Confused about where to add detergent to your washing machine? As a home appliance expert with years of experience advising households, I've helped countless people master this common puzzle.
Those trays marked I, II, and the flower symbol can be baffling at first. A trusted colleague in appliance sales set me straight, and now I'm sharing the straightforward rules that work for virtually every machine.
Quick rule: Detergent goes in trays I and/or II; fabric softener in the flower compartment.
This section is for pre-wash detergent, whether powder or liquid. It's ideal for heavily stained clothes, as the pre-wash cycle runs at low temperatures to prevent stains from setting.
Use it only if your cycle includes a pre-wash option—add one dose here.
This is the main, largest compartment for your primary load of liquid or powder detergent.
Always use it, whether or not you're doing a pre-wash. For pre-wash cycles, add doses to both I and II.
Reserve this—often blue and centered—for fabric softener. It dispenses at the rinse cycle to soften and freshen your laundry.
Top loaders follow the exact same rules. No porthole? No problem.
I symbol: Pre-wash detergent.
II symbol: Main wash detergent.
Flower symbol: Fabric softener.
Just match the symbols—it's universal across front- and top-loaders.
Now you're set for cleaner, fresher laundry every time—easy, efficient, and effective.
This applies to all major brands: Brandt, Indesit, Hotpoint Ariston, Candy, Beko, Whirlpool, Electrolux, Gorenje, Proline, Samsung, Faure, Haier, LG, Bosch, Siemens, and more.
For capsules like Ariel 3-in-1 Pods or washing balls, toss them directly into the drum before adding clothes. Never in the trays.
Soupline is just branded fabric softener for softening and scenting laundry. Pour it into the flower-symbol compartment.
Pro tip: White vinegar works as a natural, budget-friendly alternative—same spot, better for the environment.
