What is pre-wash and how to use this mode in a washing machine?

Pre-wash is a mysterious function in a washing machine that not everyone knows how to use. Meanwhile, it is very useful, as it helps to better clean the laundry. We propose to declassify the regime and find out all its pros and cons.

Washing before washing

Pre-washing is often compared to soaking. However, this is not a completely fair comparison. This mode replaces manual washing of clothes. It is used if things are very dirty or have stubborn stains. For example, when you need to wash work clothes, a tablecloth accidentally spilled with drinks, or children's pants in which the child fell into a puddle.

How does the function work?

The “Pre-wash” program is compatible with almost all modes: “Hand wash”, “Cotton”, “Synthetics”, “Delicates”, “Intensive”, “Wool”, “Jeans” and others. This is usually an additional option that can be turned on or off. And only in some modes is it combined with the main program, for example, “Cotton” at 90 degrees.

How does pre-wash work?

1. The washing machine takes in water and heats it to 30 degrees. At this temperature, stains from fruit, coffee, and blood are easily removed.
2. Then the powder is taken from the compartment, which is intended for the preliminary cycle. The detergent remains intact in the main tray.
3. The drum rotates slowly to clean the laundry.
4. The duration of the mode ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the model of the washing machine.
5. Then the water is drained and the main wash begins.

While the program is running, a powder tray is used, indicated by a unit (Roman or Arabic) or the English letter A.

Subtleties of use

All information about the modes can be found in the instructions for the machine. There are certain subtleties in using each.

Here's what it says about prewash:

• It is carried out only with dry powder. If you open the instructions for using the automatic machine, you will find information that the main compartment cannot be filled with gel while this function is turned on. The fact is that the liquid product smoothly slides down the tube. When it comes to the main cycle, the compartment is already empty.
• The function is not compatible with express modes. If it doesn't want to turn on, then most likely you chose an express wash. The manufacturers decided that it was not needed here. It is logical that if you need to wash things quickly, it means that the laundry is not so dirty and does not require pre-washing.
• Manufacturers prohibit pouring anything other than washing powder into the pre-wash compartment.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pre-washing in a washing machine is a delicate process; it does not harm even capricious fabrics. Any item that can be washed in a machine can be subjected to this procedure.

• The advantage of using the program is efficiency.

Any laundry that is first washed in cool and then in hot water will be cleaner than with normal washing. Using this mode in the machine, you will be sure that all the dirt will go down the drain and you will not have to rewash things.

• The disadvantage is the inability to save resources.

When using the additional function, the washing machine uses more electricity and water than with the standard program. It is for this reason that many housewives prefer to wash things by hand.

There is one more parameter - time, which can be written down as both pros and cons. On the one hand, a machine with the function turned on takes longer to wash. On the other hand, he does the manual work for you. You can do something else while doing laundry.

Step-by-step instruction

Washing with a pre-cycle is not much different from regular washing. The only difference is that you pour the powder into 2 compartments and press the button that turns on the function.

Instructions:

1. Place dirty items in the drum.
2. Fill compartment “1” with washing powder. Recommended quantity – 1 tbsp. spoon.
3. Pour the powder into the main compartment (“2”). You can also add a stain remover or bleach to it (dry only!).
4. Select the main wash cycle according to the type of clothing.
5. Turn on the pre-wash function. On washing machines (Samsung, LG, BOSCH) it is indicated by its full name or an icon with a vertical stick.
6. Wait until the washing machine finishes working.
7. Unload the drum and hang the laundry to dry.

On modern models of washing machines, pre-wash is included in the program of some modes. For example, Samsung's "Sports" mode provides two wash cycles - preliminary and main. This is indicated by indicators on the digital panel.

If you select a mode and see that the “Prewash” icon lights up, do not forget to pour the powder into the corresponding compartment.

Many housewives have noticed that during normal programs, the washing machine takes powder from both the first and second trays. Therefore, they do not understand how the pre-wash option works. However, this is why it is needed so that the machine takes the detergent from the compartments one by one. To make sure that the program is working, you can stop the machine after 15-20 minutes of spinning the drum and see if the powder remains in the main compartment. You can also test by washing one half of your clothing normally and the other with a prewash. According to reviews from those who decided to conduct such an experiment, with the function turned on, things are washed much better.