or how.
If you can't agree, each do your own laundry and someone can pony up to do towels.
2007-02-04 09:55:51 · answer #3 · answered by musicimprovedme 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are using a top load washer, it is best to put the soap mix with the water before putting in your clothes. Sometimes, if you add the detergent right on top of the clothes, your clothes might soak in the detergent and never get completely rinsed out. This could stain it and ruin some finer clothes. Jeans, t-shirts, and regular clothes are fine - as long as your agitation time and speed are longer, but with finer and delicate items, it is best to let the detergent mix with the water first.
This is usually just with powdered detergent. If you use liquid detergent, you will probably be okay with pouring it on the clothes. I would just suggest letting the tub get filled 1/4 to 1/2 ways before putting in your clothes.
2007-02-04 08:27:16 · answer #4 · answered by jellybluebean 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter. Either way does not make the clothes cleaner. The type of products used and the agitation of the washer does. My choice is to put the detergent in first, turn the water on, let it fill to about 1/4 to dissolve the detergent, then put the clothes in.
2007-02-04 08:15:07 · answer #5 · answered by RBRN 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
On a top-loading washer, you're probably better off getting a little bit of water in the bottom of the tub (just a couple of inches), putting in the soap, then putting in the clothes. It gives the soap a chance to start getting mixed into the water, instead of getting soaked up into the clothes. Plus, putting the detergent on top of the clothes can sometimes discolor the clothes.
But waiting for the whole tub to fill up? No, I agree that's a waste of time.
2007-02-04 08:15:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have been doing laundry for 40 years. Single father. The only time that I fill first is when I do whites. You don't want to dump bleach on top of clothes.. Other than that I am with you.! That's like watching paint dry...
2007-02-04 12:36:35 · answer #7 · answered by buzzwaltz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I start the machine wait for it to fill up a little bit. Then I add my Liquid detergent. Then I close the lid again wait for the water to soap up, then I add my clothes. That's how my dad taught me
2007-02-04 12:40:01 · answer #8 · answered by ♥skiperdee1979♥ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My husband and I have the exact same issue - I just let him do it his way and I do it mine. My mother always started the water, put the clothes in, then the soap; his mother filled the machine first. Whatever. They both work.
2007-02-05 05:56:38 · answer #9 · answered by sylvyahr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Praise each other for doing the laundry instead of wasting your time on a petty argument. Be happy you have a significant other who is willing to help around the house. If you keep arguing like this you will end up divorced.
2007-02-04 08:11:28 · answer #10 · answered by puppets48744 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋