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Do you actually know what each part of your washing machine drawer is for?

Your washing machine drawer has three slots and each one empties at a different point in the wash. Here is what goes in each slot, and why detergent shouldn't go straight into the drum.

Look for these 3 symbols

The big slot (usually marked II) is the main wash. The flower is softener. I is pre-wash.

1. Main wash

Any liquid or powder detergent goes here. It's the only slot most washes need. 1 to 2 tbsp is plenty.

2. Softener (the flower)

Liquid softener only, never detergent. It comes out in the final rinse, after the clothes are clean.

3. Pre-wash, marked I

A mini wash before the main one, for very dirty loads. It only works if you pick a pre-wash cycle. No pre-wash selected? Leave it empty.

The biggest mistake?

Tipping the detergent straight into the drum and not using the drawer. It lands on the clothes undiluted, some of it drains away early and it builds up on the door seal.

Pro-tip

3 caps of Kerzon laundry soap in the main wash slot. It softens on its own, so the softener slot can stay empty.