The Right Way to Use Your Washing Machine Detergent Drawer: Are You Putting Your Laundry Products in the Wrong Compartment?

1. Three Main Compartments

Most front-loading washing machines have a detergent drawer divided into three main sections. Although the symbols can vary slightly between manufacturers, the basic functions are usually similar.

Compartment I: Pre-Wash Detergent

The compartment marked with the Roman numeral I is generally intended for detergent used during the pre-wash stage.

A pre-wash is an additional short washing phase that helps loosen heavy dirt before the main wash begins.

You may need this compartment when washing:

Very muddy clothes.

Heavily soiled workwear.

Clothes with substantial dirt or stains.

For an ordinary everyday laundry load, a pre-wash is often unnecessary.